A movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

We know it's possible to do anything with computer graphics and special effects these days. KONG: SKULL ISLAND certainly delivers in that regard. Creature design, integration with live action, and fluidity of motion are among the best I've seen, if not the best.

What also makes this movie outstanding is the attention to characterization and realistic detail. The centerpiece is flawless casting and avoidance of caricature even when what we see on the screen is familiar. I attribute this to the steady hand of the director.

Finally, for example, Samuel L Jackson does not "phone in" his performance. He portrays a familiar hard-driven and down-in-the-trenches Army officer. He also avoids one-liners and wisecracks as he goes all out for revenge against the monster that decimated his command. You actually believe it when Jackson attempts to stare down the gargantuan Kong.

I was also impressed with Tom Hiddleston. He's very convincing as the British ex-special forces "tracker" hired to shepherd the expedition through Skull Island. Thankfully he sets aside the smarmy character he portrays as Thor's brother.

Memorable action sequences? There are almost too many to mention. Once the helicopters move in the ride is nonstop breathlessness as the music and other trappings of 1973 punctuate the violence. 

Two final notes.

First, see this at a theater with a good sound system. It's not just loud, it's detailed. I'll be surprised if the movie's sound design is not singled out for multiple awards.

Second, sit through the credits. You'll be rewarded with a nice vignette that points to things to come.

Review copyright (c) 2017 by Dennis D. McDonald

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