During the confusion and chaos surrounding the close of the Vietnam War, a dubious crackpot bureaucrat (John Goodman) forges ahead with his lifelong plan of exploring the mythic uncharted territory known as Skull Island. Along with a military squadron led by an embittered commander (Samuel L. Jackson), a noted mercenary tracker (Tom Hiddleston), and a war photographer (Brie Larson), they are hostility confronted by a stories high, near invincible primate who may be their only hope against the other gargantuan creatures inhabiting the territory. Kong: Skull Island is a dumb, fun treatment that blends 50s monster movies with a tepid combat story and boasts a solid cast plus sometimes impressive, other times uninspired modern age special effects.
*** out of ****