Ape-A-Popping: Review of Kong:Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

By Alex Watson

As Warner Bros works its way towards an ultimate showdown between Kong and Godzilla- Kong: Skull Island makes for a decent start. While not as faithful or eye opening as Peter Jackson's most recent version, director Jordan Vogt-Roberts makes King Kong a real presence. Moving the action to the end of Vietnam war does work surprisingly well, but this movie is let down by some poorly written characters.

As Vietnam draws to a close, government official Bill Randa (John Goodman) leads an expedition to an uncharted island in the South Pacific. Randa believes this system contains creatures never seen by humanity. Along for the ride are tracker James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston), notable photographer Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) and Lt.Colonel Packard (Samuel L Jackson) whose Sky Devil's squad is providing escort. Once on the island, they will come face to face with one particularly large ape who is less than pleased with their arrival.

Although Kong: Skull Island provides thrills in abundance, it's also lacking in several areas too. Jordan Vogt-Roberts shows us a magnificent new Kong who from the moment he is introduced, chaos rains down. Ascending out of a hellish storm, the helicopters are greeted by a lush and breathtaking landscape. While they play their rock n roll music and carelessly drop their explosive  'scientific instruments' an ungodly sight will soon roam into view. Within moments of his arrival, the full force of Kong is unleashed. This eye-opening introduction is literally like watching the wrath of God and the movie revealing its trump early is a very smart move. This Kong comes off as the deepest personality in this jungle after his real motives are revealed. Vogt-Roberts also literally makes him bigger than ever before. Protecting his realm with a furious passion, this giant ape is one we definitely cheer for.

In this adventure, Kong is not the most dangerous creature lurking. Giant spiders, squids and gigantic insects are just a few of the threats that stand in their way. The biggest danger of all comes from the Skullcrawlers, an almost dinosaur-like creature whom Kong has been brawling with for years. Coming from deep beneath the earth, the human's arrival has lead to them being awakened and Kong becoming pissed! They may look innocuous at first but soon their threat is made clear. Vogt-Roberts' movie might be a glorified run through the jungle (Yes that Neil Young song does appear) but it makes the most of the thrills offered. This edge of your seat stuff makes this a better movie and anyone just wanting a dosage of dumb fun will feel right at home.

Packard's desire for revenge does add some colour to proceedings. Bloodthirsty after watching his men fall to Kong, he threatens everyone's chance of survival. Vogt-Roberts does well to cling to the B-movie origins in the movie's final third and there is a pure joy watching him scrap with Skullcrawlers. Although it lacks the depth and emotion of Peter Jackson's version, it isn't any less entertaining. This picture is merely a warm-up act for the main act and once WB and Legendary get there, that's when things get interesting. Kong: Skull Island might have some misfires, but it is nonetheless still a solid piece of work and the big ape has never looked better.

Part of the issue with this movie is that the characters on display are rather drab. Conrad is an ex-SAS soldier who spends the movie just making plans.Tom Hiddleston has a great presence but is given little to work with.  Brie Larson's Weaver is a character clearly meant to fill the old Fay Wray mould, but instead merely comes off as blank and uninteresting. Samuel L Jackson comes off as the movies strong link as after the death of several of his men turns him into a vengeful Captain Ahab figure. Marooned WWII veteran Frank Marlowe (John C Reilly) adds some needed comic relief to proceedings and his guidance proves key to survival throughout.

Kong: Skull Island might be lacking a few key areas but for sheer enjoyment, it is a great start. Sit back and enjoy Kong, nothing else required.

Eight Misbehaving: Review of The Hateful Eight

The Hateful Eight

Director: Quentin Tarantino

By Alex Watson

Shot in glorious 70MM Cinerama, Quentin Tarantino's eighth movie is his strongest showing yet. The Hateful Eight is a lengthy task at over three hours, but the ride never once feels long. A blood splattered but hilarious outing, his Wyoming set mystery both charms and shocks at any given time. Confined the action largely to one room, Ennio Morricone's catchy score helps let the tension build gradually. Over eight separate chapters, this story shows the firm divide over Union and Confederacy and how violence is sometimes the ultimate authority.

John 'The Hangman' Ruth (Kurt Russell) is escorting wanted criminal Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be hanged at the town of red rock. Fleeing from a looming blizzard he comes across former war veteran Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson) who is in the midst of the claiming his own bounty. As the storm worsens, the pair is forced to take on board the problematic Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins) who claims to be Red Rock's new sheriff. Taking shelter in Minnie's Haberdashery, the foursome becomes acquainted with four other mysterious souls. Among these include English hangman Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), Mexican Bob (Damien Bachir), quiet cowboy Joe Gage (Michael Madsen) and former Confederate General Sandy Smithers (Bruce Dern).

The violence on display in The Hateful Eight is a rare breed of thrilling, all the figures inside the room are each armed. With insults being traded, the N-Bomb dropped frequently and lines being crossed- one outcome is certain. What this picture does remind us of is what a great writer Tarantino can be and his script on display conjures a different surprise each line. Each scene or chapter stands out in its own way and each time we find ourselves second guessing events. The acid-tongued and unrepentant Daisy is the catalyst from the first frame. Destined to hang, she seeks to create us much of a nuisance as she can muster. Meeting each other in the snow, the mistrustful Warren and Ruth bond over a chance meeting years prior. Warren is a veteran with a questionable record but also has in his possession an alleged letter from Abraham Lincoln.

While stuck in the midst of the blizzard, the room becomes heated quickly and with no clear leader figure present, each man looks exert authority. The smallest details become the biggest as time goes on such as where precisely is Minnie and why would she leave Bob in charge? Gaps begin to appear in stories and alliances break as quickly as they form. Some stories told completely paralyze us, Warren's 'Black Dingus' story will linger in the memory for long after. Mannix is responsible for much of the core action. Swooping into the story with the energy and cockiness of an excited child, Mannix thrives on the chaos. In awe of General Smithers, his mutual hatred and secret admiration of Warren leads to an unforgettable climax before the stories intermission.

With some clever twists and back stories, Tarantino keeps the thrill factor constant in The Hateful Eight.  The words carry the most power in this tale and the verbal duals make this picture crackle. The thick animosity and mistrust that lurks between these eight souls are reminiscent of Tarantino's debut Reservoir Dogs. With no escape from the blowing winds and falling snow, each character is still threatening and cold even with bleeding from a gunshot wound.  Every man is for himself or are they gunning for Daisy? Constantly the suspicion is on each man for being in cahoots with the murderess. As the shots fly and the blood sprays (it wouldn't be Tarantino without it), our presumptions are left dumbfounded.

Of the series of fine performances on display, it is Jennifer Jason Leigh who makes the most impression. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden, she controls each scene with a slippery malice. Odds on for a supporting nomination, Leigh makes the stories tick and is possibly the closest thing this piece as to having the main villain. Samuel L Jackson once again makes for fine casting by Tarantino and his trademark swagger electrifies events. Warren is a man stripped of his honor, but still is a man you wouldn't cross. Walton Goggins for the first time emerges as a major star and those who know his work from The Shield know his ability to antagonize. Coming across initially as a troublesome and hyperactive monkey, Goggins skillfully becomes an unlikely antihero by the film's close. Though his motives are always closely examined.

The Hateful Eight is the most enjoyable Tarantino effort in some time and thrills us like no other. Fine writing, unique wit and an array of capable stars, it will be hard to have a better experience in 2016!

Good Moments In Bad Films

It Came from Below: Deep Blue Sea

In Renny Harlin's unashamed 1999 B Movie, it contains one of Samuel L Jackson' more memorable moments. There's no better end to a monologue than having a shark coming out of nowhere! Better than the entire running time of Snakes on a Plane!

First Person Shooter: Doom

Doom was always going to be a tricky one to adapt for the big screen and to director Andrej Bartkowiak he made an honest stab at it. Having a first person shooter moment was always a must for die hard fans and for a few brief minutes it elevates things. I swear if you listen hard enough, you can hear smiles spreading for the first time in 2 hours.

Penis Song: The Sweetest Thing

These days a Cameron Diaz comedy isn't the sure fire winner that it used to be. In this 2002 effort, the laughs were pretty thin on the ground. One bizarre sequence however was a few moments of funny yet zany bliss. Never thought that anyone could make a song about someone's man-parts, here lies proof that there is an exception to the rule.

Clark Kent v Superman:| Superman III 

The final two installments of the caped crusader were tragically both misfiring efforts. In a movie that is more or less spoiled by including Richard Pryor, Superman III does possess one sequence that stands out. All through the movie, Superman has been wrestling with himself since being infected by Kryptonite. This sequences sees the ultimate battle for his soul and we pray for Clark Kent to be the victor. 

A Cold Front: Batman & Robin 

About the only redeeming feature of Joel Schumacher's campy and embarrassing second Batman outing is the one liners of Arnold Schwarzenegger. As Mr Freeze he seems to be the only one aware of just what a joke the whole thing has become. Where would the entertainment factor be without lines such as "Everybody...Chill!"

Double Edged Sword: Stars Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace 

This will be the only time that I ever mention the words 'Phantom Menace' with good. Many people have rightfully trampled on George Lucas' unfortunate prequel. One quality it did possess was a decent fight sequence and the moment where Darth Maul (Ray Park) unveil his ultimate fighting weapon still sticks out.

Secret Agent Man: Review of Kingsman: The Secret Service

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Director: Matthew Vaughn

By Alex Watson

After nearly sealing the deal with his X-Men reboot, Matthew Vaughn makes a welcome return to the screens. Kingsman: The Secret Service is another wonderfully silly and utterly enjoyable piece of work from this man. Sporting his trademark ability to find humor in the most unlikely of places, Vaughn homage to his love of spy movies is one to remember. Making a hero out of an ASBO figure deserves kudos and in Eggsy, Vaughn has a great new foundation in which to build a franchise.

Gavin 'Eggsy' Unwin (Taron Egerton) is a streetwise youth who is always on the wrong side of the law. That is until one day when a helping hand comes in the form of Harry Hart (Colin Firth) who reveals his father was a top secret agent for an secret organization called Kingsman. Eager to put his old life behind him, Eggsy is recruited to help stop billionaire villain Richmond Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) from using his technology to destroy the world.

Although Kingsman: The Secret Service does suffer from being uneven in places, but these are mistake which are forgivable. The movie possess the typical suave and slick quality to a spy movie where impressive gadgets are on display and spies are able to tell expensive whiskey on taste alone. When Eggsy and Harry are forced together by fate, the resulting chemistry is one that sparkles. Watching Harry effortless dispatch a pub for all vengeful hooligans is bound to raise a smile.

But the most impressive element is by far the diamond in the rough, because Eggsy although sharp around the edges, possessive some genuine smarts. In training he is sneered upon, but rather than get mad he gets determined and a bravery and never say die attitude is uncovered. His character development is as interesting and equally as thrilling as Dave Lizewski in Kick Ass. Vaughn makes a real gem out of a risky character and through it all a real charm goes to life with this character. His heroic during the films slightly wayward final act are worth of a medal and he emerges as a figure we cannot wait to get more of!

Though at the centre of this we have a villain who both bolsters and hinders the movie. Richmond Valentine, the often hilarious lisping billionaire is a tricky one to predict. His serving of McDonald,s as a fancy dinner is one of many surprises. But his reasons for wanting to wreak havoc upon the world just are not strong enough to hold the film together. Though it does launch the film into an unexpected overdrive in time for the final act as we see Harry stab, shoot, kick and punch in a church sound-tracked to Lynard Skynard's 'Free Bird' is a jaw dropping display of high octane violence.

Taron Egerton, in typical Vaughn fashion emerges as another major star from one of his works. Sporting a effortless charisma along with a strong presence on screen, the 25 old is looking like he has a bright future before him! Colin Firth also excels as Harry and bringing his trademark impassive wit and skillful delivery, he makes for the perfect mentor figure. You can only wonder what may have happen with him at the helm of 007? Samuel L Jackson as usual phones in his performance and at times he is compelling as Valentine, but it just doesn't feel like he is giving this one his all!

Matthew Vaughn once again has created another great film out of nothing. This could have been something far worse in the wrong hands, but Kingsman: The Secret Service is one of the funniest and most enjoyable movies of 2015 so far!