Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Starring: Shea Whigham, Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson
‘A Captivating Blockbuster’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved stardom of Shea Whigham. Ever since his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Whigham has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s police officers, bold gangsters or disastrous lovers, Whigham has portrayed several strong characters. Arguably, Whigham’s strength as an actor is his powerful commitment towards craft. He is one of those rare actors that has often had an aptitude for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Whigham has always left an undeniable impression. An actor with a strong commitment to his craft, Whigham has proven an icon in entertainment. Through his ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Whigham has created a strong legacy which is lasting. Throughout a strong career, Whigham has made many memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Whigham and admire all the movies he has created in his career. However, “Kong: Skull Island” is my favourite. Released in 2017, Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ movie offered a captivating tribute to a monstrous ape. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best disaster movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Shea Whigham, who portrays a brave soldier seeking to defeat an ape causing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Kong: Skull Island” a disaster classic is strong appeal. Unlike most disaster movies, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A marvellous masterpiece about a monstrous ape, there are many reasons why “Kong: Skull Island” is a great movie that’s absolutely worth seeing.
Set on a dangerous island, “Kong: Skull Island” tells a story of a dangerous ape that’s heavily threatened. Tom Hiddleston portrays Captain James Conrad, a courageous soldier that has an interest in apes which are bad. Conrad has always been fascinated with King Kong as an ape that causes wrong. Assisted by his team of explorers led by Earl Cole (Shea Whigham), Conrad embarks on an adventure to examine a historic ape. However, Conrad’s aspirations of exploration are threatened when he discovers the danger of an ape causing disaster. As all the odds are soon stacked against his favour, Conrad begins to wonder whether it’s possible to explore an island causing disaster. Seeking an escape, Conrad begins to question whether it’s possible for him to truly discover the reality a dangerous ape. Realizing that his adventure is burdened, Conrad wonders whether he can survive the island.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts is a newcomer towards stories of apes. Before he made “Kong: Skull Island”, Vogt-Roberts has never made a film about dangerous apes. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture monstrous apes that cause catastrophe, but he succeeded. Using spellbinding cinematography, Vogt-Roberts captures a strong team of explorers seeking to defeat an ape causing tragedy. Evoking Peter Jackson’s “King Kong”, Vogt-Roberts expertly uses handheld camera to capture monstrous apes causing a dangerous catastrophe. For instance, handheld camerawork elevates the ape introduction scene. During this engaging scene, the team of explorers first step foot on the island discovering the notorious ape. Using handheld camera, Vogt-Roberts captures big apes causing a dilemma. Handheld camera is a complicated technique to use in movies. As Christopher McQuarrie’s “ Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1” suggested, handheld camerawork elevates espionage blockbusters. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through groundbreaking visuals, Vogt-Roberts captures larger than life apes that prove to be frightening.
Another strong aspect of “Kong: Skull Island” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Vogt-Roberts effectively employs practical effects to create action sequences involving apes that are engaging. Emulating Michael Bay’s “Armageddon”, Vogt-Roberts effectively uses practical effects to construct action sequences involving apes that prove to be captivating. For instance, practical effects enhance the apes attacking scene. During this unforgettable scene, the team of explorers is given witness to apes which attack causing a catastrophe. Using stunning practical effects, Vogt-Roberts created a portrait of apes that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is also worthy of recognition. Henry Jackman’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film an intense atmosphere capturing burden which monstrous apes bear. Through powerful production, Vogt-Roberts captures huge apes causing destruction.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Kong: Skull Island” is a disaster movie which is captivating. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture tension that apes stuck on islands are facing. Evoking James Cameron’s “Titanic”, Vogt-Roberts uses silence to capture the tensions caused by apes that are catastrophic. For instance, the silence enhances the island farewell scene. During this unforgettable scene, Captain Conrad bids an emotional farewell to the island following the defeat of apes which cause tension. Through silence, Vogt-Roberts creates a strong portrait of apes which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As David O. Russell’s “Silver Linings Playbook” demonstrated, silence enhances commemorated movies about Bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Vogt-Roberts captures monstrous apes which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Shea Whigham delivers one of his best career performances as Earl Cole. Whigham earned appreciation for playing spies in action movies. With “Kong: Skull Island”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a solider that seeks to defeat apes on an island facing tragedies but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most meaningful role. Whigham has often excelled at playing compelling heroes that are under pressure, and “Kong: Skull Island” was a showcase for him as an actor. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, courage and grief of a soldier investigating apes which cause tensions. It’s a powerful performance by one of the most commemorated stars working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Shea Whigham, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of praise. Brie Larson is brilliant, bringing tension to a woman seeking to survive on a doomed island experiencing a destruction. John Goodman is phenomenal, capturing the bravery of a captain seeking to survive powerful apes causing disasters that are painful. Lastly, John C. Reilly is worthy of appreciation. As a troubled soldier, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Kong: Skull Island” would achieve the appreciation of everyone for capturing apes that cause destruction. Unlike most disaster films, the movie tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. The film discusses bold themes including identity, mental health and trauma which absolutely would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of King Kong to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about survival which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Kong: Skull Island” is one of those rare monster movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Shea Whigham would definitely enjoy “Kong: Skull Island” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting disaster blockbuster, it honours a strong actor.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a disastrous ape causing life-threatening destruction, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with strong dedication towards his craft that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career leaving a lasting impression which are worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 