“Kong Skull Island” is the perfect summer blockbuster you can see in the spring. “Kong Skull Island” serves as the second film in Legendary Picture’s Monster-Verse (short for monster universe), following 2014’s Godzilla. Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts takes the helm in latest movie about the Iconic giant ape. “Kong Skull Island” stars an ensemble cast consisting of Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman and Brie Larson.

Any fan of classic monster movies, action films, or popcorn movies should definitely check this flick out. While flawed, “Kong Skull Island” presents viewers with a fresh new take on the classic King Kong storyline. Instead of Kong chasing a damsel in distress, this time around he’s a king defending his kingdom. I found the way the story played out to be a pleasant surprise.

The visuals and special effects of this film are amazing. Kong has never looked better and this film highlights the full capabilities of how amazing visual effects can look these days. The creatures in this film have amazing levels of detail and it makes each one feel very unique. Like the animals in this film, Skull Island itself is very beautiful. The island doesn’t feel just like a simple jungle, there are many unique areas that catch your eye. Vibrant colors and other visual tools are used to make this a striking film to look at. The visuals of “Kong Skull Island” were phenomenal; I really can’t stress that enough.

One quarrel I have with the movie is its script. Except for a handful of characters, most are pretty forgettable. Great actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson bring life to what otherwise might be pretty one-dimensional characters. My favorite character in the whole film has to be John C. Reilly’s character, Hank Marlow. From the moment he enters the screen, entertainment ensues. The character provides humor when you need it and actually quite a few touching moments that I wasn’t expecting from this movie. While some characters fall pretty flat, I don’t feel that hinders the film that much.

Sound is another strength of “Kong Skull Island.” This is one of those films you’ll really want to see in theatres, otherwise you wouldn’t do it justice. Music and sounds in the film really capture the Vietnam war era vibe the film was going for. The score mixes in perfectly with the films science fiction/fantasy style. Action sequences are loud and bold while moments of exposition and character building are quiet and peaceful, as they should be.

The tone of the film is a perfect example of how a film shouldn’t take itself too seriously. Characters provide enough humor so that it’s not silly, while also being serious when the moment requires it. Many of the actors in this film should be commended for their ability to provide visual storytelling. Multiple times in the film you can tell exactly what a character is thinking without them having to spell it out for you. It’s a subtle but very effective way of conveying a character.

I left the theatre after watching “Kong Skull Island” pleased and entertained. The biggest positive I can say about this film is that it thoroughly entertained me. I’m looking forward to the rest of Kaiju films in Legendary’s Monster-Verse.

I give Kong skull Island 4 out of five stars; well worth your money. If you check this flick out stick around after the credits end. There’s a scene waiting for you.