Kong: Skull Island Review - 6 Ups & 5 Downs

4. The Direction & Editing Are Incredibly Messy

Kong Skull Island Kong
Warner Bros.

Yeesh, this one was apparent from the trailers and is naturally amplified many times over in the final product. It's clear as day that The Kings of Summer director Jordan Vogt-Roberts wasn't ready for a $185 million movie after his indie debut cost maybe 5% of that at a push.

From leaning back on cheesy slow-motion to employing irritatingly choppy editing during many otherwise terrific moments, the potentially awe-inspiring visuals are undercut by Vogt-Roberts' lack of technical expertise, though honestly, it's hard to blame him for accepting such a potentially prosperous directing gig.

Though the film is clearly indebted hugely to Apocalypse now first and foremost, the elemental iconography is frequently usurped by impatient cutting away and a refusal to simply let images linger and breathe.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.