Kong: Skull Island Review - 6 Ups & 5 Downs

5. Samuel L. Jackson & John C. Reilly Steal The Show

Samuel L Jackson Kong Skull Island
Warner Bros.

Though most of the cast has little to do, Samuel L. Jackson and John C. Reilly give the film's most memorable performances as they attempt to wrestle the screen away from Kong himself.

Jackson is basically at his PG-13 best here, essentially recalling his popular persona as a very p***ed off U.S. Army Colonel looking to avenge Kong's havoc by blowing the beast to smithereens. He's as reliably ferocious as you'd hope for.

Reilly shows up around the mid-way point as a World War II veteran who has spent almost three decades stranded on the island. His oddball persona may not help straighten out the movie's tone, but his nervous energy is highly entertaining, and his back story is the only one with any emotion attached to it that actually pays off.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

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.