Film Preview: Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Page Revisions:

(July 31, 2016) Original
(November 20, 2016) New Trailer (#2)
(February 19, 2017) Added Image Gallery
(March 5, 2017) New Trailer (#3) / New Posters (#4-#11)

Release Date:

March 10, 2017

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “An action/adventure story centered on King Kong’s origins.”

Poster Rating: C- / C+ / C / A- / B / C / B- / C / C- / C+ / F

SEE ALL POSTERS BELOW
Review: (#1) The looming shadow of Kong isn’t a new concept, nor is it done with any measure of visual passion. This is a somewhat lifeless design that deserves a replacement as soon as possible.

(#2) Although the lack of realism in this design is off-putting, there’s little doubt that it sells the film well. (#3) A full-size glimpse of Kong with a helicopter for proportion. Interesting, but unnecessary and unappealing.

(#4) This Apocalypse Now poster redesign is one of the best such pieces I’ve seen. It is uncanny how similar they are and it only sets the film up as being some sort of wartime drama, which somewhat fits the tone of the trailer. (#5) This is a balls-out crazy poster that looks like it has drawn inspiration from the exploitation films of the 1970s. (#6) The semi-classic image of woman calming the beast, which is still dull, then some weird star-studded title design. (#7) This is also very reminiscent of Apocalypse Now, but significantly less iconic and quite a bit less compelling.

(#8) Establishing perspective is important. Establishing the wrong perspective is distracting. (#9) Action Kong is ready to attack. The jungle setting, the setting sun, the setting of low expectations. (#10) A rebellion poster in support of a tyrannical island king. The two messages seem at odds with one another. (#11) I’m mad at you helicopter, don’t think you’re not getting a scolding later.

Trailer Rating: B / C+ / B+

SEE ALL TRAILERS BELOW
Review: (#1) This will easily titillate fans of sci-fi/fantasy action films, but it bears just enough resemblance to the classic monster movie to be recognizable, but not enough to be exciting.

(#2) While giving the audience more details about the film’s plot is a good thing, there’s something to be said about too much John C. Reilly. His presence is not unwanted, but the amount of screentime he gets in this one trailer is disappointing.

(#3) XXXX