Kong: Skull Island
A Novelization Review
Kong Skull Island, a novelization review! The novelization was written by Tim Lebbon, the film was directed by Jordan Roberts.
SUMMARY: Bill Randel, an agent with Monarch, has reason to believe that an uncharted island in the Pacific is the key to proving his hollow earth theory. He also believes this Island is a hot-spot for incredible lifeforms to exist. Randel manages to persuade his military contact to gather a team of soldiers who just finished their fight in Vietnam, to assist in his exploration of Skull Island. A few other select individuals are brought on the team such as an British special forces guy and a photographer.
Once the team reaches the island, plans and lives quickly fall apart. Kong, a giant gorilla, tramples the uninvited guests in his territory. We follow the team, now on the run for their lives, desperately trying to reach the extraction zone.
CHARACTERS: I’d like to mention two characters. We do see them in the film quite a bit. However, we don’t actually get to know them due to the films poor character development. That’s where this book shines, the development of characters.
Bill Randel: In his youth, he was bullied and ridiculed for his wild and crazy theories. Even as an adult he’s looked at as a weirdo: the earth, hollow… it does sound crazy. Randel gets the opportunity to prove his theory as fact as he’s approved to go on the mission of a lifetime. Though he is thrilled in the results of his finds, he’s heart broken by all the lives lost on his mission.
James Conrad: Conrad was sought out for his impressive tracking/survivalist skills. He’s a former English special forces soldier who remains haunted by a failed mission from his past.. He likes to make a solid plan, not act on assumptions or make rash decisions. Conrad is definitely someone you’d want on your team.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed reading this novelization. It dove deep into characters and told a great story. In the film there’s a lot missing. The book fills in a lot of gaps and explores much more.
This book is better than the film. The only thing you can’t get in the book is the awesome visual effects. It’s too bad really, that the film didn’t go as deep into everything like the novelization.
I’ve heard that a film may be on the horizon, staring Kong and Godzilla! I haven’t read the novelization of Godzilla yet, but I’d like too. Most importantly, I hope the Kong/Godzilla story is as rich as this novelization.
Do I recommend you read Kong: Skull Island? Yes! Read this book before watching or rewatching the film.
RATING: I give this book a 3.5 of 5
Thanks for checking out the Kong Skull Island Novelization Review!