With a 100-foot ape as its main character, “Kong: Skull Island” is raging to the top of the box office. The action film features some big-name stars such as Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, and Brie Larson, and those actors are a large part of what makes this movie so great. Currently, after having come out in theatres on March 10^th, “Kong: Skull Island” has a 7.1/10 star rating and has grossed about $111,000,000.

The movie is directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, who has also worked on shows like “Single Dads” and “Funny or Die.” Many viewers are very happy with what Vogt-Roberts did with this newest addition to the King Kong franchise, which included practically tripling the size of Kong from his past appearances is 1933, 1976, and 2005. However, Kong wasn’t the only supersized member of this film. As critic James Berardinelli put it, “Kong: Skull Island” is a “good monster movie” and he is exactly right. Some of the other creatures featured are giant water buffalos, a giant squid, and some grotesque, nightmare-inducing lizard monsters known as Skull Crawlers.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, as well as brief strong language, “Kong: Skull Island” is a thrill-ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seat and constantly surprised by the plot twists planted throughout the movie. It has plenty of the explosions, fires, and fighting scenes that any King Kong movie should possess, as well as slower, quieter moments that the audience begins to learn is the calm before the storm. Any fan of movies such as “Godzilla” or “Jurassic Park” will love “Kong: Skull Island.” In fact, it is even rumored that, now that both films have recently been remade, a “Godzilla vs Kong” movie is set for 2020.

Over the weekend, Dominique Cunningham (’17) saw the movie and had many great things to say. “As a long-time Tom Hiddleston fan, I really enjoyed his performance, and it was nice to see him playing a role that was different from his past characters. Everyone in the cast did great, though. All the characters were believable and complex, but also had their comedic moments. They definitely brought the film to life.” On the plot of the film, Cunningham said, “It kept me interested the entire time. I was constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s not just explosions, there really is a plot behind it, and I would seriously recommend you go see it.”

Kailei Immler (’17) also saw the film and shared Cunningham’s love for it. “It was really refreshing to see an action movie with a strong plot and complex characters. I enjoyed the whole thing, especially the monsters. They were both terrifying and fascinating, which is what I think makes a great monster. Anyone who enjoys monster movies will love this.”

Available in 3D, “Kong: Skull Island” is the perfect movie for anyone looking for a thrilling, intense adventure movie that will keep them on the edge for every moment, so go see it this weekend!