TV REVIEW: SKULL ISLAND - Season 1

3.5/5

Skull Candy.

8 Episodes. Starring: Nicolas Cantu, Mae Whitman, Darren Barnet, Benjamin Bratt & Betty Gilpin. Created By: Brian Duffield. On: Netflix. 

King Kong (almost) ain't got s### on this, as we cue up our paraphrased Jeff Goldblum 'Jurassic Park' quote. Ah, now eventually you do plan to have Kong on your 'Skull Island' tour, right? Hello?! (*Wipes Screen*). Man, if you hated the slow spy crawl build up of Marvel's 'Secret Invasion' of Skrulls (we actually loved it), you'll be left roaring at this island that skull f###s you. Netflix's new anime inspired action fiction from 'Spontaneous' director Brian Duffield takes a while to get going, but introduces you to other inspired island inhabitants on its journey. Japanese art form influenced, this JP, Powerhouse Animation (in biplane black and white) and Legendary Pictures animation features the vocal talents of Nicolas Cantu, Mae Whitman, Darren Barnet, and big names Benjamin Bratt and Betty Gilpin. Not to mention an outstanding origin story episode that hits you with every emotion but the boredom that usually comes with these scene-setting, storytelling flashbacks. 

Highlighting the eight wonders of these episodes that really hit their chest when the King comes into play, 'Skull Island' is worth its monkey business in Kong lore. Especially after the disappointing 'Godzilla vs. Kong' long-awaited showdown. Now this great gorilla on 'Skull Island' finds a home next to Peter Jackson's epic and all the marvels that came before it. Not to forget the most recent solo project of the primate's same named home. You'll go apes### over the animated fights reminding you of more grown up Saturday morning cartoons for your nostalgic showcase now you have kids of your own. Right after you were trying to find a milk carton big enough to put Kong on. Besides, this is only the MonsterVerse world building beginning of all the anime like creature features. Including the God himself, known for a roar or two in his own electric blue. What's to come is a geeks dream, and it all begins in this 1990s setting like the new 'Transformers' for this rise of the beasts. 

An outstanding opening episode begins this epic adventure ashore with a sensational set-piece shipwreck. That's when we're introduced to the skipper (Bratt) and the captain's crew as we have more father and son stories (mothering ones too) than a Cat Stevens song. Meet some other mysterious characters on the way with their own twists and turns, and you can forgive the time it takes for the throne to stop Thanos sitting on his a##. Watch this for more than just the flashbulb camera lights and action, but the fact that anime can accent the human condition much more than most real life dramas by the slice. Add amazing animation like the reflecting shadows of these forests, and you really have something that looks and acts the part. Even as Netflix adds so much content to their service that your tired eyes will be left streaming. Based on Edgar Wallace and Merian C. Cooper's 'Skull Island' this is a true to the sand adaptation that doesn't pick the bones of its predecessors, as it finds its own unique footprint in this digital age. This television show may not be legendary (yet), but it's still a hulking clap, powerhouse picture that packs a wallop. Echoing the primate directive of a roaring success to come in with the rising tide. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Kong: Skull Island', 'King Kong', 'Godzilla vs. Kong'.