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As far as modern blockbusters go, it's hard to find one that matches the sheer spectacle of Kong. But it isn't without its flaws, as Jordan Vogt-Roberts was quick to point out in a YouTube video promoting the film. There's some narrative structure issues and plenty of filler, but the extravagant set pieces still pack an impressive punch.

kong89 on a primatologist and her young daughter who travel to Skull Island after a volcanic eruption and encounter a new breed of Kong. Unlike the previous Kongs in the series, this one can walk and has the ability to use sign language. He's a little less aggressive and more of a family pet than the ape-hero from Peter Jackson's films, but that's also part of what makes this version feel more personal and relatable.

It also dispenses with some of the more overt racism that plagued the earlier Kong movies and gives the indigenous Skull Islanders their own name, "Iwis." It's a dignified depiction of a culture that has found a way to live in harmony with Kong and other monsters. It's a stark contrast to the disruptive approach of Carl Denham and his ruthless army, who treat Kong like a slave and ultimately trample him to death.

This is the first Kong movie to take place on an island rather than in a city, and that gives it some extra visual flair. But it doesn't let the setting detract from the action, as the film opens with a breathtaking scene that shows Kong grabbing a plane out of midair and hurling it down toward the water below.

After a lot of buildup, the film eventually pits Kong against Godzilla, who is able to vaporize helicopters and destroy oil platforms with his atomic breath. It takes a while for the fight to get started, but when it does, it's fast-paced and spectacular. It's also an excellent showcase for Kong's amazing agility, as he swings from building to building and hangs off skyscrapers that are almost as tall as him.

This is a worthy follow-up to the original, with a more intimate and personal touch that sets it apart from the other two. It's a shame it gets such flak from some people, because it was well worth the money and effort to bring this one to the big screen. It's the best Kong we've seen since Jackson's remake, and the final showdown is a knockout.