Barbara
**STREAMING ON NETFLIX: SKULL ISLAND REVIEW**
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## INTRODUCTION: A MIXED BAG OF MONSTERS AND PEOPLE
When it comes to movies like King Kong and Godzilla, the main attraction is undeniably the big monsters wreaking havoc. These creatures captivate us, and while there may be some intriguing human stories accompanying them, they merely serve as a frame for our beloved giants. However, the new animated spinoff series Skull Island on Netflix makes two crucial mistakes. Firstly, for most of the season, the focus is predominantly on the human characters, diverging from the true spirit of these monster-centered tales. Secondly, the characters themselves are overwhelmingly annoying and talkative. The show eventually makes a turnaround, but it requires enduring a constant barrage of jokes and one-liners to get there.
## DISCOVERING SKULL ISLAND
As the name suggests, Skull Island is set on the infamous home of King Kong. The island is inhabited by various groups, including a team of researchers who wash up on its shores after encountering a mysterious sea monster. They join forces with a well-equipped military group, their activities on the island remaining a mystery. Additionally, we meet Annie, a resourceful teenage girl who has survived on Skull Island since being shipwrecked during childhood. Accompanied by her loyal giant dog named Dog, Annie proves to be surprisingly skilled in combat.
## AN ISLAND OF FASCINATING MONSTERS
Skull Island itself is a captivating place, especially for monster enthusiasts. The characters encounter a constant stream of unique and captivating creatures. From immense crabs hidden beneath the sandy beaches to a boulder that transforms into a bug, and even Pokémon-like creatures such as the grass cat Sprigatito and the turtle with aloe growing from its back. The island even boasts a menacing tree composed entirely of actual monsters. These imaginative and innovative creatures, coupled with the lurking presence of Kong in the background, add depth and excitement to the show.
## TEDIOUS HUMOR INTERFERES WITH AN INTRIGUING STORY
Regrettably, the first six episodes of Skull Island are burdened by excessive focus on the human characters, which makes this remarkable and imaginative world feel laborious. Every character, from the lost explorers to the feral teenage killer and the armed soldiers, feels compelled to joke about everything, overwhelming the viewer. While humor is welcomed, it becomes overbearing. To illustrate, at one point, someone exclaims, “Stabby no worky” when their sword breaks.
## THE REDEMPTION OF A STRONG NARRATIVE
Beneath the incessant banter lies a captivating story waiting to be explored. The penultimate episode finally shifts the focus onto Kong, delving into a crucial and heartbreaking chapter of his past. The inclusion of a relatable and likable human character, devoid of constant jokes, significantly enhances the quality of the show. Moreover, this episode sets the stage for a thrilling finale, featuring an intense kaiju battle with an imposing antagonist gradually unveiled throughout the season. These two animated TV episodes capture the essence of a compelling Kong movie.
## THE WEAK LINK: UNLIKABLE CHARACTERS AND LOST OPPORTUNITIES
Unfortunately, the rest of the season fails to rise above the obnoxious dialogue and unlikable characters. Despite the well-constructed world of Skull Island, the human element remains the primary focus for six whole episodes, relegating the captivating aspects of the show to the background. With a character as colossal as Kong, this imbalance is a significant drawback.
**Skull Island is currently streaming on Netflix.**
Sources: Unavailable (Note: Sources other than theverge.com were consulted for this article)
