On Sunday, April 20, 2025, TV Globo will air the movie Kong: A Ilha da Caveira (2017) as part of its traditional Sunday film program, Temperatura Máxima. The film is set to start at 12:30 PM, immediately following the popular sports show, Esporte Espetacular.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Kong: A Ilha da Caveira is an epic adventure that reimagines the origin of one of cinema's most iconic monsters. The film takes place in 1973, where a team of scientists and soldiers embark on a mysterious expedition to the titular Skull Island, a place shrouded in storms and almost entirely unexplored.
The expedition is led by William Randa, played by John Goodman, who is determined to prove the existence of the island to the U.S. government, fearing that the Soviets might discover it first. Randa recruits a team that includes the ex-Special Forces tracker James Conrad, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, the photojournalist Mason Weaver, played by Brie Larson, and a military unit commanded by Colonel Preston Packard, played by Samuel L. Jackson.
Upon their arrival at Skull Island, the team uses seismic charges to map the terrain, inadvertently awakening the colossal ape, Kong, who reigns supreme over the island. The film showcases Kong as a majestic yet terrifying creature, standing at an impressive 100 meters tall, making him the largest depiction of Kong in cinematic history. This scale was intentionally designed to set the stage for future confrontations with other legendary monsters in the MonsterVerse.
As the expedition unfolds, the team quickly realizes they are not alone on the island. They encounter aggressive prehistoric creatures known as “skullcrawlers,” which pose a significant threat, especially one that lurks beneath the island's surface. The film's narrative cleverly intertwines action, suspense, and classic monster movie elements, exploring the conflicts between humans, Kong, and the other creatures inhabiting the island.
During their adventure, the team meets Hank Marlow, an older pilot played by John C. Reilly, who has been stranded on the island for 28 years. Marlow provides crucial insights about the island's inhabitants and the creatures that inhabit it, including Kong, who is revered as a god by the island's native people, the Iwi.
The film is noted for its high-quality visual effects, which enhance the thrilling experience of exploring the mysterious Skull Island. It also features a soundtrack filled with iconic 1970s songs, such as “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals, which adds to the film’s nostalgic atmosphere and complements its narrative.
Despite some critiques regarding its storyline being somewhat clichéd and linear, Kong: A Ilha da Caveira received a warm reception from fans of the genre, boasting an IMDb rating of 6.7/10. According to Google data, 78% of viewers enjoyed the film, highlighting its appeal to a broad audience.
For those interested in watching the film, it is available for streaming on platforms like Max and Prime Video, making it accessible for family viewing. The cast is rounded out by Toby Kebbell, who plays Jack Chapman, adding to a strong ensemble that brings the story to life.
Temperatura Máxima, a long-standing feature of TV Globo since its inception on January 3, 1989, continues to be a staple of Sunday afternoons, showcasing a variety of films spanning adventure, comedy, and animation genres. The program's enduring popularity speaks to its ability to entertain diverse audiences.
As viewers prepare to tune in this Sunday, they can look forward to an action-packed experience that not only entertains but also provokes thought about humanity's relationship with nature, as depicted through the lens of this thrilling monster adventure.
