When I first saw trailers for “Kong: Skull Island,” I anticipated a high-octane, pulse-pounding monster flick that was sure to drop my jaw before the credits started rolling.

I was not disappointed.

“Kong: Skull Island,” set in 1973, follows government agent Bill Randa (John Goodman) and geologist Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins) as they set out on an expedition with a group of scientists to map an uncharted island in the Pacific, dubbed “Skull Island.” The two recruit former British Air Service Captain James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston of “Avengers” and Taylor Swift fame) to serve as a tracker for their group. Randa and Brooks bring along the Sky Devils, a Vietnam War helicopter squadron and military escort led by Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard (Samuel L. Jackson.) Photojournalist Mason Weaver (Brie Larson) also tags along in hopes of exposing a dark government project.

When the group arrives at Skull Island via helicopter, they are viciously attacked by Kong, a 100-foot-tall gorilla and resident of the island. Survivors of the onslaught are scattered, with their only hope for rescue being a supply team at the opposite side of the island. Loyalties are tested when Randa’s true motive is revealed, and when the group discovers that Kong isn’t the only terrorizing behemoth Skull Island has to offer.

“Kong: Skull Island” greatly benefits from breathtaking visuals and magnificent CGI. The lush jungles of Skull Island pop with vibrant colors, and the island’s awe-inspiring natural landmarks make it hard to believe that this movie was actually shot on planet Earth. Additionally, Kong himself is a computer-generated masterpiece, with every fiber of his hair seemingly generated with the utmost care and precision. Kong’s violent encounters with other visually stunning beasts are also carried out with bone-rattling realism (I was clutching my seat with white knuckles during the film’s epic conclusion.) 3D is normally an overpriced hassle for the average moviegoer, but for “Kong,” the extra few dollars are definitely worth it.

However, what truly separates “Kong: Skull Island” from other action films is its star-studded cast of characters. Hiddleston, Goodman, Larson and Jackson all shine in their leading roles. Additionally, John C. Reilly steals the show as the witty (and sometimes loopy) Hank Marlow, a World War II fighter pilot who has been stranded on Skull Island for 28 years. Each of these characters are well-developed with a thorough backstory and thoughtful dialogue, all of which enhance the moviegoer’s experience. Even when the title character isn’t on a rampage, “Kong” is still entertaining and suspenseful.

As captivating as it is, “Kong: Skull Island” is not free from errors. Some scenes end abruptly, with awkward camera angles. Also, some aspects of the film’s plot definitely felt rushed. Especially since “Skull Island” takes place in the same universe as 2014’s “Godzilla,” and was supposed to refer to the film, I felt that some plot points that tied the two movies together could have been expanded. However, there are still cheeky references to Kong’s future rival spread throughout “Skull Island,” topped off with an ominous post-credit scene.

Overall, “Kong: Skull Island” is an emphatic reboot of the historic “King Kong” franchise. Its dramatic action scenes and robust visuals make for an enticing 3D experience. Furthermore, stellar acting by the film’s leads raises the bar for future action movies to follow. “Kong: Skull Island” is the thorough “King Kong” film that will have monster movie fans going bananas.