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 King Kong (2005)Rated: PG-13 for frightening adventure violence and some disturbing images. Runtime: 187 mins. Director: Peter Jackson Writer: Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens Cast: Naomi Watts; Jack Black; Adrien Brody; Andy Serkis; Colin Hanks Memorable Quote: "There are thousands of actresses out of work in this city. Somewhere out there is a woman born to play this role... a woman who will journey into the heart of the unknown... toward a fateful meeting that changes everything." Tagline: The eighth wonder of the world. Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi Opens: December 14, 2005 Studio: Universal Pictures Official Site: kingkongmovie.com
By Anita Wyst
Keeping with the classic story of 1933, this version has been extended with additional, very detailed scenes, and redone with special effects superior to the primitive stop-action animation of the original. But perhaps the most important and exciting revision is the character development of the top banana himself, King Kong. Created by the same genius who brought us Gollum in Lord of the Rings, Kong looks and behaves like the giant ape monster we all remember from the 30s and 70s, but he is so much more than that. He has emotions, and they are clearly expressed in such a way that they are actually believable. Director Peter Jackson has not fallen into the trap of excess that has become the fate of so many other remakes. There was never a point where this reviewer was thinking, "well, come on now, this is too much." The action keeps you on the edge of your seat with just enough twists and turns to satisfy, but not so many as to make the audience dizzy. The emotion of the characters is well balanced and authentic, not sugary-sweet or sappy. The special effects and computer-generated creatures are blended with the live action and scenery so seamlessly that unless you're single-minded motivation for watching this movie is the desire to seek and expose out every minute indication that a creature; character, or setting isn’t real, you really can’t tell the difference.
The relationship between the beauty and the beast is not romantic love, but it is love nonetheless. Anne tames the frightening and savage disposition of Kong, and in turn, Kong risks life and limb to protect Anne. Their love filters through the screen throughout their short acquaintance. A quick example is a very poignant scene of the film where Kong and Anne, having finally been united, are playing together on the ice of the lake in Central Park. The affection they have for one another is plainly evident and almost tangible; so much so, in fact, that at the end, Anne, and the audience, feels a strong desire to protect Kong the way he so valiantly protected Anne. King Kong is an exceptional remake of a classic film, and an outstanding movie on its own. Kong is truly Peter Jackson’s crowning achievement. It makes his LOTR trilogy look like a filmic experiment from his youth. We get to reap the benefits of his utter genius at reinventing the wheel. Perhaps Hollywood isn’t all that original anymore when it comes to screenplays, which is a probable cause of the recent slide in movie theatre sales. But if more movies were like King Kong, Hollywood wouldn’t have to worry about filling those seats, even if the only movie being offered is just a remake. Anita Wyst
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Don't agree with this review? Have something to add? Read or post comments about this film or review on the KING KONG discussion forum. Screen formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Number of discs: - 1 - Region 1, Keepcase Packaging.
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