When I first heard they were remaking Kong I thought I was not interested. I mean, I have seen the original 1933 version probably 50 times and loved it each watching. WHY would I need to see a NEW ruined version like that P.A.S. (piece'a shit) remake from 1976. The original had class and style and was made at a time when special effects of that caliber were unheard of. Fay Wray, Bruce Cabot and Robert Armstrong were perfectly cast and were excellent, second only to Kong himself. It holds up today and will NEVER be replaced. Having said that, I got caught up in the hype and took a chance on this latest attempt to tell the story and I must say........................WOW!!! This picture was HUGE! It was awesome! It was Hollywood at it's finest. It's 1932 and Carl Denham is trying to make a picture. He owes everybody and his backers have pulled out, leaving him with only a map of an uncharted island that was home to a now extinct people. He also is without his leading lady, so he finds young Ann Darrow, an unlucky, out of work actress and hires her mainly because she's a size 4 and can wear the wardrobe. They leave New York one step (literally) ahead of his creditors and the law, and set off to find the island. When they get there all hell breaks loose and the rest is history, or at least it should be because I can't imagine anybody not knowing this story. We all know what happens but it's the way that director Peter Jackson tells the story that makes it a MUST see picture. From the opening art deco credits, very reminiscent of the '33 RKO Kong credits I knew this was something special. Al Jolson is singing and we get a fabulous look at depression era America which puts us in the proper mood. The street scenes and set decorations were spectacular and reminded me of so many 30's pictures I have seen that were actually filmed back then. The acting was fine with one exception. Jack Black cast as Carl Denham was horrible. I never believed him. He was more of a caricature of a director rather than a real director. Horrible! The rest of the cast was good with a stand out performance by Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow. I can't tell you why as it would spoil it for you, so I will just say that her tenderness and affection for her "love" interest in the picture are touching and heart felt. The real star, of course, is Kong. What a guy! He is more alive than any "real" ape I have seen and he moves with the agility of a ballet dancer. He has a heart and more personality than any of the billed actors and he becomes our hero. Excellent! This is a GREAT picture, one of the biggest I have ever seen. Truly, "The Eighth Wonder of The World!" I loved it! "That's the thing about cockroaches. Every time you flush them down the toilet they climb back up the bowl!" If you've seen the original 100 times it matters not! You must see this one. Not to compare, just to enjoy on it's own, fine merits. GO SEE IT! Rated PG-13 for adventure type violence and extreme intensity. Suitable for the whole family. TWO GARGANTUAN, HAIRY BUT LOVABLE THUMBS UP!!! (Empire State size!) Movie Review © 2005 by Terry Anderson |
