Posted by Eire Dreamer at 9:47pm Feb 4 '06I grew up with a stepfather who adored the original 1933 King Kong. I mean ADORED it. I was subjected to the film several times during my childhood, most of which were spent dozing or daydreaming. I have faint recollection of a few scenes, but not much. I was therefore not entirely enthusiastic about yet another remake of what was not that impressive a film to begin with. My father-in-law, however, had other ideas....
Today was his birthday. For his special day, he wanted only two things from my husband and I. A steak dinner cooked by my husband (the family chef), and for us to accompany him to see King Kong in the theaters. I cringed at the sheer concept when it was presented to me, but as I love the man dearly (and didn't really want his son to be angry with me for all eternity), I agreed to go.
I was so bowled over by this film, I can't begin to describe it. I have no desire to ruin anything for those not familiar with the original (or the book on which all of them are based), but let me just say this: If you are hesitating to see it because of the cheesy stigma attached to anything with the title King Kong, don't. Just buy the ticket, and see the film.
I was not only impressed with the cinematography (could we expect any less from Peter Jackson?), but also the character depth and development. Most films that take on this story are so wrapped up in the manly tale of a gorilla killing and screaming, they forget the story entirely. This movie does no such thing.
From the very beginning, it enraptures the audience with stunning visual effects, intense action sequences, touching romance, and captivating characters. The most heart-wrenchingly beautiful thing in the film, however, is the bond between Kong and his leading lady (Naomi Watts, looking an awful lot like Nicole Kidman). Even the most stoic of viewers will be brought to tears at their complete understanding of each other, with hardly a word spoken.
The film has its humorous moments, as well. An early comment about finding an actress leads to a conversation about "Fay" and how she's doing a "Cooper" picture for RKO. (The original Kong, starring Fay Wray, was shot by Merian Cooper.) Even the sequences in which the Mighty Kong is rushing his new "bride" through the jungles, shot often from her perspective, give an almost funny look at the ragdoll in his hand, Ann Darrow.
I am not a fan of the action-film genre, but this one surpassed anything I could have possibly hoped for. If you have a free rainy afternoon, go see this film. You won't regret it.
Today was his birthday. For his special day, he wanted only two things from my husband and I. A steak dinner cooked by my husband (the family chef), and for us to accompany him to see King Kong in the theaters. I cringed at the sheer concept when it was presented to me, but as I love the man dearly (and didn't really want his son to be angry with me for all eternity), I agreed to go.
I was so bowled over by this film, I can't begin to describe it. I have no desire to ruin anything for those not familiar with the original (or the book on which all of them are based), but let me just say this: If you are hesitating to see it because of the cheesy stigma attached to anything with the title King Kong, don't. Just buy the ticket, and see the film.
I was not only impressed with the cinematography (could we expect any less from Peter Jackson?), but also the character depth and development. Most films that take on this story are so wrapped up in the manly tale of a gorilla killing and screaming, they forget the story entirely. This movie does no such thing.
From the very beginning, it enraptures the audience with stunning visual effects, intense action sequences, touching romance, and captivating characters. The most heart-wrenchingly beautiful thing in the film, however, is the bond between Kong and his leading lady (Naomi Watts, looking an awful lot like Nicole Kidman). Even the most stoic of viewers will be brought to tears at their complete understanding of each other, with hardly a word spoken.
The film has its humorous moments, as well. An early comment about finding an actress leads to a conversation about "Fay" and how she's doing a "Cooper" picture for RKO. (The original Kong, starring Fay Wray, was shot by Merian Cooper.) Even the sequences in which the Mighty Kong is rushing his new "bride" through the jungles, shot often from her perspective, give an almost funny look at the ragdoll in his hand, Ann Darrow.
I am not a fan of the action-film genre, but this one surpassed anything I could have possibly hoped for. If you have a free rainy afternoon, go see this film. You won't regret it.