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Amazon.co.uk Review
Movies don't come any bigger than Peter Jackson's King Kong, a three-hour remake of the 1933 classic that marries breathtaking visual prowess with a surprising emotional depth. Expanding on the original story of the blonde beauty and the beast who falls for her, Jackson creates a movie spectacle that matches his Lord of the Rings films and even at times evokes their fantasy world while celebrating the glory of '30s Hollywood. Naomi Watts stars as Ann Darrow, a vaudeville actress down on her luck in Depression-era New York until manic filmmaker Carl Denham (a game but miscast Jack Black) entices her with a lead role. Dazzled by the genius of screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Ann boards the tramp steamer S.S. Venture, which she--and most of the wary crew--believes is headed for Singapore. Denham, however, is in search of the mythic Skull Island, hoping to capture its wonders on film and make a fortune. What he didn't count on were some scary natives who find that the comely Darrow looks like prime sacrifice material for a mysterious giant creature....
There's no point in rehashing the entire plot, as every movie aficionado is more than familiar with the trajectory of King Kong; the challenge facing Jackson, his screenwriters, and the phenomenal visual-effects team was to breathe new life into an old, familiar story. To that degree, they achieve what could be best called a qualified success. Though they've assembled a crackerjack supporting cast, including Thomas Kretschmann as the Venture's hard-bitten captain and young Jamie Bell as a plucky crewman, the first third of the movie is rather labored, with too much minute detail given over to sumptuous re-creations of '30s New York and the unexciting initial leg of the Venture's sea voyage. However, once the film finds its way to Skull Island (which bears more than a passing resemblance to LOTR's Mordor), Kong turns into a dazzling movie triumph, by turns terrifying and awe-inspiring. The choreography and execution of the action set pieces--including one involving Kong and a trio of Tyrannosaurus Rexes, as well as another that could be charitably described as a bug-phobic's nightmare--is nothing short of landmark filmmaking, and a certain Mr. Spielberg should watch his back, as Kong trumps most anything that has come before it.
Despite the visual challenges of King Kong, the movie's most difficult hurdle is the budding romance between Ann and her simian soulmate. Happily, this is where Jackson unqualifiedly triumphs, as this unorthodox love story is tenderly and humorously drawn, by turns sympathetic and wondrous. Watts, whose accessibility balances out her almost otherworldly loveliness, works wonders with mere glances, and Andy Serkis, who digitally embodies Kong here much as he did Gollum in the LOTR films, breathes vibrant life into the giant star of the film without ever overplaying any emotions. The final, tragic act of the film, set mostly atop the Empire State Building, is where Kong earns its place in movie history as a work that celebrates both the technical and emotional heights that film can reach. --Mark Englehart, Amazon.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
79 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than expected....,
By Laura O "Midnite_Storm_Cloud" (Nottingham, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: King Kong: 2 Disc Special Edition - Limited Edition Sculpturally Embossed Packaging (Exclusive to Amazon.co.uk) [DVD] (DVD)
I must admit, when I saw this at the cinema I wasn't what you would call excited... In fact we only saw Kong as the film we went to see was not on!But I was sooo wrong. I was absolutely blown away from start to finish. It is beautifully directed and shot and I love Jack Black in this film. Naomi Watts was perfect in her role, she has the doey eyed look of a female in distress down to a tee. I know some people must be thinking "It's just another re-make" and I thought that at first but honestly, this is a moving, exciting and thrilling re-make. Most probably the best re-make I have ever seen. Three hours flew by and I wanted the film to go on.... Peter Jackson shows his strengths in this feature and I hope he carries on making pictures as truly wonderful as this.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
King Kong - Far too long!,
By Mr Swallow (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: King Kong (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] (DVD)
As a great admirer of Jackson's Lord of the Rings, I came to this with high expectation. In the end I wish Jackson had just done a straight remake of the original. The Fay Wray King Kong was perfectly directed - just the right length to sustain the material. Jackson obviously loves the piece but kills it with kindness. The special effects are superb, but there are too many times when he asks us to not only suspend disbelief but take our brains out. I mean, Naomi, having been hurled around by dinasaurs and the ape, can then take to her heels and run like a gazelle. Is this Superwoman? In the end Jackson over-eggs the pudding and the whole thing is a sodden mess.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent remake that captures the spirit of the original,
By
This review is from: King Kong (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] (DVD)
So often remakes of classic movies do not work, but this film pulls of the achievement of capturing the heart and themes of the original story, whilst infusing the action with impact and a certain comic realism.If there is one stand out performance of the movie it is Andy Serkis' rendition of Kong. Whilst it takes a long while for him to arrive, when he does he unleashes the most blisteringly powerful roar ever seen in a film. But the real achievement here lies in making Kong a believable and engaging character; communicating raw aggression and vulnerability at equal ends of the spectrum. If the film has any weaknesses it may be perhaps in some of the supporting characters. Jack Black's movie director character is perhaps the most engaging and stimulating. Some of the other supporting cast provide some laughs but ultimately provide a backdrop for the main course which is inevitably the character of Kong himself. In conclusion Peter Jackson's King Kong is a welcome addition to anyone's dvd library. I found it to be atmospheric, suspenseful and in places emotive and thought provoking. A thoroughly deserved 5 stars.
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