King Kong

By : Suzanne Philips

When I started to write this review, I wanted to get into my "professional movie reviewer" mode. And I did actually try....but.....I couldn't get past the screaming fangirl inside. So I decided to write it as the squee-ing fangirl I actually am! so this will be the least professional film review you ever see from me....please bear with me....

I am going to assume that everyone knows the basic storyline so I won't go into that.....

KING KONG IS SOOOOOO AWESOME! I truly think Peter Jackson is a genius and it is clearly evident in this film (even more than Lord of the Rings) the love that he has for this material.

This film has a little bit of everything in it - dancing, action, romance, old school dialogue, new school special effects, mystery, comedy and drama. The film looks beautiful, the scenery and the colors are outstanding and awe-inspiring. Even knowing that a lot of the backdrops are computer generated or matte paintings doesn't diminish the effect.

The casting is top notch. Jack Black is really outstanding in this film. While still having some moments of comedy, it is primarily a dramatic role and Black does a great job of showing the desperation and singular determination of his character film director/producer Carl Denham.

Adrien Brody  is great as the reluctant hero,  writer Jack Driscoll. Naomi Watts really nails Ann Darrow. I was a bit concerned about her casting to begin with but she really surprised me. At this point I can't think of anyone else in this role. Jamie Bell, Colin Hanks, Kyle Chandler - the hits just keep on coming. All of the actors are outstanding. Andy Serkis not only plays Kong, he has a prominent role as the cook on the ship that sails to Skull Island. Great to see him actually onscreen and not just as a CG character. Jarl Benson, Sandro Kopp, Jed Brophy and Howard Shore all show up much to my delight! (for those who don't know they were all in LOTR in some capacity) .

The WETA crew does amazing things with the creatures and the special effects - did we expect anything less. The kick-a@@ fight with Kong and the T-Rex - DANG!!!! I loved it!

When I saw the original KING KONG as a teenager, I cried over it for about 2 days. The basic themes in Kong to me (and there are so many) are of Love and Tolerance as well as so many environmental themes. Jackson's remake is just full of all of this and so much more. I cried so much today that when I came out of the theatre the AMC employee asked me if I was alright! :)

While nothing can ever top Lord of the Rings and all that Jackson accomplished with it, KONG is a masterpiece in it's own right and can stand along any of the best films of this year.

KONG truly is king.......


5 out of 5.....

Suz

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