Unlike many other films in which the stars have to interact with a completely non-existent character, “KING KONG” does not leave you with a stale, and empty feeling, but rather a genuine sense of loss and sorrow for the film’s main character. You can really tell the makers of this film have a deeply rooted love and respect for this story, and it really shows. My hat’s off to Peter Jackson for not only successfully bring back one of the most influential films of all time, but for getting the chance to work on the very film that inspired him to become a film maker.
I got the chance to catch Peter Jackson’s latest film, and I’d like to share my thoughts with you.
Back around the year 2000 (so long ago right?) most people had never really heard the name Peter Jackson. Sure there were probably those hard core film enthusiasts that knew everything about him including his shoe size and favorite beer, but for the mainstream audience Peter Jackson was a virtual no one. Fast forward to the December 2003 after the third (and final) installment of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy has been released, and not a single person who owns a TV, radio, or gets the newspaper hasn’t at least heard the name Peter Jackson a few dozen times.
After bringing to life what is considered some of the greatest literary works of all time, and ironically creating what is arguably the greatest film trilogy (Star Wars and Matrix fans will HATE that) people (myself included) began to wonder how Peter Jackson could even possibly hope to top himself after “LOTR”. Fast forward once again to Thursday, December 16th 2005. I am walking out of my local theater having just sat thru Peter Jackson’s latest 3hr venture into film, and I now know the answer to my own question. How could anyone possibly hope to top what was done in “LOTR”? I can answer that question in just two words....KING KONG.
A remake (or re imagining as they call it now) of the 1933 classic in which a film crew embark on a voyage to a mysterious island in an attempt to get more exotic location shots for their film. While there the crew discover the island has a lot more mystery than they originally thought, including a colossal 25ft (which seems rather small when you say it) ape named “Kong” who seemingly takes a liking to the film’s young starlet Ann Darrow.
I can easily say that this is one of the most enjoyable film experiences I have ever had. To see a movie like “King Kong” remade (and NO we’re not counting the 1970’s version) using modern technology is surely a sight to see. Jackson manages to do something very few “remakes” do, he manages to stay faithful to the original film, in fact I would consider this more of an “UPDATING” rather than a “REMAKE” because it’s almost like Jackson took the original film and just gave it modern FX.
The whole movie was magical from start to finish. Sure it was a little slow leading up to the initial discovery of the island, but once they arrived the movie kicked into overdrive. One thing I didn’t expect is for the movie to take such a “creepy” turn once the crew encounter the islanders. Watching this particular scene brought back memories of the trolls, orks and other such disgusting creatures from the “LOTR” films. The people who inhabit Skull Island are most definitely in need of a shower, some toothpaste and even some lotion for their skin. The make-up done on these characters is top notch (even the little kid will freak you out) and really sets the mood for just how much trouble the crew has gotten themselves into. Despite my thinking the beginning was slow, I can appreciate and understand the time it takes for the film to establish the characters and give reason for the crew’s venture to the island.
Once we are introduced to “Kong”, I along with everyone else in the crowd sat back in amazement as everyone’s favorite overgrown ape returns to the silver screen (once again I’m not counting the 1970’s version). His movements, mannerisms, characteristics...everything were absolutely FLAWLESS. I did not think to myself “this is a CGI ape” for one second. As far as I was concerned, Kong was just as real as Naomi Watts, Jack Black (who is arguably a living cartoon himself) or Adrian Brody. Since the original film was made in 1933 we weren’t able to really see Kong’s personality shine thru due to the limitations in special FX. Now that is no longer an issue, audiences watched in awe as Kong climbed, roared, laughed, and fought...which brings me to my next topic.
The scenes in the film with Kong taking the various creatures of the island cannot even be described properly. Most people have seen the commercial in which Ann Darrow is confronted by a T-Rex only to have Kong make the save at the last minute. What most people don’t know is that is actually the end to a HUGE fight between Kong and THREE T-Rex’s (which make the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park look like cheap puppets). A lot of people think the battles between Anakin & Obi Wan or Neo & Agent Smith are the best battles ever seen on film. Well I’m here to tell you all that you’re WRONG....King Kong can kick all their asses, and he proves this during his battle with the THREE T-Rex’s. I won’t even begin to try and describe the scene, but I will tell you that it’s like a cross between WWE, UFC and some really cool gymnastics. The best thing about fight scenes like this, is that there are no rules, there’s no wasting time twirling around brightly colored lightsabers, or using a pole to fend off countless foes on a playground...this is as raw and primal as you can get.
As amazing as they are, it’s not the fight scenes, or the locations, or even the CGI that makes this film. What REALLY makes this film is the relationship between Kong and Ann Darrow. Without being able to speak Kong conveys a range of emotion from anger, to pride to even some moments of laughter and amusement. Naturally when she is first introduced to him, Ann is terrified of Kong...I mean he is after all a 25ft ape, but as the film progresses (especially after he saves her from the T-Rex’s) Ann begins to understand that Kong is lonely, and she is really his only friend. The bond the two form is really what this movie’s all about, being able to look past your own fears and inhibitions to see the true beauty of something.
The ending of the film which takes place in New York (I’m not ruining anything for you, you’ve had 72yrs to watch the original so don’t blame me), and features the newly dubbed “KING KONG” swatting planes out of the sky atop the Empire State Building is without a doubt one of the most famous, and historic scenes in cinematic history. The whole ending is amazing to watch, and really made me remember why it is I fell in love with this character after I saw the original all those years ago in my 4th grade class (we had movie days every Friday).
Unlike many other films in which the stars have to interact with a completely non-existent character, “KING KONG” does not leave you with a stale, and empty feeling, but rather a genuine sense of loss and sorrow for the film’s main character. You can really tell the makers of this film have a deeply rooted love and respect for this story, and it really shows. My hat’s off to Peter Jackson for not only successfully bring back one of the most influential films of all time, but for getting the chance to work on the very film that inspired him to become a film maker.
So I guess to sum it up, “KING KONG” truly is a masterpiece.