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| Movie Review: King Kong Alternate Title: Gorilla In Our Midst
Story: I saved the biggest and
longest film of 2005 for last. I am sure that I don't need to give you
any background on this remake by director Peter (Lord
of the Rings) Jackson. He has brought to the big
screen his lifelong dream of King Kong and no one could have done it
better or bigger than Jackson. I have recently seen both the original version
and the 1976 remake (which is almost unwatchable unless you go in for
the laughs) on TV. This latest remake is fabulous. It is over the top
in every way - from too lengthy fight scenes, grotesque giant prehistoric
attacking insects, silly dialogue and shallow characters. The exception
is Kong - who is simply tenderly wonderful. Kong will break your heart
and unless you are made of stone I am sure you will cry for his demise
on top of the Empire State Building. I liked that Jackson stayed true to the depression
era original and only tweaked the story line a little here and there.If
you like your blockbusters BIG than you have to see this on the big
screen. TV will not do justice to its grandness and detail. What's wrong with it? It is simply too long.
An hour and 20 minutes passes by before we even meet King Kong. Three
hours without the credits is a lot to ask for an audience. I can't imagine
what this director will do as a follow up to this very large undertaking.
Acting: King Kong is exceptional.
Credit goes to Andy Serkis who was the Gollum in LoTR's.
Naomi Watts is a powerful actress and does much with
a lot of staring, crying and exceptional running. She does a lot of
running in this film. Adrien Brody is a long way from
The Pianist and I though his role was one of the weaker ones.
Jack Black as Carl Denhem, the PT Barnum type guy,
hit his part right on the money.
Predilection: I like blockbusters.
Critters: Oh my - there were lots of critters (but
that term does not apply to these scary Jurassic Park type guys). At
the beginning of the film he shows the old Central Park Zoo before the
1935 buildings were constructed and has cotton top tamarins (which we
also have today) some lions, hippos and other small monkeys.
Food: Very little time to eat when you are being
chased all of the time. Kong did eat some bamboo.
Theater Audience: I was in the secret balcony of
my favorite stadium theater with about ten other folk. I did hear people
downstairs but have no idea how many were there.
Squirm Scale: I squirmed with the attacking insects
and I squirmed for the cruelty towards King Kong.
Drift Factor: I occasionally looked at my watch more
to plan my comfort break than anything else.
Tissue Usage: I wept like a baby at the end.
Oscar Worthy: Who knows? Probably.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen a must. For some
of Naomi Watt's other films, try renting: 21 Grams, Le Divorce, Ned
Kelly, The Ring and Mulholland Dr.
Length: Three hours plus.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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