King Kong

Saw a sneak preview of Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong. It was pretty spectacular. Clocking in at a hair over three hours, the movie is big, bombastic, and loaded with grin-inducing special effects. Essentially a love story (seriously), the film captures the spirit of 1933 masterfully. The opening shots establish the US in the throes of the worst year of the Depression, and really grabs the viewer with its exquisite imagery. It's a fun (albeit flawed in parts) script, with some sly and clever nods to the original masterpiece. Kong himself is fantastic -- everything I thought he'd be, and more. It seems trite to say he's very human, but he really is. The anguish he feels, the confusion and uncertainty, are all displayed beautifully. The film's running time does it a bit of disservice, I think, primarily because I could feel the audience get fidgety during the second act. Skull Island is appropriately creepy and mesmerizing ... the natives are frightening, living in fear of the "monster" who shares their forgotten island home. I was a little shocked at the violence portrayed on the island -- but it makes sense, in the big scheme of things. The creatures therein are pretty great, as well. The film definitely earns its PG-13 rating.

The final shots above the beautifully recreated New York City of 1933 are truly awesome. Suspend your disbelief early, however -- there's much in the final act that requires the viewer to take those giant leaps right along with Kong. But the payoff is really fun cinema. The Empire State Building looks lovely ... the cityscape is breathtaking ... the affection between Kong and the lovely Ann Darrow (a spot-on Naomi Watts) is real and honest and vivid. I loved this movie. Haven't had as much fun at a theatre in a good long while.