By Kit-Kat
While the premise of the movie I always found to be just plain wrong (I am not one for animal exploitation and the concept of the film always blew me away- how could someone envision this sort of thing is beyond me) it was none the less one of my favorites. I remember watching it when I was a wee lass and having nightmares for weeks - not because of the big scary gorilla, but rather the violence of society and just how horrible people could be. Of course I've seen them all, the 1933's version with Fay Wray, the 1976 version (so strange), and the freakish 1986 sequel (oh boy), so I had a mixed mind when I heard Peter Jackson was doing a remake; one part was mortified - after all let's not rehash how low society can be, the news does it enough, while the other part was giddy as a school girl that Peter Jackson was putting his stamp on something again. I have been so disappointed with just about everything after Lord of the Rings ruined me (my expectations are just insane now) it seems only Peter Jackson can do right... and the man definitely doesn't disappoint in his latest venture.
Squeezing (literally) into my seat I sat among a throng of expectant viewers, those nearest (and dearest) checking watches and fidgeting over the movie being a few minutes late to get going. The expectations and enthusiasm in the theatre was palpable to be sure, and the collective excitement when the curtain finally did part had me just as wound as the next person.
Times are hard in New York and for one particular actress, Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) hard luck is becoming a part and parcel of life. After just losing her latest show job she catches the eye of Carl Denham (Jack Black) - one rather intensive director on a mission to make a movie about finding an island (who of course is in dire straights with his backers even though he has a fabulous island map). Agreeing to play the leading lady, Ann naively joins Carl on his filming ship supposedly headed to Singapore. Also add in the charismatic writer, Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) who unfortunately gets caught in Denham's web when the ship sets sail before he can exit. The filming progresses with pompous leading male Bruce Baxter (Kyle Chandler) and Ann in various scenes about the boat (and don't forget the mooning Driscoll) until the weather takes a turn for the worse causing a harrowing ordeal ending up with the arrival at the island. What looks to be deserted at first glance proves otherwise, much to the demise of some of the crew. Poor Ann would have to be a shiny blonde - apparently exactly what the beast needs. Enter King Kong 'Eighth Wonder of the World' in all of his raging glory, who whisks away his blonde bauble, enraging Mr. Driscoll. Island mayhem ensues and after much turmoil Ann is rescued, Kong is shipped to New York and Carl is finally on the brighter side of life. If you've not seen this movie, well far be it from me to ruin it for you... at this point for the plot I'll just say Kong does worse in the city than Tarzan did back in his day.
Jack Black should get an Oscar for his performance of Carl Denham. The man is down right amazing. I've never seen anyone that can give so much performance with just a look like he can. He brings new meaning to eccentric and totally immersed himself into his role. Likewise Naomi Watts was an exceptional Ann Darrow. I was so impressed with her screams and emotions in the film I see her in a different light now... she's gained my full respect as an actress. And who can not love Adrien Brody. Gorgeousness aside he has that soft spoken demeanor that brings great depth to his writer character. I don't think anyone else would've been as believable in that role as Brody and the man continues to hold my highest regard (boy if you've not seen The Pianist by now you better or I'm hunting you down). The rest of the cast was great, even Jimmy (Jamie Bell) as the thief crew hand shines and of course I must say Andy Serkis has a memorable performance in this film. Doubling is a talent that I've only seen Serkis master (first with Smeagol/Gollum in LotR) and his crazy Lumpy the Cook character along with King Kong himself just shows you what a marvel this guy is.
I'm coming to the conclusion that Peter Jackson is a key that unlocks the best out of any actors and actresses he works with. Each of these people have been in movies I've seen over the years, but none have given a performance as memorable as in this movie (well, except for Andy - but then he has been working with Peter for years now). This movie has effects that will blow you away - Weta is just so above the rest when it comes to movies (Yay Richard Taylor!), the score is so moving and fantastic that you will not lament the Howard Shore switch; James Newton Howard stands with his own compelling style.
This movie pays great respect to the 1933 classic (though from time to time the comedy was a bit more than expected). Peter Jackson has once again taken a cherished tale and brought it up to modern standards while keeping the heart of the story intact. I would be rather surprised if there weren't Oscar nominations from this movie. Jackson brings Kong to life in such a profound way that the classic never could. You feel for the gorilla, and by the amount of tissues I saw in hands across the Mann's theatre I know I'm not the only one.
You want more?! Then head on over to our exclusive King Kong: Peter Jackson's Production Diaries DVD feature review! A definite must have for all Kong and Jackson fans!
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