Not Your Average Zoo Monkey

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Universal Pictures’ remake of the classic King Kong is another spectacular spectacular to watch in movie theaters this Christmas Season. The story begins with gaudy, reckless documentary filmmaker, Carl Denham, sailing off to remote Skull Island to film his latest epic with leading lady, Ann Darrow. Native warriors kidnap Ann to use as a sacrifice as they summon "Kong". But instead of eating the human sacrifice, Kong rescues her. Kong is eventually taken back to New York where he searches high and low for Ann, eventually winding up at that familiar scene on top of the Empire State Building, facing off against a fleet of World War I fighter planes.

Now I am almost skeptical with re-makes but this one is totally almost an original. Combined with great special effects and the genius of Peter Jackson, director of the trilogy The Lord of the Rings, King Kong makes himself Lord and King of Movies for 2005. New York Post calls it this year’s best movie. Critic Lou Lumenick writes it as, “the most pulse- pounding and heart-stirring romantic adventure since "Titanic."”.

Naomi Watts plays the role of Ann Darrow, a rising actress who later becomes King Kong’s object of affection. Watts is I believe perfect for the role. Her unique beauty and great acting makes her a genuine actress of the early decades as set in the story of King Kong. Andy Serkis had 132 sensors attached to his face so that his every facial expression could be captured and shown on King Kong's face.
And King Kong himself appears so authentic, this is perhaps the best CG Character ever created in film for this year. Also starring in this epic movie are Adrien Brody who plays Jack Driscoll and Jack Black who plays Carl Denham. This movie runs just a little over 3 hours and yet you won’t notice the time. From start to finish, the film is action-packed and not coming short off the drama department either.
Did you know that Fay Wray, the original Ann Darrow in the 1933 King Kong was in negotiations to appear in the film before she died. Peter Jackson wanted her to deliver the legendary last line: "Oh no, it wasn't the airplanes. It was beauty killed the beast."

All in all, the film is totally breathtaking. Kudos to Peter Jackson, whom I believe is the next Steven Spielberg. USA Today calls him, “… a visionary filmmaker who is not only a technical wizard but also a master storyteller.” King Kong 2005 is truly yet another classic film for our generation. Now for my list of bests:
Best Line: Lumpy the Cook, seeing a footprint that Kong has left, “There's only one thing in the world that could have done this... the Abominable Snowman.” Best Scene: The duel between Kong and the Dinosaur, especially that part when Kong was trying to protect Ann Darrow. Best Performance: Kong wins! Best Effects: I give it to the big ape himself. Best Score: a 9 out of 10 and it is obvious why!

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