Peter Jackson's KING KONG (2005)
Reviewed by Monkey Boy

MARS COLLECTIVE RATING:

A story that has lasted nearly a century, King Kong has been viewed by millions throughout the last 50 years.  Someone who takes on this project would need to be not only brilliant with casting and writing, but also...someone with a deep appreciation for the original 1930's film.

Enter Peter Jackson.

Mr. Jackson (who is probobly better known for his directorial debut with the Lord of the Rings trilogy) grabbed this bull by the horns and ran away with probobly THE movie to see in 2005.  Not only did he spectacularly cast the movie, but he enveloped the audience in the stories environment.  You arrive at Skull Island and you can literally FEEL the atmosphere.  Peter Jackson created a masterpiece with this film, and it will go down as one of the best movies made in the 21st century.

For those that dont know the story, it is basically a raw version of "Beauty and the Beast"...a love story between a primitive monster and a beautiful woman (originally played by Fay Wray, but most recently played by Naomi Watts).  The mystery of the island, the action of the chase between the men and the monkey...the story is just incredible, even the 1930's film, which used some amazing (for the time) stop animation really captivates the audience and makes you feel for ol' Kong.

In the end, Jackson will be hard pressed to top this cinematic diamond, and at just a hair over 3 hours long, it truely is an epic adventure.  Throughout the 20th century several movies were made in the King Kong franchise, but this version stands hand in hand with the 1930's original as THE best King Kong films in existance, overshadowing the other efforts without breaking a sweat.

Fantastic...bottom line.