Kong: King of Films There aren't many films I consider visually "beautiful", not stunning, but beautiful (big difference between stunning and beautiful), but this, I'm compelled to say, takes home the accolade for that specific quality. King Kong is a brilliant tale of exquisite beauty against beastly strength and it justifies both commendably. This film is a clear and complete golden epic, magnificent work of art, larger-than-life adventure that you get to see just once in your lifetime. The brilliant motivation and conviction Peter Jackson possesses, and the ability to change a story into a grand scale epic adventure, has made him a top- line director in the industry. King Kong is exemplary in such way.
A perfect paradigm of three-act structure, King Kong, was brilliant in every aspect of filmmaking. Taking the initial "building phase" of the film for evaluation, which is "New York City," you could hardly point out a flaw in the sets and setting of the time period they have showcased. Since the beginning they had had the audience experiencing the visual embodiment of a time long forgotten. The introductions set for the main characters, Carl Denham and Ann Darrow, were amazing. Transitioning to the second part of the First Act, the journey on the Venture, every frame shone with enthralling photography and provided the main grounds for the imminent change in storyline. Just a single adjustment recommended, it could have been shortened for about 5-6 minutes, specifically not overlooking the upcoming length of the film.
The Second Act "The Skull Island". Here the adventure commenced, especially for those who admitted themselves for action/thrills. Attack of Skull Islanders, capture of Ann Darrow, preparations for a sacrifice, entrance of Kong, were all outstanding and spellbinding spectacles. But unlike most other adventure/action films, breaking apart the clutches of a successful edge-of-the-seat marvel epics, that has about 10 minutes of good action sequences and then smooth, dull 20-30 minutes of talking or other portions, King Kong stands apart. Movies have been given a remark, non-stop action, quite often before, but the title actually comes alive with King Kong. Mind-blowing scenes like Ann Darrow's capture, Head towards the Animals, conflict of Kong and Ann, struggle of humans above the tree bridge, Kong vs. T-Rexs and the fight in the ravine. As a viewer I had never seen anything like this before and don't expect to in the coming years for a long time. THIS is non-stop action.
The second part the Second Act begins with Ann's conviction of Kong's emotions and ends upon his capture. Brilliant direction and writing skills are profoundly showcased as emotions rise between a human and a beast. The full shots shown at his capture are tremendously impressive.
The Third and Final Act brings us back to New York City setting. The action is deftly captured as Kong creates mayhem across Times Square. And finally when his eyes fall upon challenging Jack Driscoll, the chase is massively hard to capture, but is captured by the prowess of Peter Jackson and his crew.
The last part leaves you speechless with Kong ascending Empire State Building and Kong's last stand upon the high crest, at the pinnacle of his ferocious rage, against 6 flying aircrafts, it just leaves you breathless. And the fantastic visual panorama around the building against the rising sun just leaves every frame prosperous. Two of the most cinematic, visual, epic shots to be ever witnessed on silver screen: when Kong attacks the planes.
And finally, the death of Kong. The most brilliant ending ever captured on film. The emotions compel every eye to drop saline. I could actually give a rating of 10 out of 10 rating only for that particular part. Overall it made me get up my seat and applaud for Peter Jackson and his lavish, exceptional, tremendous masterpiece KING KONG. So did the rest of the audience in my hall.
This film deserves a round of applause from audiences worldwide. For the low collections of the film I totally blame Universal's international publicity. In some countries people didn't even knew that there was a film called King Kong coming out until it was in theaters. They should have learned about publicity by taking a look at the brilliant publicity design by Disney and Pixar films. Having noting out in their films, except common story lines and techniques, Disney's first and foremost way of making a hit is publicity. As for I don't believe that Chronicles of Narnia had anything better than King Kong, but I found the advertisements of Narnia months after it was released in newspapers and magazines; whereas for King Kong the advertisements went quarter page to a column within 3 weeks. I was one of those who really believed King Kong would surpass the collection of Titanic within 4-5 months, as did every other critic. But I was taken aback when the collections stopped about 535 million worldwide. It was a disappointment that people did not went to see such marvelous piece of work. But for me it is one of the best films ever made in the film industry of Hollywood.
Peter Jackson, no matter what people say, keep it up. Naomi Watts, you are the most believing and beautiful person on screen. And Jack Black, you stunned me with your performance. And a special applause for Andy Serkis, playing Kong, hats off to you.
10 out of 10, indeed a deserving film, with nothing less than perfect.