King Kong

Starring: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher, Sam Hardy, Noble Johnson
Directed by: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction
1933

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A film crew goes to an uncharted island, where they find a giant ape.

Review:

Tim: 1933's King Kong remains one of the greatest movies of all time. For the time period in which it was released, it's a stunning technical achievement. Even today, over 80 years later, there is something remarkably watchable about the film. There's a sense of danger, of fear that is often missing from films today. I can easily say that I loved this film and marvel at its influence and its staying power.

There have been many Kong movies since the original, but none have been able to touch this film in terms of quality. While the visual effects are dated by today's standards, they don't detract from the viewing experience. Just by putting yourself in the 1933 audience's seats, you can imagine the visual wonder of this film. It's spellbinding, to see enormous creatures vividly depicted on screen. With just a little imagination and suspension of disbelief, it's remarkable what the viewing experience is like. Technically, the film is a wonder. Kong and all the other creatures look incredible. The movie relied on many tricks and techniques to pull off the visuals, but they work. The movie sucks you into this mythical location and you have great fun going on this deadly, exciting adventure. I loved the scale and scope of the film. It feels like there's so much here. You have the long ocean voyage, finding the mysterious island and the dangerous native tribe. You have the mysterious giant wall, King Kong, a stegosaurus, brontosaurus, a Tyrannosaurus, a snake-like creature, a pteranodon, and more. And then, you have the climax of Kong in New York and the famous scene atop the Empire State Building. Truly, this is a visual feast and there's no shortage of iconic, unforgettable scenes.

Now, you do have to go along with the acting techniques in this film. While the cast is good, they are given to overacting. Fay Wray makes a good leading lady, but she does scream way too much. It's a bit annoying, but it also fits the film and the period in which this was made. The other cast members are fine, but I didn't think there were any truly outstanding standouts. The cast works, though- they contribute to the film and give you enough of a reason to care.

While movies like this had been done before, nothing quite like King Kong had ever been produced. It's a massive, entertaining, landmark film. I love watching it, as I get sucked into the story. The visual effects are stunning for the time and still hold up more than expected today. This isn't just one of the best films of 1933, it's one of the best films of that decade and one of the best films of all time.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Son of Kong