King Kong

So it's over long, and a little pretentious for an action flick, but ...

I'm big Rings fan, so I was really looking forward to the new Pete Jackson flick.  Apart from the problems with the second act, which was fairly tedious and unbelievable, the film was excellent, and I am almost ashamed to admit that I choked back a few tears as Kong went up the Empire State building and then let loose as he hurtled to the ground. 

The major problem with the film was the weak middle section, as it didn't really go anywhere except in establishing minor characters and showcasing CGI.  The relationship between the first mate, Hayes and Jimmy, ultimately didn't go anywhere and Jimmy himself disappeared along with the rest of the crew once they got back to New York.  The two most underwhelming scenes were those when the crew was being whittled down during the dinosaur chase and the insect attack, which were by turns long and boring and creepy and pointless.  I have to admit though that I loved the tri-Tyrannosaurus Rex tussle.

There is a large part of the film near the end when there is practically no dialogue, which worked surprisingly well, and the relationship between Kong and Ann Darrow is also very well done.  Kong himself is remarkable, the impotent rage in New York is great, as is the moment he and Ann find the river frozen.

Overall the film works on an emotional level better than any other because the relationship between Kong and Ann is believable and also because Kong himself is a great character, you don't want to see him shot down because he isn't bad, he's just in the wrong place for his temperament.  Left to his own devices he is as gentle as a 25' gorilla can be, but when provoked, which to be fair doesn't take much, he is an absolutely awesome creature.