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Peter Jackson does it again. 'King Kong' is a very full-on, but also heartfelt drama that succeeds in many ways. In the hands of Jackson, the visuals are, not surprisingly, superlative, both on the brutal and beautiful 'Skull Island' and in 1933 New York City. The heart of the film is the relationship between King Kong and Ann, played by Naomi Watts. There is wonderful chemistry between the beast and the beauty that continues to develop until the last fateful scene. The effects that bring Kong to life are astounding, each facial expression captured perfectly to give the creature emotion and personality. This is what makes the film so impressive.
The film does not go without its faults, though. Much of the middle part of the film involves Ann and other characters screaming and running away from large monsters, or large monsters battling eachother. However, Naomi Watts is very appealing, even when in situations that look dire, and the creatures are unbelievably realistic to make the battle sequences every bit worth it. There are also repetitive moments consisting of people being saved from an ill fate at the last minute by some dangerous force. This happens more than four times and, although occasionally exciting, starts to feel tired after the fourth time.
Nevertheless, the slow start and lengthy action sequences are made up for by a spectacular climax at the end, that is both tragic and beautiful. All actors give fine performances, and the film is well scripted, but it is the production team and director Peter Jackson who have made a truly special film. It is very, but it is also highly entertaining, visually magnificent and emotionally resolute.
