Review of King Kong (2012) by Logan M — 19 Dec 2018

Bold, beautiful, epic and with a sweeping majesty Peter Jackson successfully (and faithfully) updates the 1933 B movie classic into a A+ fantasy epic. It features -naturally dazzling visuals that breath not just life but real soul into its main Primate as well as it's majestic locations of Skull Island and 1930s New York but also well rounded fleshed out characters, a grand sense of adventure and love of film and a believable and heart felt love story between beauty -and the beast.

Both New York and Skull Island locations are teeming with life and intricacy and nuance. Skull Island has a full eco system and is a character unto itself. The period detailing in New York is staggering. You'll forget (or completely miss) that it's all on a soundstage. The action sequences are beautifully coherent and filled with eye candy. Peter Jackson continuously uping the ante, his love for the original showing in every frame which pops with lavishly saturated primary hues for a beautifully filmic look. Topped with an exhilarating, romantic score and a leading lady who gets more to do than just scream (Ann Darrow's emotional investment is what helps us invest emotionally in the finale) fleshing out the character into a leading lady we can care about while each of the other character's get their own time to shine and convince us of each of their own motivations.

Then we get to Kong himself! Finally!! Andy Serkis' mo-cap performance and Weta's Digitial artistry combined have rendered our first living breathing Kong even 12 years on he still looks impressive and convincing in a range of emotions. To be sure it's a long film and the Extended Edition a VERY long film but it's time well spent. One of the most rewarding cinematic experiences to date. And the only time I've come away from a 3hr+ film craving more (not less). This is how you make an epic.