If you had told me I'd see an incredible love story in the theaters this month, I'd have bet it would have involved two gay cowboys. Instead, last night I was emotionally moved by the love affair of a 25-foot ape and a blonde chick.
As long as you can get through the slow-paced first 45 minutes of the movie, the next two hours of King Kong are complete payoff. It's emotional, it's funny and it is action-packed like no other movie you'll see this holiday season.
The portrayal of Kong himself is masterful. When we first meet him, he is a ruthless beast; but we quickly see that this giant monster has all the heart and emotions we have. Upon meeting the blonde objet of his affection, he's confused and scared. When he loses her, he is beside himself with sadness and rage. He is jealous. He is hurt. And, of course, in the end, 'twas beauty that killed the beast.
What is particularly extraordinary about Kong and this relationship are the emotions of Ann Darrow (played by Naomi Watts). Despite Adrien Brody playing the love interest, it is the 25-foot ape that Darrow falls in love with. I felt the emotion and energy between the two. Their relationship came across the screen as beautiful and true. I felt for this beast and this woman what I had hoped to feel for Brokeback's gay cowboys. While Ang Lee is getting all the buzz, it is Peter Jackson who should be preparing to take home yet another Oscar.
FINAL ANALYSIS: From the relationship between woman and beast to the incredible special effects, this movie is one of the best I saw this year. 9 out of 10
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