King Kong
by John Guillermin
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Charles Grodin, Jeff Bridges, Jessica Lange, John Randolph, Rene AuberjonoisDirector: John Guillermin
Brand: Paramount
Producer: Christian Ferry
Producer: Dino De Laurentiis
Writer: Edgar Wallace
Writer: James Ashmore Creelman
Writer: Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Writer: Merian C. Cooper
Writer: Ruth Rose
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 134 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-11-22
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Paramount
Movie Reviews of King Kong
Movie Review: High adventure and... Jessica Lange
Summary: 4 Stars
The first time I saw this '76 version of "King Kong" (in the 80s) I was very disappointed that the numerous dinosaurs contained in the original were no where to be found; and the giant snake just didn't cut it. One of the best features of the original is the thrilling Skull Island sequences with numerous dinosaurs; these sequences hit you one right after another -- BAM, BAM, BAM! The Skull Island part on this '76 version is lethargic by comparison (I'm talking about AFTER Kong appears and kidnaps Dwan).
I saw it again back in the mid-90s and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the film. You gotta respect the fact that the filmmakers went for something different than the original. It's like they said, "Dinosaurs? We don't need no stinkin' dinosaurs!" What they went for, instead, was to highlight Kong's human-ness and how awestruck he was by Dwan's beauty.
For instance, Kong walks more like a human than an ape. Apparently Rick Baker, the man in the Kong suit, wanted to walk like an ape but wasn't allowed. This is fitting because, again, the film attempts to emphasize Kong's human-ness.
As far as comparisons to the original film and the 2005 version, if we're honest about it this '76 version, albeit flawed, is better or just as good in many areas. Although the original is a masterpiece considering its era, let's face it, it has quite a few obvious flaws aside from its datedness, e.g. Jack's premature declaration of love for Ann, the blandness of the characters (except Fay), the natives' kidnapping of Ann (Why sure!) and the goofy appearance of Kong himself (all the dinosaurs look great but they couldn't come up with a better, more authentic look for the film's star monster, even though they had apes in zoos to compare with?). As for the 2005 version, it's a fun film but seriously marred by cartooney overkill. It plays out like a Road Runner cartoon more than anything else. It's just impossible to suspend disbelief while watching it.
So what's so good about this '76 version?
WHAT WORKS:
- The film has a serious vibe of high adventure. The ship scenes and the initial island sequences with the tribal people are all great. Take, for instance, when they discover the great wall, ominous music and all.
- The score by John Barry is exceptional.
- The three main characters are both memorable and likable -- Jack (Jeff Bridges), Dwan (Jessica Lange) and Fred Wilson (Charles Grodin). Bridges in particular makes a distinctive long-haired protagonist. This wasn't the case in the original. Although Fay Wray was fine, the two male leads are bland and forgettable. Even though Fred (Grodin) is a greedy opportunist in this '76 version he's still kinda likable. For instance, he could have kept Jack locked up the entire trip but chooses to give him a job instead. Also, he could have tried to hog all the profits from Kong's capture but shares the 'success' with others, including Dwan and Jack (even though Jack ultimately declines).
- Of all three films, Jessica Lange is the best in the Ann Darrow-Dwan role and, by far, the most beautiful. As a matter of fact, the film's worth watching just to catch Jessica in her curvey physical prime. The scenes of her after their initial arrival to the mysterious island are unforgettable! Lange is dressed in skimpy jean shorts and a striped billy shirt and, guys, you just have to see her -- she's incredible! Check out the feminine muscle tone on her legs! No wonder Kong became fascinated with her.
- The Kaua'i, Hawaii, locations are magificent! The other two versions don't hold a candle to these breathtaking locations, including Jackson's cartooney CGI jungles.
- Kong looks best in this version. Yes, it's just a guy in an ape suit but it works. His facial expressions are great. Kong looks so much better in this version compared to the original that there really is no comparison. Of course, Kong looks great in the 2005 remake as well, but Jackson basically just made Kong out to be a gargantuan gorilla. By contrast, in the original and '76 version Kong is a huge ape with human qualities. I prefer the huge human-like ape over the (mere) giant gorilla.
- This version is more adult-oriented and believable. Skull Island is a mysterious island with large animals but no dinosaurs. This makes more sense. The thilling dino-scenes have been omitted in favor of sequences of a more dramatic nature. I prefer the thrilling dino-encounters but have to respect the risk-taking originality and believability of this version.
- This is the only version that shows Kong being transported from the island to the U.S.A. Quite a bit of runtime is devoted to it, in fact.
- The World Trade Center (RIP) is featured and the ending is pretty gorey; you can't help but sympathize with Kong.
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
- The giant ape hand/arm gets the job done but that's about it. It's used too often and moves too slow.
- Likewise, the giant snake is okay but that's about it. This sequence required a thrilling battle between two colossal creatures and what we get is pretty weak and forgettable.
- The studio sets for the island look fake; they're not much better than the sets seen on the original Star Trek tv series. They should have stayed with the great Kaua'i locations instead of lame studio sets.
- The footage of the 40-foot mechanical ape prop shown in the last act for about 4 seconds should have been left on the cutting room floor. It's horrible.
Some have criticized that this version is campy but, really, the only remotely campy aspect is the Charles Grodin character. Besides, is he all THAT campy? I've met people like him in real life (take, for instance, when he steps out of the boat on the island to the vainglory of the camera's eye -- it rings true).
Aside from Jessica Lange, what I like most about this film is its spirit of high adventure. If you're in the mood for serious high adventure you can't go wrong with this version of "King Kong."
GRADE: B+ (I'm in a generous mood, but it's at least a B or B-)
Summary of King Kong
The Big Apple is again besieged by the monstrous King Kong. Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange star in this ambitious remake of the 1933 original, which adds a great deal of camp and good fun to the story, Again, the gargantuan ape battles attacking aircraft high above the streets of New York, this time plunging from the top of the World Trade Center to his death amidst thousands of horrified onlookers. King Kong won an Oscar for special effects, and the horror and the thrills are brought anew to another generation in this classy production.Before John Hughes claimed the mantle of Hollywood's antichrist, that title was firmly held by producer Dino De Laurentiis, whose middle name may have been "hubris." He vowed that this remake of the 1933 horror classic would be a bigger hit than Jaws and that his Kong would be more sympathetic than the shark. But for all the money he spent on trying to make this monkey look real, the biggest special effect was making Jeff Bridges look like a monkey--and nearly destroying Jessica Lange's acting career before it started. The film was noteworthy mostly for how cheesy the ape looks, though this was one of the first films to be shot at the then-new World Trade Center. Even Charles Grodin, as the villainous promoter, can't get laughs in this idiotic film. --Marshall Fine
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