I’m still deeply fond of De Laurentiis’ King Kong now, no doubt in part because we’ll never see its likes again. Whatever the failings of its ape effects, they have a tangible quality that even Jackson’s great CGI work couldn’t fake.
Faithful in substantial degree not only to the letter but also the spirit of the 1933 classic for RKO, this $22 million-plus version neatly balances superb special effects with solid dramatic credibility.
80
The New YorkerPauline Kael
The New YorkerPauline Kael
The movie is a romantic adventure fantasy--colossal, silly, touching, a marvelous Classics Comics movie (and for the whole family).
De Laurentiis' Kong may not be a grand, glorious modernization of a classic tale, but it's two-plus hours of big-scale, occasionally-foolish entertainment.
60
EmpireKim Newman
EmpireKim Newman
The lamest of the three versions but the performances are bearable.
60
Time Out
Time Out
The results of this technological bonanza are pretty mixed.
50
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Reducing one of the most compelling cultural icons of the century to a comic book character, this $22 million project makes a passable kiddie show, and not much else.