Peter Jackson directs Naomi Watts, Jack Black and Adrien Brody in this epic, cutting edge yet nostalgic remake of the classic where a greedy film producer sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they capture an unusually large ape.

The pinnacle of digital cinematic world building. The terrifying “Bad Taste” natives. Kong’s arrival. Dinosaur chases and fights. The valley of killer insects. The middle hour of this unabashed love letter is some of the finest and edgiest big budget spectacle monster mash extravaganza ever committed to celluloid. Sexy, dangerous, gripping. None of the cast would be my first or second casting choice but Jack Black probably gives his best (read: least annoying) performance here. The issue is indulgence. The first act is decent but could be tighter. The expansion of that famous New York finale though is gruelling. By elongating the runtime we really are watching the drawn out death throes of a magnificent beast we care about. It goes from tragedy to torture. And that ain’t popcorn, Jackson. Goes from being indisputably sublime to leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Sad face. Something so brilliant, fumbled by hubris.

8

Perfect Double Bill: Kong Is Enough!

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