I would compare the experience of seeing King Kong in the movie theater to the first time I set eyes on Star Wars or Raiders of the Lost Ark. I felt like I was 9 years old again. It is truly one of the best movies I have ever seen. Peter Jackson has created a film that really breaks all the barriers and is sure to influence future directors for years to come. The story has been changed slightly, for the better, from the first two versions and there has been a lot more action added as well. Taking advantage of modern special effects, Jackson held nothing back. There are many moments in this movie when you will be startled, frightened, on the edge of your seat - and this is before you even see the gigantic kong himself. If you like dinosaurs, be prepared to see a good deal of several species in action as they chase the cast members through the fantasy world of skull island. My favorite were the incredibly fast raptors.I believe the movie also captured for the first time why Kong is so fascinated with the beautiful young actress. When you see her try to entertain him and become his friend you realize that this is all he ever wanted in the first place. She fills a void in his heart for companionship, understanding and acceptance. While she was at first just trying to save her life and escape she ends up creating a bond with Kong. Many critics have made claims that the movie is entirely too long and tends to drag in the beginning. I didn't think this was the case at all. I am a big fan of long movies. After all, if you're going to shell out the high cost of movie tickets today - why not get more bang for your buck? Not to mention, it takes this long to fit in all of the wonderful character building and then the great action packed adventure scenes.
I also believe that finally - the ape looks real! It's been something that has not really been achieved in movies which to me is why giant ape movies don't always seem to go over to well. I loved Mighty Joe Young, but even that ape looked a little weird in the face. King Kong in this movie is spectacular. There was never a moment in the movie where I thought the ape didn't look every bit as realistic as a profile of Adrian Brody's nose.One of the other things that impressed me in King Kong was the attention to detail when it came to capturing the sights and sounds of the 1930's. Look at Times Square in New York toward the end of the film and you see, not just the automobiles from the past, but ads for products that were popular in that decade on billboards and signs, the style of the suits, the uniforms of the national guardsman and of course the bi-planes that fly around the Empire State Building were really very realistic. This movie is just a fun experience for all ages and to truly appreciate it you should see it in the theater.