King Kong (2005)

84% of critics liked it
(257 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(32,176,971 ratings)

One of the greatest adventure stories in Hollywood history gets a new interpretation in this action drama from Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson. In the early 1930s, Carl Denham (Jack Black) is a daring filmmaker and adventurer who has gained a reputation for his pictures documenting… More One of the greatest adventure stories in Hollywood history gets a new interpretation in this action drama from Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson. In the early 1930s, Carl Denham (Jack Black) is a daring filmmaker and adventurer who has gained a reputation for his pictures documenting wildlife in remote and dangerous jungle lands; despite the objections of his backers, Denham plans to film his next project aboard an ocean vessel en route to Skull Island, an uncharted island he discovered on a rare map. Correctly assuming his cast and crew would be wary of such a journey, Denham has told them they're traveling to Singapore, but before they set sail, his leading lady drops out of the project. Needing a beautiful actress willing to take a risk, Denham finds Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts), a beautiful but down-on-her-luck vaudeville performer, and offers her the role; cautious but eager to work, Darrow takes the role, and onboard the ship she strikes up a romance with Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), a respected playwright hired by Denham to write the script for his latest epic.When Denham and company arrive on Skull Island, the natives react with savage violence, but they happen to be the least of their worries. Skull Island is a sanctuary for prehistoric life, and lording it over the dinosaurs and other giant beasts is Kong, a 25-foot-tall gorilla who can outfight any creature on Earth. The natives kidnap Darrow, giving her to Kong as an offering to appease the giant beast; Denham and his men set out to find her, with Driscoll bravely determined to save the woman he loves. Eventually, Driscoll finds Darrow and Denham outwits Kong, intending to take the giant ape back to New York for display. But Kong has bonded with Darrow, and his attraction to her proves to be his undoing. Andy Serkis, who provided the body movements for Gollum in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings pictures, performed similar duties on King Kong, studying gorillas so he could mimic their actions, which were then used as the basis for the special-effects crew's digital animation of the great ape. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 3 hr. 7 min.
Directed By: Peter Jackson
Written By: Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh
Genres: Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Dec 14, 2005 Wide
On DVD: Mar 28, 2006
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
It clocks in at over three hours, but Peter Jackson's remake of the 1933 classic is gripping nonetheless.
Bob Mondello, NPR.org
It takes a while to get everybody to Skull Island, about 70 minutes, but it's time extremely well-spent.
David Ansen, Newsweek
Kong is a showy, state-of-the-art popcorn movie, faithful to the spirit of the 1933 original but generously adrenalized with the best effects money can buy.
, TIME Magazine
Our response to the ape's doom, once touched by authentic tragedy, is now marked by relief that this wretchedly excessive movie is finally over.
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
Kong has heart, and he's willing to show it in a movie made with wit, excitement and moments of visionary beauty.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
Jackson took a huge risk with King Kong. But the movie that no film lover wanted him to make is sure to become the blockbuster that everyone is going to want to see, and with good reason.
, Film4
As it is a remake, it doesn't have the shock Lord Of The Rings possessed upon its release, but this is a beautiful beast of a B-movie, thrilling and touching.
Jay Antani, Cinema Writer
The movie is a good cautionary example of what happens when its maker is too close to the material, who can't see the forest for the trees, the story for the ape.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Fails to match the simple, handmade artistry of the original
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed
With great computer imagery, a fun story, amazing action, and wonderful human drama, it's a very good remake. But Kong 1933 is still King, baby.
Steve Biodrowski, ESplatter
Peter Jackson's remake of the 1933 classic is a loving homage that recreates and updates many of the familiar sequences... Unfortunately, the recreation leaves one wondering what, exactly, the point of the film is, other than indulging the director...
Brian Marder, Hollywood.com
Every now and then, an undertaking like Kong comes around, and it underscores the truly extraordinary accomplishment of directing a film.
Michelle Alexandria, Eclipse Magazine
Kong is not without its flaws, but sometimes you just have to throw your hands up in the air, wave them like you just don't care, scream at the top of your lungs and just go with the rollercoaster ride, that's what this film is.
Cynthia Fuchs, Common Sense Media
Boisterous, spectacular remake of 1933 classic.
Brandon Fibbs, BrandonFibbs.com
Overlong by half, hedonistically animated and decadently self-indulgent King Kong is beastly to be sure, but there is little beauty here.
Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
A bit more time in the editing room could've lifted it into great blockbuster territory. instead we've got a sporadically entertaining escapade that never captures our hearts like it so desperately wants too.
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
I wish Jackson would shake off his addiction to gigantism, his apparent need to punch everything up three times as much as it needs to be.
Joe Lozito, Big Picture Big Sound
Mr. Jackson not only improves on the original, he somehow seems to create the film that King Kong was always meant to be.
Anton Bitel, Eye for Film
funny, frightening, romantic, nostalgic, moving and grimly fatalistic, it races along, like its central character, with a speed and grace that utterly belies its great size.
Kevin Lally, Film Journal International
A phenomenal popcorn movie that eclipses the original in several respects, but inevitably owes a huge debt to the powerful imagery and innovation of the 1930s landmark.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Mike S

Awesome special effects, brilliant story and one of my favourite adventure movies of all time. This is so much more than a mere monster flick. It's a visual extravaganza that also happens to be really captivating and well-written (which isn't exactly a common thing within… More
Awesome special effects, brilliant story and one of my favourite adventure movies of all time. This is so much more than a mere monster flick. It's a visual extravaganza that also happens to be really captivating and well-written (which isn't exactly a common thing within the genre). So if this is the <i>Jurassic Park</i> of the 21th century, Peter Jackson must surely be the new Spielberg. Or rather to say, in the same extraordinary league.
Sam r

I remember seeing adverts for this film,and that it was directed by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings), and that I was really excited to see it.After watching King Kong, I was truly shocked of how it was even better than what the adverts had shown. Almost everyone knows the story of… More
I remember seeing adverts for this film,and that it was directed by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings), and that I was really excited to see it.After watching King Kong, I was truly shocked of how it was even better than what the adverts had shown. Almost everyone knows the story of King Kong,but this brings back to infamous tale of a 25 foot gorilla back to life, new and improved. The cast involved were great choices, with Naomi Watts and Jack Driscoll as the lovers of the film.Along with Jack Black as the joker/filmmaker. However, Andy Serkis is the real focus, who plays as the cook (along with suffering the most disturbing death)and the motion capture for the savage beast called Kong. There are only two criticisms with the film. One, it is almost 3 hours long, meaning that people can easily get bored of watching it. Secondly, the infamous Insect pit is very intense and may most likely disturb children or those not comfortable with bugs. Overall, with mind blowing visuals, King Kong is by far Peter Jackson's best film and is almost essential for film fans.
Candy R

Modern remake of King Kong classic movie. Film makers come to a remote island where they meet King Kong.
Michael M

This remake may be one of the best ever. It's not another creature feature. Peter Jackson shows more respect to the original classic then any other remake of any other movie. It is as if he simply took the original and updated it with some of the most beautifully done digital… More
This remake may be one of the best ever. It's not another creature feature. Peter Jackson shows more respect to the original classic then any other remake of any other movie. It is as if he simply took the original and updated it with some of the most beautifully done digital effects.
xGary X

A film crew travel to a remote, lost island to make an adventure movie only to find it contains a lost world inhabited by dinosaurs and a huge gorilla like creature worshipped by the local tribe. Remakes are invariably a bad idea, and remaking a classic doubly so. In fact the only… More
A film crew travel to a remote, lost island to make an adventure movie only to find it contains a lost world inhabited by dinosaurs and a huge gorilla like creature worshipped by the local tribe. Remakes are invariably a bad idea, and remaking a classic doubly so. In fact the only reason I even bothered with this was the fact that Peter Jackson was at the helm, and I have to say, he did not disappoint. Sticking closely to the original story, this felt more like an affectionate and knowing update than anything else, even taking time out to mock some of the more dubious gender and racial politics of the original. As a whole, it has elements of Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and even Titanic, and Jackson handles all these ingredients with consummate skill, creating a fantastically entertaining old school matinee style romantic adventure. The only real bone of contention (aside from the film's rather unnecessary running time) is the fact that Jackson gets far too carried away during what I assume was intended to be the show piece of the film; namely the lost world section. Given the keys to the toyshop, he loses all sense of restraint and subtlety goes flying out the window. It's clearly not enough to have a herd of brontosaurus. No, it has to be a stampeding herd, chased by raptors off a cliff in the middle of a gun battle. And a poxy ONE Tyrannosaurus Rex fighting a giant ape?? Hell no! Let's have three, all fighting at once, falling off a mountainside! This means that the sequences go way beyond spectacle and into the realm of the absurd. Still, despite some of the green screening being a little obvious, it's a great looking film with a vibrant use of colour and the Kong effects still work brilliantly; he feels more like an actual character than a special effect. I also have to say the unspoken relationship of a girl and her CG ape has far more pathos than a hundred rom coms and as a whole, it works really well.
Phil H

Big name, big film, three hours and twenty minutes to be precise phew! just completed the extended version of this remake (Jackson likes em big huh) and I must admit I did enjoy the film from start to finish. The original of course is still the real king if we are honest about it but… More
Big name, big film, three hours and twenty minutes to be precise phew! just completed the extended version of this remake (Jackson likes em big huh) and I must admit I did enjoy the film from start to finish. The original of course is still the real king if we are honest about it but Jackson certainly goes for broke here and does come up trumps with a rollicking boys own adventure full of everything you could need for excitement. This new version reminded me of many classic old monster flicks like 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth' and 'Clash of the Titans' rolled into one, everything from swamps beasties to giant bats to giant leech things manage to devour the hapless seafarers on their adventure into the unknown. Of course cgi is in extremely heavy use for this film with many creatures looking really good yet some maybe not so, sequences involving the cast amongst dinosaurs do tend to come off rather badly and obvious considering it was only made in 05, not just the creatures though as allot of vistas and scenes with cast in the foreground did look very fake from time to time with clear use of bluescreen. Not quite up to the standards of Spielberg and his 'Jurassic Park' or recent monster flicks but this is easily forgiven as the film is such a fun ride. Starting in New York, with some of the best cgi of the film for sure, the film is grand in presentation and alive with colour and activity as 30's NY is amazingly reconstructed perfectly. We meet the cast and slowly get to known them alittle bit at a time which is unusual for a blockbuster frankly plus this makes up much of the three hour film time. To be honest all cast members are just about fine for their roles accept Jack Black who for me just isn't the right kind of actor for this type of film, he looked the part but came across as restrained and uncomfortable as he's more used to basically being unpredictably insane. Brody also didn't really impress me here with his odd mop of straightened hair and dull awkward performance, hardly a leading man in looks and not really overly effective as an action man either, bad choice in my opinion where as the original choice of Clooney I think would have fitted the bill and era much better. The effects of course are the main talking point of the film with a mammoth amount of cgi being used and for the most part its all good. New York is a gem when viewed on Bluray, the sea sequences are decent but atad shaky here and there much like the dinosaurs but of course the main attraction is Kong himself who looks spot on and impressively fierce. Must admit I did keep thinking of 'Mighty Joe Young' whenever I saw him haha but Kong does look the business for sure, sequences where he fights the V Rex's are simply brilliant stuff and do the original proud by also managing to recreate move for move most of the old film. Easily the best monster mash moments involve Kong fighting and roaring, motion capture is finely tuned to make Kong appear as a real gorilla should, his hair is dark and straight, hands and body move as they should in reality, his huffing and puffing is wonderfully done and most impressively they manage to give Kong a soul, a sparkle from within that makes you care for him, you want him to survive with his damsel and seeing him play with 'Darrow' as they build their friendship you really begin to love the big guy, more than you think you could ever do with a computer generated character. The finale as we know would be impressive and it is right from the get go, Kong atop the Empire State Building is an awesome sight, it just looks damn good, the cam angles used as the bi-planes swarm around and swoop past make you feel the speed and do cause tension combining the height involved and the ever knowing outcome. I must admit I was sweating a touch as Kong leaps from his tiny perch so high up, at the same time you so want him to live and not get killed, the final moment with Darrow in the end is poignant as the score swells and what we all know happens, many kudos to the team for bringing so much to life in these moments. There really is so much you could say about this film as so much happens and with tonnes of visual flare and panache. Its not totally perfect of course but to be honest the little problems tend to add to the charm of the film. The always handy monster chow that never seems to deplete....in the form of the scurvy sailors haha there's always one or two sailors around to be eaten by the latest monster to rear its head or if not eaten then get hurled against a huge rock, crushed underfoot or thrown into a deep ravine haha just like the films of old. As said the sequences with cast in the same shot as cgi elements can be dodgy, the Brontosaurus rampage is particularly iffy looking if truth be told. Must add that some of the action sequences do get abit beyond the realms of acceptance if that's possible hehe the way Kong fights the Dino's and hurls Darrow around in his hands and feet is abit too crazy really, surely she would have been killed of a heart attack or broken limbs by the end of it hehe. Could nitpick but I won't as the film is a highly enjoyable Indy, Harryhausen safari type romp with everything you could need for pure 100% escapism and adventure, the only thing missing is an erupting volcano.
Jeff "

King Kong is a terrific remake of the 1933 horror film of the same name. With this remake however, Peter Jackson makes King Kong more of an action drama film than a monster/horror film that the 1933 classic film was. Peter Jackson's remake is a good looking picture that keeps the… More
King Kong is a terrific remake of the 1933 horror film of the same name. With this remake however, Peter Jackson makes King Kong more of an action drama film than a monster/horror film that the 1933 classic film was. Peter Jackson's remake is a good looking picture that keeps the essence of the horror classic, but reworks it to make more thrilling and exciting as the original. Peter Jackson's King Kong is a well crafted remake that successfully comes across as a good film to watch. This film has surprising names attached to it, Jack Black, who I despise delivers a great performance here as Carl Denham, the filmmaker searching for Skull Island. Naomi Watts is really well suited for the classic damsel in distress role of Ann Darrow. Like I said before, this remake is more action oriented this time around, with little emphasis on horror elements like in the 1933 classic. This envisioned film is a wonderful film, but there are a few flaws as well. One being that its too long, and the other it has too much drama going on, I mean there's nothing wrong with the drama, but not when its used for over 85% of the film. I felt they went overboard a bit with the drama. While the original had the perfect balance of thrills and drama, this remake seems try to outdo the original by doing just that. Making the story overly dramatic can't make it boring, and at times this film is most certainly that. But luckily there are plenty of high points as well. Peter Jackson's remake is a terrific film and it has plenty of great performances, but the length of the film could have slightly trimmed down. If they emphasized a bit less on dramatic elements, I think this could have been a shorter film. But for what it is, it's a thrilling film that will deliver the thrills the viewer expects.
Jacob E

I know plenty of people who hate this film. A lot. Friends that might punch me in the face for giving this more than one star. So, why did I give it 4? Because I thought it was a fun homage to the original King Kong. Seriously, if you're a fan of the 1933 version, give this one… More
I know plenty of people who hate this film. A lot. Friends that might punch me in the face for giving this more than one star. So, why did I give it 4? Because I thought it was a fun homage to the original King Kong. Seriously, if you're a fan of the 1933 version, give this one at least one viewing. Even if you don't like the overall package, all the little references and homages to the original are fun to watch for. The special effects are a highlight here, Kong is incredibly expressive (and ironically enough) the most human (or enjoyable character) on screen. The rest of the actors do pretty good jobs (Naomi does just fine, building an almost genuine bond with Kong), but why is Jack Black in this? WHY? But the biggest complaint people have with this one is the length of 3 hours and 8 minutes. This is the most credible flaw in the whole film. It is too long considering the material. But I still recommend this one. It's a fun time. Long, but fun. And you could do much MUCH worse (Transformers 2 is 2 and a half hours long and it still felt longer than this did) when it comes to blockbuster action films.
Raymond W

King Kong showcases some of the most visually spectacular CGI I've seen, and has some great performances, but it's sporadic action segments, daydreaming calmer sections and sprawling length make it hard to follow and a bit of a bore.
Alexander D

KING KONG could have certainly been better (and shorter--I'll give that outrage to Peter Jackson, since he also directed THE LORD OF THE RINGS).
Brad W

Peter Jacksons King Kong is an incredible remake. Ann Dorrow (Naomi Watts) is a beautiful woman who wants to be an actress. Carl Denhem is a movie director looking for the next big thing, and she is the right person for it. He puts her, a crew, and a Male star named Jack Driscoll… More
Peter Jacksons King Kong is an incredible remake. Ann Dorrow (Naomi Watts) is a beautiful woman who wants to be an actress. Carl Denhem is a movie director looking for the next big thing, and she is the right person for it. He puts her, a crew, and a Male star named Jack Driscoll on a boat heading for an island, but a storm sends them to a mysterious place known as Skull island. There many derranged natives capture these men and prepare to feed Ann to there beast. The beast turns out to be a giant ape, and takes her to deep in the jungle and falls in love with the woman, and fights for her, and in return she grows to car for the beast. The crew and espically Jack want to save, and must pay many deaths to get to her. But when they get to her in time, will they be able to get her away from the mother of all monsters. The movie was underrated by viewers, they didnt understand what an incredible epic this was, and had a short attention span. The effects are tremendous, the story is prestigous, and the acting (even if not Oscar worthy) is great. Peter Jackson has a way of making a old tale incredible again. This movie amazing, and one of the greatest remakes I can think of.
Melvin W

Carl Denham: Ladies and Gentlemen... I give you... KONG! THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD! King Kong is just about as epic as movies can come. Peter Jackson did an amazing job with this remake. The movie is extremely long and for a lot of people that is a problem. Not for me, I love… More
Carl Denham: Ladies and Gentlemen... I give you... KONG! THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD! King Kong is just about as epic as movies can come. Peter Jackson did an amazing job with this remake. The movie is extremely long and for a lot of people that is a problem. Not for me, I love long movies. If they are good that is, and this one is great. I love everything about, even the first hour which a lot of people complain about also. Some things are worth being patient for and the last two hours of this movie are definitely among them. Once Kong hits the screen it's two hours of non-stop action and brilliant effects. Endless creature battles, with one of the most epic battles ever; Kong vs. T-Rex. Kong looks absolutely amazing. Every detail of him is flawless. The cast is very good too. I really enjoyed Jack Black and Adrien Brody in this movie and I always love Naomi Watts. The movie looks spectacular and ultimately is a really cool, fun, and entertaining ride. Well worth the three hour running time.
Bethany M

Awesome film. Never really been into this sort of stuff, but I watched this and took back my judgement on 'action' type films. Truly astounding. Jack Black is never anything but amazing and his acting gets better and better everytime I see him in a film.
Matt G

One of the best films ever made.
Drake T

KK's success rides on one thing, if you're convinced with the CGI monkey's acting. If yes? It's a fairly solid film. If no? You'll probably hate it. Considering the film's "silly" premise and the fact that it's a remake; this is far from a… More
KK's success rides on one thing, if you're convinced with the CGI monkey's acting. If yes? It's a fairly solid film. If no? You'll probably hate it. Considering the film's "silly" premise and the fact that it's a remake; this is far from a failure. It has all the necessary action, thrills, and laughs with adequate emotion to place on. The art direction is gritty, yet fantastical. If there's one complaint it's the ridiculously overplayed ending and the fact that the entire supporting cast is thrown out the window by the final act.
Kristijonas F

This is Peter Jackson's baby; his dream project. You can just tell the love and affection he put forth for this film... this new, bigger, badder King Kong just drips with rabid fan-boy loyalty.
Marc L

If you can ignore how long this movie is, you will quickly realize how it is possibly one of the greatest films of all time. Maybe not as good as the original, which I admit I have not seen, but pretty darn good. The only negative I can think of is that it's so darn long. In… More
If you can ignore how long this movie is, you will quickly realize how it is possibly one of the greatest films of all time. Maybe not as good as the original, which I admit I have not seen, but pretty darn good. The only negative I can think of is that it's so darn long. In the 1st hour of the movie, it seems like more of a romantic comedy. This might turn off most people with good taste in movies, but I guarantee it get's better. But be aware of the longevity before you see it. The acting was phenomanal. Some people were angry with Jack Black's preformance as Carl Denham, but I actually quite liked it. It was realistic, deep, and sometimes even emotional. Naomi Watts, after seeing this movie, is a recent addition to my greatest actresses of all time. She did a fantatsic, deep job as Ann Darrow. Adrien Brody was fantastic too. Definatley the right choice for Jack. Of course, the special affects were amazing. Kong was as realistic as it get's, and I heard it took years to get his appearence right. Thumbs up to Peter Jackson on Kong The relationship between Kong and Ann, which was weird and uncomfortable in the 1970's remake, is actually emotional in this one. They obviously aren;t in love with each other (That would be disturbing), but they are good friends, and we care when Kong is killed at the end. The fight scene between the V-Rex and Kong was great, one of the best out there. Better than anything Michael bay did in Transformers. Overrall, this is quite possibly the greatest remake ever. I reccomend it ONLY to very, very patient movie watchers.
Kase V

A solid remake, even though it is very long and contains some pacing issues. Great visuals, acting, and of course, direction. Peter Jackson might just be showing off here.
Conner R

With all of its tiny little flaws and minor pacing issues, Peter Jackson's epic vision here is a true king among remakes. It completely expands and glorifies all of the things that made the original so captivating. Being that Peter Jackson is a complete nerd for King Kong trivia… More
With all of its tiny little flaws and minor pacing issues, Peter Jackson's epic vision here is a true king among remakes. It completely expands and glorifies all of the things that made the original so captivating. Being that Peter Jackson is a complete nerd for King Kong trivia only helps, all the inside jokes and homages are really fun to see played out. Where the original was all about being a fast paced monster movie, this is about being an epicly constructed action/adventure movie and also an extremely well thought out period piece at the same time. It still retains that element of the "monster movie" era, but in the best way possible. You have all the excitement and build up, but no goofy effects and disappointments. A lot of the credibility is due to the cast. Adrien Brody and Naomi Watts are especially good and make the idea of a 50ft tall Gorilla a realistic character. While I don't necessarily believe that the pacing in the beginning works, there's almost too much exposition, the core story is so well developed that it doesn't matter. Especially from coming right off of Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson's remake is about as good as they come.
Albert K

A movie that reaches for epic measures but falters due to poor pacing and a weak emotional connection to the characters. However, it has spectacular visuals