That's a big ape.

A couple of days ago, I watched King Kong (2005).

Many years ago, I saw the original 1933 version but to be honest, I remember very little of it. A few snippets here and there is all. Still, I got the impression that Peter Jackson did a pretty faithful retelling. Still, there are good and bad parts.

First the good. This is a very pretty film, even though it relies heavily on CGI. This is understandable considering Kong is a giant gorilla and he lives on an island full of forgotten creatures like dinosaurs. Not too many of those around, now are there? In fact, the CGI is better here than in many newer movies.

The actors are excellent for the most part, as are the props. A very slick portrayal of the early 1930's, no faults there. The movie is over three hours long, and it doesn't really ever get boring.

But there are problems. Some pretty big problems in fact. First up, Carl Denham. Denham is the character who drives the plot. The film maker who drags everyone else along on the expedition to Skull Island and the horrors that dwell there. The actor, Jack Black is unfortunately miscast. Black is a jovial guy, which suits half of Denhams personality, but the film really can't make up it's mind on whether he is a misguided but well-meaning or a villain. This becomes pretty jarring by the end of the film, as he again stares blankly at something while muttering his lines.

The biggest flaw however, is the pacing. For a three hour epic, it wastes a huge amount of time on drawn out scenes that serve little purpose being so long. Drawn out scene after drawn out scene showing the strange emotional relationship between Kong and Ann (the leading lady) become increasingly annoying as the movie draws to an end. Likewise, some of the action scenes are way too over the top. Sure, they need to bring the heat, but they don't just jump the shark, they throw the shark at you along with a few more for good measure.

All this sadly leads to nothing, as we all know the iconic scene where Kong climbs the Empire State Building and ultimately dies. The scene has become a meme, it's so famous. It has become a symbol of someone going berserk.

I mean, the original was filmed 72 years earlier. We all know how it has to end, and still they waste so much time trying to make an emotional impact it can never achieve.

Still, I don't hate it. I'll probably never watch it again, but I was sufficiently entertained the whole time. If you want a good bit of mindless entertainment, King Kong will do.

Until next time, have a wonderful week, and stay away from giant apes.