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King Kong (2005)
****1/2
Excellent epic eco-adventure set in the Depression-hit
US of the 30s. Ambitious, desperate film-maker Carl Denham (Jack Black) deceitfully
hires a ship to film on the notorious Skull Island. On board are the refined
actor Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), a desperate wannabe actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) and an increasingly wary crew. On
reaching the island, they find it aptly named with primitive savages, giant creepy crawlies and a huge ape–like monster. The savages offer the captured Ann to King Kong who, through her acting skills in
part, forms a touching friendship with the monster – though he’s not so friendly to the others as they try to
rescue her!
Eventually amidst some breathtaking action sequences, Ann is rescued and the few survivors escape the island. But that’s not the end of the story – Denham then returns to the island
to capture the beast in a plan to parade and exploit him as a freak show in New York theatres.
King Kong though wreaks havoc on the opening night and escapes resulting in the famous climactic scene at the top of
the Empire State Building.
King Kong is an excellent film with enough action for those just wanting special effects and
a good, thought-provoking story and historical context for those wanting more. Watts,
Black and Brody are all excellent with the latter two showing a versatility to their acting in roles markedly different from
those I’ve previously seen them in. An exceptional, intelligent blockbuster.
Released: 2005
Seen by me: 30.12.05 (with Naomi & Maggie)
Knight’s
Tale, A
***1/2
Entertaining, slightly hammed-up adventure starring Heath Ledger as a jousting knight
who rises to the top of his sport in the medieval world despite having to lie about his background as he’s not of noble
creed. A Knight’s Tale has a particularly excellent support cast comprising
the knight’s back-up team which includes Paul Bettany (as Geoffrey Chaucer), Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk. A clever and entertaining comedy.
Released – 2001
Seen by me:
16.7.04 (with Naomi)
Kung Fu Panda
****1/2
DreamWorks animation set in China about a lardy panda who is selected as the “chosen
one” to defend the village from an escaped prisoner with his martial arts. A
bizarre mistake surely or is it the panda’s destiny?
Kung Fu Panda is an excellent adventure with a good range of
strong character but not an outstanding icon who (over)dominates. It also successfully
includes elements of Eastern philosophy without being patronising whilst also maintaining a more Western sense of humour.
The voices are provided by Hollywood
heavyweights such as Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan whilst the animation appears to deliberately
be a bit dull and grainy compared to the bright in-your-face artwork of most other modern cartoon features. All very effective in contributing towards a highly entertaining film which is recommended for children
and adults.
Seen by me: 17.7.08 (with Naomi)
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