User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1116 Ratings

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  1. Wongit
    Dec 14, 2005
    9
    Simply astonishing. this movie is amazing. great visual effects great everyhting, i was dazzled by this film.
  2. Aaron
    Dec 14, 2005
    9
    Sensational entertainment. Jackson really outdid himself here. I think it's one of the rare times the remake betters the original film, seriously. Yes, the film does have its flaws. A little trimming here and there would have helped immensly, but why quibble when a film is this entertaining. Jackson's love for the original film is quite apparent because of the care he has given his own Kong. Speaking of which, Kong may be the single greatest piece of FX work in film history right now. WETA did an amazing job. Not just with the gorilla, but with all of the FX. There's just one astonishing set piece after another. One complaint that I've been hearing is how slow the first hour is. Not at all. I think that deliberate buildup is cruicial to the film. Maybe some of the scenes on the boat don't quite work, but I like how Jackson slowly builds up the suspense leading to Skull Island. And when they finally do reach the place, the film moves to a whole new level. From that point on, it just rocks. Intense, exciting, and at times quite moving, Jackson's King Kong is the first 'event' film in a long time that acutally lived up. Sure to nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. NOTE: A few scenes may be too intense for very young children. Basically, if you know what your kid can handle, by all means take them. Expand
  3. MarvinB.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    The first hour of this film is absolutely great, and it just gets better from then on. I don't see anyone not being blown away by this film.
  4. GabrielG.
    Dec 14, 2005
    9
    Spectacular and tragic. Scary and thrilling. Jackson's "Kong" is an adrenaline-pumping, eye-popping, heart-tugging spectacle of cinematic magic. In one frantic, dyno-mite scene on Skull Island, the director manages to out-Spielberg Spielberg. Watts is fantastic and the big hairy guy makes you feel something you haven't felt for an animated animal since Bambi lost his mom. And just as mind-scrambling as all the beasty CGI is the recreation of New York in the 1930s: The city didn't even look this good in the original "Kong." Expand
  5. Jake
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    Kevin, funny how everything you dissed about the film is a matter of opinion....if the film was so long, would you really want to spend even more time getting the monkey on a boat and spending another hour on the return voyage.....and as for Donkey Kong, I'd rather play snake verses monkey, even though Donkey Konga can be somewhat entertaining. P.S. the score was a last minute effort by James Newton Howard after Howard Shore abondoned his score last minute. Pretty damn good considering he was rushed to finish it! Expand
  6. JonathanM.
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    A joy. I only wish it were longer!
  7. Gooch
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    Some wackjobs will try to complain and nitpick..but its not my job to get these losers laid. the movie is great....amaxing...yes, some flaws..but overall, it surpasses the original in every way possible. Matt C...get a hooker.
  8. Don
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    A classic tale of horror and beauty.
  9. MikeT.
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    I just want to respond to Matt C, Kevin A, and everyone else that seems to have a problem with the filmaker not showing how they got Kong on the ship & back to New York. What no one has mentioned to these whiners is that the original 1933 version didn't show that either. They showed Kong getting knocked out with gas bombs, and then the next scene jumps to the premiere in New York. The 1976 version did show a scene of Kong on a different ship heading back to New York, but it still didn't show how they got him on there. So before you guys go trashing Jackson and Co., realize that they were just following the source material, which by the way is a classic of American cinema. But based on your comments, I doubt you two would know about such things - you probably haven't even seen the original for that matter. Expand
  10. Byron"Buster"B.
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    After my extensive cartography lessons at a prestigious institution of higher learning, the mere idea of an undiscovered island existing--even in the midst of the Great Depression--are slim to none. If you're looking for a plot whole, here's another one: a ten ton gorilla running rampant on an island where all the critters are at a 8/5 scale of what they should be. In comparison, getting an ape on a boat seems pretty simple! SPOILER: despite what commercials tell you, this is not a documentary. King Kong is a myth! Sorry Matt! Expand
  11. JainL
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    This is a truly amazing and heartfelt movie. The connection between our kingkong and naomi watts is beautiful. Everyone should see this and also realize the animal cruelty still going on in the world by the blinded people.
  12. JaceB.
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    King Kong is one of the best films of 2005. After months of lackluster films, Peter Jackson finally released his long-awaited film. This film, to sum it up in one word, is amazing. While others have found it slow, I found it to be one of the most exciting movies I've ever seen. The acting was solid, with an outstanding performance by Watts, the dialogue good, and the overall direction of the fim was excellent. Only a few complaints kept this movie from getting a perfect ten. But anyways, this film ends the 2005 movie year on a high note. Expand
  13. KingKongBundy
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    I know that most of the critics searching for an art elements in movies. They tend to be mean for the blockbuster type of movies. But don't tell me you guys didn't enjoy a bit when you watch the blockbuster movies, especially the good one such as King Kong. I don't mind the low rating but it must based on professionalism, not as a punching bag, you know bashing up all the time.
  14. JeffG.
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, funny, serious, poignant, action packed, sublte.
  15. JohnB.
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    Consider the movie first with no knowledge of Kong or what the story is about. Walk into the movie theater without ever hearing about "Kong" and you have one of the most eye popping, mind boggling movies in history. The magic felt during the original film would exist when you walk out of the theater. Peter Jackson proves his abilities to make seamless visuals which in of itself could tell the whole story. I hadn't even realized that near the end of the film there was nearly an absence of dialog altogether. Jackson so easily sets a certain mood using both the emotions of the actors as well as visuals even if that takes a longer scene here or there. It's true that the movie could have been shaved a good 15 - 30 minutes but once the action begins, the movie equally speeds up and sets a good pace. Though everyone knew what was about to happen next, nothing seemed forced. "King Kong" is a must see and it would only seem better if not genius had the giant ape not been done before and the mysteries and wonders of skull island not been discovered. Expand
  16. Marshall
    Dec 16, 2005
    10
    absolutely amazing! why anyone would want to go thru life NOT seeing this masterpeice of modern cinema is beyond me. one of the years best.
  17. JonathanH.
    Dec 16, 2005
    9
    Anybody who gives this movie a 5 or less is insane. I cannot picture why anyone would give this masterpiece such a low rating. The first hour when they are on the ship was great because of the great acting. So anyone who says the first hour sucks should tell me how the movie would make sense without it.When they get to skull island, you can expect an hour and a half of nonstop brilliant acting, action, and much more. Then when king kong gets captured, it gets even better. This whole movie is spectaculr, and the only reason why I did not give it a 10 is because I knew what was coming next. But definetly a must- see for anyone. Expand
  18. ShoaH.
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    King Kong- Colossal. Peter Jackson- Triumphant. Jackson takes you on an unimaginable ride that you will never forget. Three hours of my life well spent. Long live Peter Jackson!
  19. RossP.C.
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    King Kong rocked my socks off. Some of these reviews are too pretentious. If you're looking for realism, go watch something LESS FUN. I never knew how badly I wanted to see a brontosaurus pile-up. I was out of breath at the end of each action sequence and the audience was screaming and cheering throughout the movie. Yeah haw, King Kong is an experience not just a movie. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the spectacle. Expand
  20. babytettobeeme
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    Actually few people learn how to enjoy fantasy movies done seriously in every way!, in every aspect, this is one of the wonders of the years, not only a blockbuster, tha movies also are made for enjoy not only for critic, but this is excellence!!.
  21. FrankO.
    Dec 17, 2005
    9
    I think there are a few people who might have missed the point of the movie. The movie's logic isn't in 2005, it's in the 1930's. As a movie buff, I really enjoyed that cheekiness. This was realism, but hyper-realism. With a nod to the inaccuracies of the original. I hope everyone knows that this is a remake of the 1930s film and not the 1970s one. "Jurassic Park" stole from "King Kong" not the other way around... Peter Jackson's just keeping true to the source material. Yes, the first act is slow, but once the action gets going, it really gets going. Yes, I did wonder how on earth little Naomi Watts stayed warm in the middle of winter in only a slip dress... hmmm... then again, I remember, it's just a silly movie and a pretty darn good one at that. Expand
  22. RiazD.
    Dec 17, 2005
    10
    This movie takes every element of a good film and almost perfects it. a month or two ago, when i heard about a king kong remake, i decided i wasn't going to see it. i thought, "a movie about a giant gorilla in 2005?" but then i read and saw the reviews and decided i would give it a try. i'm absolutely blown away by this film! it was intense, engaging, touching, deep, etc. this is an instant classic! Expand
  23. Walla
    Dec 18, 2005
    10
    Sweet as i said with Harry potter. 81! you critics are retarded.
  24. KingKong
    Dec 18, 2005
    9
    Come on guys. Be realistic. 0? 1? Give me a break. Why are people reviewing the movie out of context? "Its unrealistic" Since when is a 25 foot ape and a T-Rex fighting supposed to be realistic? If you want realism.... Go see murderball. "Its racist". You almost need to BE racist to consider this racist. Is it racist when actual filmographers encounter undiscovered tribes and film them, because they're different from us? "Too long" This one i will give. Although it's not as TERRIBLY DRAWN OUT as all the 0 ratings say, there were scenes that were stretched. Which is why I give this film a 9. If it had the flow all the way through, a definite 10. The film had raw emotion. I could feel Watts and Kong's connection. Her torment over his capture and his rage, his panicked search through the streets to find his love. I can safely say it is one of my top three movies of the year. I highly recommend you disregard all scores, and make your own decision on the movie. Going into it with a "This movies gonna be overrated" point of view left me with a "Wow" at the end of it. Expand
  25. Leo
    Dec 19, 2005
    10
    This is one of the best films I've ever seen, a classic.
  26. JonB.
    Dec 19, 2005
    10
    Rarely has a movie impressed me as much as Kong has. I expected very little from the trailers. But what about good initial reviews? I was conflicted. Cynical. Three hours later, I felt like a fool for ever doubting Peter Jackson. True, some people might not care much for special effects, or a fantastic story that teems with incredible, unbelievable parts. If Kong's not your cup of tea, then grade it lower. But, even those for whose fancies are left untickled by this movie have to settle at an 8, 7 on a bad day, for the craft and work as a whole. 95% solid dialogue (Star Wars shoots under 30%), phenomenal acting, wonderful shots, great character development, and a love story that doesn't seem forced. Hate if you want, but you're fooling yourself. Kong's great. Expand
  27. ShariN.
    Dec 19, 2005
    9
    This was a great film!
  28. WAKOJAKO
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Holy sh.t! The new master of cinema has done it again. And how!!! I have not been as scared, awed, moved to tears and so thoroughly entertained since...well, the Lord of the Rings movies. If this film is not nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award, I may just stop watching that damned show. Naomi Watts and Andy Serkis also deserve acting nominations.
  29. DaveF.
    Dec 21, 2005
    10
    Nothing short of spectacular! Though not normally prone to online ratings, I thought I would step in on Kong's behalf to try and dispel some of the lesser than worthy user ratings. Yes, the acting is over-the-top and the story implausible - just like the original. Jackson has reinvented a long lost genre of film-making that also includes a blend of modern greats such as Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and of-course Lord of the Rings. The action causes you to jump from your and the story makes sure you stay in it. Finally, yes, the movie is 3 hours long. So were all three Lord of the Rings. If you have a difficult time sitting in a theater for such a length, wait for it on DVD and enjoy it then...when you can pause it. Expand
  30. CameronS.
    Dec 22, 2005
    10
    It's not often that I vote something this highly, but King Kong is EASILY the film of the year. Fantastic effects, gripping screenplay, beatutifully directed, phenomenal cast (give Andy Serkis an Oscar now) and gripping for every one of its 187 minutes. I quote from Empire here, but the statement "what could have been Jackson
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 39
  2. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. Reviewed by: Devin Gordon
    90
    A surprisingly tender, even heartbreaking, film. Like the original, it's a tragic tale of beauty and the beast.
  2. What a movie! This is how the medium seduced us originally.
  3. One of the wonders of the holiday season.