King Kong (2005)
★★½ — King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson came to this project as a lifelong devotee of the 1933 RKO original, having reportedly first seen it as a child and credited it with inspiring him to make films in the first place. Fresh from completing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003), arguably the most ambitious production run in modern Hollywood history, he was handed an enormous canvas by Universal: a reported budget of $207 million, making it one of the most expensive films ever greenlit at that point. The shoot, split between New Zealand and studio work, leaned heavily on Weta Digital, Jackson's own effects house, with Andy Serkis performing Kong via motion capture. The film is the third major adaptation of the original Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace story, following the 1933 classic and a lesser-regarded 1976 Dino De Laurentiis remake.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005) is a film of staggering ambition and overwhelming detail, but overall nearly twice as long as the original, and it shows. A loving, three-hour love letter to classic cinema that dazzles the eyes but, at times, tests the patience. The technical achievements are undeniable: the 1930s New York feels alive, Skull Island is a breathtaking nightmare of bioluminescent jungles and prehistoric horrors, and Andy Serkis’ motion-capture performance as Kong is nothing short of revolutionary. For sheer spectacle and creature artistry, it’s a landmark achievement. Jackson clearly adores the original, and his passion bleeds into every frame, from the vintage camera filters to Max Steiner’s reimagined score. Naomi Watts brings grace and empathy to Ann Darrow, forming a bond with Kong that’s surprisingly tender and central to the film’s emotional core. And when the big moments hit (Kong swatting biplanes, battling T-Rexes, cradling Watts in the mist) they’re pure cinematic magic. But for all its grandeur, the film drags under its own weight. At nearly three hours, the pacing sags badly in the middle, especially during an endless Tyrannosaurus chase that trades tension for repetition. The human characters beyond Watts feel underdeveloped, and Jack Black’s take on Carl Denham veers from passionate filmmaker to unhinged caricature. What should feel epic starts to feel indulgent. Beautiful, bold, and technically brilliant, but too long and emotionally uneven to fully work. A flawed tribute that loves its monster a little too much. Worth watching for the visuals and heart but way too long.
Rating: ★★½ | Year: 2005 | Watched: 2025-10-28
Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Amazon Prime Video · Disney Plus · Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Buy: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Physical: Amazon UK
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Where to watch (UK)
Stream: Amazon Prime Video · Disney Plus · Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Rent: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Buy: Apple TV Store · Rakuten TV · Amazon Video · Google Play Movies
Physical: Amazon UK
Affiliate disclosure: Movies With Macca may earn a small commission on purchases or subscriptions started via these links. It costs you nothing extra.
Related on Movies With Macca
More from Peter Jackson: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) · The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) · The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) · The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
More from New Zealand: What We Do in the Shadows (2014) · Mortal Engines (2018) · 'Aho'eitu (2015) · Atoll People (1970)
More from the 2000s: Kirikou and the Wild Beasts (2005) · Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) · Daredevil (2003) · Apocalypto (2006)
More adventure: Alice in Wonderland (1951) · The Eagle (1925) · Louisiana Story (1948) · The General (1926)
More drama: Viy (1967) · Wonder (2017) · A Better Tomorrow (1986) · Beautiful Boy (2018)
