I Heart Naomi

And lo, the beast looked upon the face of beauty, and it stayed its hand. And from that day, it was as one dead.

King Kong is a v ery puzzling film. During some moments, it is sheer movie genius...during others it is some of the dumbest footage ever presented on film. Lets just say: a lot of the movie can be cut down. Peter Jackson is desperately trying to make this film more than just an action/adventure movie (as clearly stated in the Heart of Darkness analogy: "its more than an adventure story") and when 25 minutes of the movie is nothing more than a CGI giant ape and Naomi Watts staring at each other (with love in their eyes) you have to give him credit for something. Believe me, some parts of the movie I was ready to crap my pants...for example: when Anne Darrow enters from a foggy alley, framed on both sides by NYC skyline...she and Kong stare at each other for what seems an eternity...its moments like these that make you realize that there is more going on here than your typical adventure movie. I will be the first person to tell you that Peter Jackson has gotten away with way too many things. Ever since the first lord of the rings films (which is by far his best movie) the editing has gotten a bit 'lazy' shall we say...the two towers we can forgive since its the weakest book, but return of the king...come on...its almost an hour too long, and the fade to black thing gets real annoying real fast. Kong suffers from major editing problems...if we are indeed supposed to believe that this is a psychological adventure (such as Heart of Darkness) then why do we spend a good 1.5 hours on skull island (if not more) showcasing big special effects action sequences. I will admit...Some of them have to be there: Kong/Naomi/T-Rex...but the Brontosaurus stampede really has no place in this movie...and the creepy crawly insects, while very effective, serve no real purpose in the story. So basically, Kong is great...but not really "great" in the movie hall of fame sense. Perhaps if this had been a complete retelling of the story, in a Beauty and the Beast fashion, then maybe this movie would make the all-time lists (its already on the imdb.com top 250...whatever) but thanks to focus on the WRONG THINGS this movie doesn't cut it. But I'm still content to watch Naomi...talk about difficult role: you try staring into space (since Kong is completely special effects, she had to imagine staring at a giant ape) and showing real emotion/affection in your face. When most of your lines are constricted to a scream, it takes a real actress to put meaning into those screams...A+ for Namoi (but I guess I'm a bit biased...) Just wait for that role honey...the best actress trophy is yours (since they passed you over for Mulholland Dr...those bastards)...

It wasn't the airplanes; beauty killed the beast.

King Kong is recommended (not highly by any means...) In other news...Karen is still queen of my world... Translation: 6 more episodes of Will&Grace...{I really need to get over this one}