Review of King Kong (1933) by John K — 19 Jul 2011

This 1933 marvel is an absolute technical miracle with a meaty script and a positively captivating female lead to back it. I don't think it's possible for those of us that did not witness the release of this film, to truly appreciate the complete spectacle that it truly is.

This is a monster movie that blends cool stop-animation with live action in a convincing way. Kong is absolutely impressive, and once he shows up, the movie never really lets up. His rampage from island to city easily out does any other horror film from this time period, and the technical difficulties that accompany the creation of this spectacle in 1933 is what really makes King Kong something to behold in wonder.

In one of the first truly brilliant moments of black humor, Kong pulls the wrong women out of a hotel window and discards her nonchalantly to the street far below. Kong is convincingly ape-like, analyzing his new environment in a state of child-like wonderment.

This film is absolute genius, and though many of these classics are put on a pedestal due to their age, King Kong was a masterpiece then, today, and tomorrow.