King Kong (1976) - A Movie Review

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"King Kong" is a monster movie first released in 1976. It's a remake of the 1933 "King Kong". The budget for this film was $24 million with box office receipts of $90.6 million. This movie is different than the original because it features the World Trade Center instead of the Empire State Building. The movie was nominated for three Academy Awards and won one. CAST Jeff Bridges - Jack Prescott Jessica Lange - Dwan Charles Grodin - Fred S. Wilson John Randolph - Captain Ross Rene Auberjonios - Roy Bagley Ed Lauter - First Mate Carnahan Julius Harris - Crewman Boan Jack O'Halloran - Joe Perko It's 1976 and in the Indonesian port city of Surabaya Fred Wilson, a spokesman and promotions specialist for the Petrox Oil Company, is forming an expedition. The expedition is based on infrared imaging which reveals a previously undiscovered island hidden by a permanent cloud bank in the Indian Ocean. Wilson believes that the island holds a massive amount of oil deposits, a potential fortune which he is determined to secure for Petrox. Unknown to Wilson or the crew, Jack Prescott, paleontologist, has stowed away on the expedition's vessel, the Petrox Explorer. He wants to see the island for himself. Prescott reveals himself as Wilson is explaining where they are going and why. He warns the crew that the cloud bank may be caused by some unknown and potentially dangerous phenomenon. He also talks about a massive beast that is said to dwell on the island and the strange "wedding" ceremonies that take place to calm the beast. Wilson orders Prescott to be locked up, believing him to be a spy from another oil company. When Prescott is brought to lock-up, he spots a life raft which is carrying the beautiful and unconscious Dwan (yes Dwan, not Dawn). If you want to find out what happens next, you'll have to watch the movie. While this remake of the 1933 classic will never rival the original; it definitely is worth watching at least once. Many people have criticized the monologue that Dwan carries on while being held captive by Kong. I feel that she is just trying to keep her mind occupied; she's trying to survive. She asks Kong, "What's your sign?" She's not serious; and Kong seems calmed by her chattering. She's just scared and is babbling away to save her sanity. Can it be any worse than Naomi Watts tap dancing when she's confronted with the beast? I think everyone should see all three versions of "King Kong"; so I recommend this 1976 remake. This movie is rated PG. Photo Credit: Pixabay