"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." -Martha Grimes

When watching King Kong (Peter Jackson, 2005) one can not help but compare it to the original 1933 film. Jackson's representation of the story is remarkably impressive. The almost simple storyline is carried by the outstanding special effects. Jackson has lengthened the original by making it twice as long which allows him to build the characters and show off the special effects. At times the effects are a little overwhelming, none the less impressive and awe-inspiring. Jackson's amendments to the storyline, for example, the longer beginning helps to give a background to the characters, especially Ann. Ann's character is given more credit, which therefore makes her seem a stronger woman who would speak what she feels and not just a naive pretty blonde or damsel in distress. However, the relationship between Kong and Ann is a little hard to believe. The way Ann feels towards Kong doesn’t give justice to the story. Her feelings are too strong for the beast making her strong character not thinking sensibly. The original film portrayed this relationship with more belief. Ann didn't have any feelings for the beast. In Jackson's version, however, the character of Ann becomes stupid by risking herself to stop the planes when there isn’t anything she can do. The character of Kong is developed expertly. The CG of the beast movements and expressions are highly believable. The audience can really connect with the beast. The way he doesn't really want to hurt anyone he just wants beautiful Ann. Jackson portrayed this character and emotion in the beast more than the original did, where Kong was merely a scary beast. There is some really great cinematography in the film, namely on the island and on the Empire State Building. All in all a long but impressive film.