Watching King Kong on 35mm film last year in London was one of my favourite cinematic experiences of all time. This is going to sound cheesy but when the film ended, everyone was standing up clapping, a couple was kissing and as I walked out of the screening, I saw a child completely stunned by what he saw. Now that is amazing.
Even though i love both films, it's kinda funny that Orson Welles used stock footage from King Kong. Then again, they're both from RKO and both were launch titles from The Criterion Collection for Laserdiscs in 1984.
For me, KING KONG only gets better with age. It's greatness is locked - they captured lightning in a bottle in 1933. The fact that special effects have advanced considerably is irrrelevant because the effects are exactly right for this film. There's a grittiness to it all - not the simulated CGI kind, but an organic rawness that's inherent in the animation process itself. This serves the film beautifully in conveying a prehistoric ambience to Kong and the dinosaurs on Skull Island. Ditto the atmospheric, hand-crafted jungle set-ups which no real location could ever achieve. Time marches on and it's the world that ages as generations come and go, but KING KONG, preserved on film, remains the masterpiece it was in 1933 and will continue to thrill and enthrall.
esbimbamjoh I’m a bit late but, the thing might be the best horror movie ever, never seen anything like it and I proberly never will, the stop motion holds up better than the cgi 2015 version, that’s why I prefer older movies, they did the same to Star Wars the prequels have too much cgi
"In film school, professors shove Citizen Kane up your ass and tell you it's the best film ever made" As someone who goes to film school, this is probably the most accurate statement ever.
I saw it around 2010, and I was around 12 or 13 and I was just blown away by the visuals. I must have rewatched it everyday for those few months. I’ve since calmed down, but this movie is the reason I love film so much and it got me started watching films outside my comfort zone. But Kong will forever remain the best!
Love both films....King Kong, along with Mighty Joe Young, are indelibly linked to my childhood memories of Thanksgiving. They would always show them back to back after the Macy's Parade....It was a great tradition for years. Max Steiner's score for Kong is also worth mention.
Your movie reviews are my favorite. You're a lot more knowledgeable and wise about movies than I think most people give you credit for. Honestly, I'd even rather you were known for that than AVGN, and I love AVGN.
Confession: I've never seen a King Kong film. This video alone made me like the movie. I knew it would be one of my favorites without even watching it. *CORRECT!* Dear God, such a fantastic film. I'm watching every movie available (obviously can't watch the lost ones) from Son of Kong to Jackson's Kong. So pumped!
.............come on ! Get serious ! Both are brilliant films.........there's no need to stoop to "decide" things like this. There's room for many, many Idols in our Pantheons.
CLASSIC! It had wonderment, appealed to many kids fantasies of adventure, distinguished characters, tear jerking sadness, unstoppable enemies , foreboding fear, resplendent hope and a great soundtrack. I will never forget Falkore, Atrea, the giant talking turtle, giant rock eater, magician and his fast snail, the beautiful white palace, the deadly guardian spynx statues and the all encompassing enemy that couldn't be fought directly.....The Nothing. that film was a huge inspiration to the 'Final Fantasy' series.
Tons of people mad with James, he's have a life you know? He already covered that a AVGN episode sometimes takes more than a month to make, I didn't knew his video because I don't follow his site, only the youtube. I like of the AVGN character but I prefer his movies reviews, because It's where he shows his passion and I think that all his reviews are honest ones, It's kinda hard to see this kind of behaviour nowadays.
Sorry but I'm not seeing "grown man" commentary here, people don't realise that It's a miracle to release content with the quality that he does, while have a job and a child, James don't look like a TH-camr, but you can say that Mike is. Also I'm not giving excuses but a feedback.
William Zeo sure but he hasn't made a avgn episode in forever, Mike makes 90% of the content on both channels, his movie reviews are just synopsis and he just keeps uploading old content. I love cinemassacre as much as the next guy but you can't ignore these facts.
Did anyone ever watch the 90s show KONG about Ann from the 30's movie becoming a scientist and using kong's DNA to make her own baby kong and there was like secret runes and shit. It was Awesome, I wish James would review that one day.
Imagine being known as monkey monster who is the star of a awesome movie in 1933 and then many years later theres a movie where you fight Godzilla and later help him fight his robotic clone
The original King Kong was an incredible movie by any standard. The Son of Kong was entertaining, but lacked the impact of its forefather. Now you've explained why. Also kudos for mentioning Mighty Joe Young. Another brilliant film in that genre that few people remember ( even though a sequel of the movie was made somewhere in the 90's ).
James I love you to pieces not because of your unbiased opinions but because you put in so much god damn research into your review, it like as if I'm reading a website more reliable than wikipedia
Fuck I love you James. I saw it as a kid in the early 90s and it has shaped the way I feelt about movies in general. You sure did this film justice in this review. One of the all time greats.
I wonder if O'Brian was letting everybody know how he felt about the slap-dash sequel with Kong Jr. flipping off the camera as he went down with Skull Island.
In my opinion the 33 Kong is STILL the best version. I consider Joe Young as a cousin of sorts to Kong. Son of Kong is a good film. I have all 3 on VHS.
Where's Queen Kong, Mighty Peking Man, A*P*E*, and the other Kong knockoffs? The Donkey Kong Country cartoon? The Lawsuit surrounding Donkey Kong and King Kong? AVGN Vs. Donkey Kong 64?! Are any of these on the 8th or any review?! The fandom must know!
I was watching a documentory on the making of 'Return of the Jedi" For some shots they would frame by frame project actors into the background like they did in king kong, a full *50 years* after this film came out! King Kong was astounding.
king kong had a bit of a creepy producer as the main guy. i mean he pays for her apple she stole and then takes her to get some coffee and immediately tells her he was only nice to her to get her to join the movie. then he starts asking about if she has a family, any normal person would be out of there.
It's been so long since I've seen the 2005 Kong, one thing I notice is they really played up the romantic Beauty and the Beast element of the story in that one. In the original, though Kong falls in love with Ann, she's always scared shitless and this never changes.
This is going to be awesome! But can you PLEASE do something for Friday the 13th in October. I know there's no more Monster Madness, but you've got to do SOMETHING!
Your Videos have been really enjoyable lately. Don't get me wrong i love all your content and have seen probably all your videos but these modern ones are different I really like whatever you are doing now is what I'm saying LOL
I hope James reviews King Kong 76 and King Kong Lives after watching them with an open mind which means forgetting completely about the original and taking them as they are: DRAMA films with a more serious and darker tone rather than cheesy adventure films.
"It was more for the art and not just for money." No, it was for the money. They kept things secret so that other studios and filmmakers couldn't imitate and reproduce their techniques. Thirties filmmakers were ruthless SOBs.
James, I enjoy youtube very much and I tend to find myself watching and rewatching your videos continuously. Thankyou for your content. Whether it's AVGN or just some insight in your cinemassacre reviews, it's gold.
Dude... these movies bring back good memories. XD I watched so many stop motion/scifi films. I watched them just for the old school creativity. My FAV and always will be Alien and Aliens. I just love all the work that went into them, when today, it's all just cgi. I also enjoyed the old Sinbad movies. Don't know what it was... but I was captivated by the creatures. ^_^ tis AWESOMENESS!
Cinemassacre Just noticed on a later rewatch that you said Junior was made from one of the Kong armatures. Actually both armatures were cleaned off and redressed as the albino junior. The receipt for the work is still preserved today. Like you said the Styracosaurs was finally used on screen, and two of the brontosaurus armatures were given makeovers to become the marine reptile. The bear and dragon were the only new creations.
Actually, in the case of Mighty Joe Young, Ray Harryhausen did most of the stop-motion animation, though Willis O'Brien was his mentor and was part of the film crew.
James, it's beautiful that you're removing the _Kong_ movies -- great inspirations for the great Godzilla. By the way, the Godzilla opponent who appeared in _Abobo's Big Adventure_ was Gezora.😊
Aside from both my life goals being done (Digging up the E.T Carts, Directing "Godzilla VS King Kong reboot"....) by not me....I am so STOKED for Kong Skull Island. I saw King Kong when I was 4 years old and it's constant inspiration throughout my 29 years of life so far. Even though it's gonna be way cheaper CGI then the Peter Jackson one, which apparently only 3 people including me liked.
Claudio Salas I'd say more of a prequel, but I could be wrong about that. Unless it's a remake of Son of Kong. I haven't heard a lot about the film so that's my opinion.
The back story on Son of Kong is interesting, yet the film still feels like the hasty knock-off the RKO big-wigs intended it to be. But I will never forget how magical Kong, Son & Mighty Joe Young were to my sisters & I when they'd show them on TV back in the 60's.
Watching King Kong on 35mm film last year in London was one of my favourite cinematic experiences of all time. This is going to sound cheesy but when the film ended, everyone was standing up clapping, a couple was kissing and as I walked out of the screening, I saw a child completely stunned by what he saw. Now that is amazing.
Yea it truly was.
0:08 I like how James just confidently spits a corny joke here, without having that cliche corny joke- shame afterwards like some others do.
Which is funny, since Citizen Kane uses stock footage from one of the Kong films. You can even see a pterodactyl fly by.
Even though i love both films, it's kinda funny that Orson Welles used stock footage from King Kong. Then again, they're both from RKO and both were launch titles from The Criterion Collection for Laserdiscs in 1984.
For me, KING KONG only gets better with age. It's greatness is locked - they captured lightning in a bottle in 1933. The fact that special effects have advanced considerably is irrrelevant because the effects are exactly right for this film. There's a grittiness to it all - not the simulated CGI kind, but an organic rawness that's inherent in the animation process itself. This serves the film beautifully in conveying a prehistoric ambience to Kong and the dinosaurs on Skull Island. Ditto the atmospheric, hand-crafted jungle set-ups which no real location could ever achieve. Time marches on and it's the world that ages as generations come and go, but KING KONG, preserved on film, remains the masterpiece it was in 1933 and will continue to thrill and enthrall.
5:10 How fitting that after James says RKO, he shows a screenshot of Kong about to flip a dinosaur and slam it on the ground
Mayor McCheese Lmao that’s a bear you uncultured swi-
And that's Kong jr not Kong himself
That’s a bear
Good stop motion still looks amazing.
doug bouffard In "the thing" with Kurt Russell for example the stop motion effects are fantastic!
esbimbamjoh and creepy as hell
Yes
esbimbamjoh I’m a bit late but, the thing might be the best horror movie ever, never seen anything like it and I proberly never will, the stop motion holds up better than the cgi 2015 version, that’s why I prefer older movies, they did the same to Star Wars the prequels have too much cgi
"In film school, professors shove Citizen Kane up your ass and tell you it's the best film ever made"
As someone who goes to film school, this is probably the most accurate statement ever.
How did you got it out?
I am going in 2023
Godzilla vs Destoroyah is rated higher than Citizen Kane on rotten tomatoes.
Ah yes. I agree, someone who went to film school too. I actually debate with my professors, why not King Kong but surprisingly they agree with it.
It's definitely up there. They aren't wrong.
Never heard of 'Son of Kong', just checked the TV guide and it starts in 10 min. Freaky huh, btw it's 4:25am here in Australia.
Love the original King Kong. one of the best movies ever made.
I saw it around 2010, and I was around 12 or 13 and I was just blown away by the visuals. I must have rewatched it everyday for those few months.
I’ve since calmed down, but this movie is the reason I love film so much and it got me started watching films outside my comfort zone.
But Kong will forever remain the best!
I loved "The Son of Kong" and the ending was very sad, where little kong sacrifised herself. I cryed at that Moment.
Love both films....King Kong, along with Mighty Joe Young, are indelibly linked to my childhood memories of Thanksgiving. They would always show them back to back after the Macy's Parade....It was a great tradition for years. Max Steiner's score for Kong is also worth mention.
i wish we were going to candy apple island...
I hear Candy Apple Island just has apes as well, but they're not as big.
Lol boo doodly boop lollipop.. its a sweet trip to the candy shop....
Homer: Ugh!!
Your movie reviews are my favorite. You're a lot more knowledgeable and wise about movies than I think most people give you credit for. Honestly, I'd even rather you were known for that than AVGN, and I love AVGN.
darkroom0716 o
Confession: I've never seen a King Kong film. This video alone made me like the movie. I knew it would be one of my favorites without even watching it. *CORRECT!* Dear God, such a fantastic film. I'm watching every movie available (obviously can't watch the lost ones) from Son of Kong to Jackson's Kong. So pumped!
The Kong documentary he mentions is one of the best detailed docs I have ever seen.
I'd rather watch King Kong a bunch of times than Citizen Kane anyday!!!
Sure, if you prefer pretty pictures over great writing.
.............come on ! Get serious ! Both are brilliant films.........there's no need to stoop
to "decide" things like this. There's room for many, many Idols in our Pantheons.
Well you have RKO to thank for both of them!
You should do a movie review of the neverending story.
yeah,it'd be never ending
CLASSIC!
It had wonderment, appealed to many kids fantasies of adventure, distinguished characters, tear jerking sadness, unstoppable enemies , foreboding fear, resplendent hope and a great soundtrack.
I will never forget Falkore, Atrea, the giant talking turtle, giant rock eater, magician and his fast snail, the beautiful white palace, the deadly guardian spynx statues and the all encompassing enemy that couldn't be fought directly.....The Nothing.
that film was a huge inspiration to the 'Final Fantasy' series.
That'd be cool......but Neverending Story 3, there's a classic
lol wut silly you spelled amazing wrong
Never seen Son of Kong. Looks and sounds good. I have to check it out. Huge fan of the 1933 original and the 2005 remake.
Tons of people mad with James, he's have a life you know? He already covered that a AVGN episode sometimes takes more than a month to make, I didn't knew his video because I don't follow his site, only the youtube.
I like of the AVGN character but I prefer his movies reviews, because It's where he shows his passion and I think that all his reviews are honest ones, It's kinda hard to see this kind of behaviour nowadays.
Jesus Christ, a grown man doesn't need you to make excuses for him. This is his job. He makes money from it.
Sorry but I'm not seeing "grown man" commentary here, people don't realise that It's a miracle to release content with the quality that he does, while have a job and a child, James don't look like a TH-camr, but you can say that Mike is.
Also I'm not giving excuses but a feedback.
naesmy 4891 actually no. He may earn money from it yes, but youtube is not his primary income.
Greshgore What is his primary income from?
William Zeo sure but he hasn't made a avgn episode in forever, Mike makes 90% of the content on both channels, his movie reviews are just synopsis and he just keeps uploading old content. I love cinemassacre as much as the next guy but you can't ignore these facts.
Got to say, the Skull Island poster in Japan is freaking awesome. Japan knows how to do monster movie posters.
Wow a review of the RKO Kong movies, this video came outta no where.
There is nothing I love more than James' movie reviews.
Thanks for bringing back the movie reviews, James. One of my favorite segments from Cinemassacre
Did anyone ever watch the 90s show KONG about Ann from the 30's movie becoming a scientist and using kong's DNA to make her own baby kong and there was like secret runes and shit. It was Awesome, I wish James would review that one day.
It wasn't Fay Wray, unfortunately but it was a cartoon called Kong: The animated series.
It's good to see that Randy Orton was able to successfully go from making movies to wrestling.
A Kongathon? Why I had visions of James doing this since 2009!
Imagine being known as monkey monster who is the star of a awesome movie in 1933 and then many years later theres a movie where you fight Godzilla and later help him fight his robotic clone
Probably the most impressive thing about these movies is they were both made during the height of the Great Depression
I'm glad you're finally getting around to reviewing the things you want to review
Oh my god that intro is so amazing!!! James has really stepped up his comedy skills lately.
Still the best Kong. No advancement in special effects has come close to how well the original tells it's story.
I agree. Even though King Kong (Universal) is my personal favorite version of him, I enjoyed the original.
I miss these amazing stop motion work instead of these terrible CGIs now a days
I FUCKING love these movie reviews. Kong is a classic.
"They didn't want people to forget about the original"
No worries there lol
The original King Kong was an incredible movie by any standard. The Son of Kong was entertaining, but lacked the impact of its forefather. Now you've explained why. Also kudos for mentioning Mighty Joe Young. Another brilliant film in that genre that few people remember ( even though a sequel of the movie was made somewhere in the 90's ).
Mighty Joe young was amazing
I just love watching Cinemassacre praising the original King Kong.
King Kong is the greatest movie ever made.
Toho Duology? holy shit yes, King Kong VS Godzilla, one of the best crossovers ever.
I hate that James stopped using movieclips and instead is using screenshots.
James I love you to pieces not because of your unbiased opinions but because you put in so much god damn research into your review, it like as if I'm reading a website more reliable than wikipedia
This is great because I've always been super curious of what James thinks of Kong 76
Huh...I always thought it was doo-ah-lo-gy
Me too.
Steven Schneider that would be written "dualogy" which just doesn't exist.
Grabehn James pronounces it wrong in the video, so he's showing the correct pronunciation.
Fuck I love you James. I saw it as a kid in the early 90s and it has shaped the way I feelt about movies in general. You sure did this film justice in this review. One of the all time greats.
I love King Kong
I love the AVGN
The AVGN talks about King Kong.....
This is not AVGN
I wonder if O'Brian was letting everybody know how he felt about the slap-dash sequel with Kong Jr. flipping off the camera as he went down with Skull Island.
In my opinion the 33 Kong is STILL the best version. I consider Joe Young as a cousin of sorts to Kong. Son of Kong is a good film. I have all 3 on VHS.
The masterpiece 1933 King Kong remains the best Kong film by far.
I can't watch Son of Kong's ending. As sad as the original was, this one crushed me as a kid. I cried all night long.
It does feel kind of cruel
Where's Queen Kong, Mighty Peking Man, A*P*E*, and the other Kong knockoffs? The Donkey Kong Country cartoon? The Lawsuit surrounding Donkey Kong and King Kong? AVGN Vs. Donkey Kong 64?! Are any of these on the 8th or any review?! The fandom must know!
Man, I need to see the original King Kong.
Citizen Kane is a great movie and all, but I would rather watch King Kong.
Awesome James! Only you guys put such great content
NICE. The new Kong Island trailer was the ad before this video!
I was watching a documentory on the making of 'Return of the Jedi" For some shots they would frame by frame project actors into the background like they did in king kong, a full *50 years* after this film came out! King Kong was astounding.
I absolutely can't wait till James reviews king Kong godzilla 2021
king kong had a bit of a creepy producer as the main guy. i mean he pays for her apple she stole and then takes her to get some coffee and immediately tells her he was only nice to her to get her to join the movie. then he starts asking about if she has a family, any normal person would be out of there.
I'm seriously looking forward to His review of King Kong Escapes! :D
Love the nerd, Love Peter Jackson's King Kong film.
I'm so happy that you are reviewing the Kong films!
Thanks James! I love your movie reviews!
It's been so long since I've seen the 2005 Kong, one thing I notice is they really played up the romantic Beauty and the Beast element of the story in that one. In the original, though Kong falls in love with Ann, she's always scared shitless and this never changes.
0:38 "I'm ready to praise the everlasting shit out of his big hairy ass!" xD
I've waited 9 years for this, ever since Godzillathon.
The kong skull island trailer was the ad I got before the video 😆😆😆
This is going to be awesome! But can you PLEASE do something for Friday the 13th in October. I know there's no more Monster Madness, but you've got to do SOMETHING!
R3fug33 he's reviewed all the Friday the 13th
are you ever gonna review the young indiana jones series? just curious
Your Videos have been really enjoyable lately. Don't get me wrong i love all your content and have seen probably all your videos but these modern ones are different I really like whatever you are doing now is what I'm saying LOL
I just love kong. My favorite movie. Thank you for this movie review.
Monster Madness in march? Awesome!
King Kong and son of Kong were two of my favorite monster movies right up there with Godzilla :D
I love that "YEAAAAAAAH" at the beginning
Ikr? It always cracks me up!😄
*Victor Wong
as
Chinese Cook*
lol! No shits given in 1933. Good review James!
I hope James reviews King Kong 76 and King Kong Lives after watching them with an open mind which means forgetting completely about the original and taking them as they are: DRAMA films with a more serious and darker tone rather than cheesy adventure films.
"It was more for the art and not just for money."
No, it was for the money. They kept things secret so that other studios and filmmakers couldn't imitate and reproduce their techniques.
Thirties filmmakers were ruthless SOBs.
What if Kong fought a Klingon in the Congo while there is a Congregation of Conquistadors?
James, I enjoy youtube very much and I tend to find myself watching and rewatching your videos continuously. Thankyou for your content. Whether it's AVGN or just some insight in your cinemassacre reviews, it's gold.
I was shocked that I didn't know that there's a sequel
I haven't seen King Kong in decades. I keep meaning to get it on DVD
Dude... these movies bring back good memories. XD I watched so many stop motion/scifi films. I watched them just for the old school creativity. My FAV and always will be Alien and Aliens. I just love all the work that went into them, when today, it's all just cgi. I also enjoyed the old Sinbad movies. Don't know what it was... but I was captivated by the creatures. ^_^ tis AWESOMENESS!
My mother told me that the original King Kong scared the crap out of my Grandma when she saw back then. lol, bless her soul. :)
Cinemassacre Just noticed on a later rewatch that you said Junior was made from one of the Kong armatures. Actually both armatures were cleaned off and redressed as the albino junior. The receipt for the work is still preserved today. Like you said the Styracosaurs was finally used on screen, and two of the brontosaurus armatures were given makeovers to become the marine reptile. The bear and dragon were the only new creations.
Actually, in the case of Mighty Joe Young, Ray Harryhausen did most of the stop-motion animation, though Willis O'Brien was his mentor and was part of the film crew.
I love the intro...YEAAAHHHHHH
Cool ,the classic king kong films are true classic
CANT WAIT TILL QUEEN KONG! KEEP IT UP YOU AWESOME SQUIRT
James, it's beautiful that you're removing the _Kong_ movies -- great inspirations for the great Godzilla.
By the way, the Godzilla opponent who appeared in _Abobo's Big Adventure_ was Gezora.😊
Reviewing*
Are you going to review Kongfrontation?
*Kongflagration
Kongratuations
*Kongfestation
Is this some kind of Kongtest?
What is this? A Kongregation for people who like to make awful Kong-puns? Well count me in I guess...
I think Denim looks like Seth Mcfarland.
Great to see you back with the movie reviews, I've always enjoyed them.
A movie done for the art and not money. Oh how times changed.
Always great to see James' original reviews make it into TH-cam. Looking forward to more.
Aside from both my life goals being done (Digging up the E.T Carts, Directing "Godzilla VS King Kong reboot"....) by not me....I am so STOKED for Kong Skull Island.
I saw King Kong when I was 4 years old and it's constant inspiration throughout my 29 years of life so far. Even though it's gonna be way cheaper CGI then the Peter Jackson one, which apparently only 3 people including me liked.
Holy shit! was that really 3 Ninjas Victor Wong AKA Grandpa Mori Tanaka? 6:17
Jotaro Kujo holy crap!
Jotaro Kujo No. different one
***** ah shit you're right lol my bad ( as you can see I'm shit at maths)
Braden Twidwell yeah I got it. I fucked up XD
Jotaro Kujo Say "Star platinum, the world" (please say it like i think you will)
Now we need a Dongathon!
Happy 85th Anniversary, King Kong! :)
DURING A LIVE STREAM OF BREATH OF THE WILD
is skull island a sequel? or a remake? of the modern king kong
Claudio Salas it's a sort of reboot. It's set in the same universe as the legendary pictures version of Godzilla
Claudio Salas I'd say more of a prequel, but I could be wrong about that. Unless it's a remake of Son of Kong. I haven't heard a lot about the film so that's my opinion.
+spiderfan1974
Technically a prequel to Godzilla 2014.
Claudio Salas I thought it was an adaptation to the beginning King Kong scenes of King Kong vs godzilla
It's a... thing!
The back story on Son of Kong is interesting, yet the film still feels like the hasty knock-off the RKO big-wigs intended it to be. But I will never forget how magical Kong, Son & Mighty Joe Young were to my sisters & I when they'd show them on TV back in the 60's.
That intro is $$