Movies Columns
The Unseen Movie Review: 'King Kong' and 'The Producers'
By Robert Dixter
Dec 10, 2005, 17:21 GMT

A job, a wife, a baby and no free time.  I haven’t seen the films but based on what I’ve heard and know, we’ll see if the movie is worth it.  It’s the UNSEEN MOVIE REVIEW.

In any given year it’s safe to say that I get really excited about 2 or 3 movies that I think will blow me out of my seat.  These are films where my expectations are running so high, Robert Downey Jr. on a bad day wouldn’t compare.  Some might think that I would have put Episode 3 in that category but after Episodes 1 and 2, I was just hoping George would stop writing love scenes. 

There were not any other summer films that had me as excited as I am right now for 'King Kong' and 'Munich'.  Any time Peter Jackson comes out with something original it is worth checking out.  If you’ve never seen 'Dead Alive' or 'Meet the Feebles', I suggest you head on over to your local Blockbuster, tell them to trade in all those copies they have of 'Hitch' for these two older films.  There is a good chance you may not like them, but I can guarantee you will have never seen anything like them.  It’s like the first time you watched that Paris Hilton video.  I mean who is so daring that they release a video shot completely in nightvision?  When a studio actually hands over $207 million dollars to this Academy Award winner, I feel that you have to line up to see the latest vision he’s pulled from that brain and beard of his.

The thing I love about Peter Jackson, aside from his keen imagination is that he has created a movie studio of his own in New Zealand (minus the distribution of course).  There’s no suits standing over him watching every move he makes, how he’s spending the money, whether or not the effects work and what he’s really eating that allowed him to shed what looks like 150 pounds.  When he does run over as he did with this movie he is willing to cover his own costs.  An A list director that is willing to put his own money where his mouth is?  Michael Bay are you taking notes? 

The other thing I love about Jackson is that he’s smart with his casting.  He’s making a big holiday blockbuster where effects are the star.  He could easily skate by and cast names with no acting talent like a lot of other people have done with big action set pieces (see any movie with Jessica Simpson or DMX).  So what does Jackson do?  He signs up Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, nominee Naomi Watts and can do no wrong Jack Black.

This whole column is about deciding whether or not I should give up my time to see these new movies.  My wife and I see so few these days because of the baby that we’ve made it a point to only go if  it’s worth our time and money.  At three hours plus I don’t see how you can think 'King Kong' is not worth it.  This is an epic and not some dinky 90 minute cheese-fest.  I’m counting on Jackson to deliver the goods big time and from what little trailers I’ve seen I think he brings it.

The other option this weekend is 'The Producers'.  I loved the 1968 original film.  But Mel, oh Mel, a film based on a play based on a film?  C’mon it’s time for a new idea.  I’d rather see Blazing Saddles 2 before walking into this theater.

Access media from 'King Kong' - 'The Producers'.