King Kong (1933)

I don’t know if I’ve just seen too many adaptations of the story or if I’ve actually seen this version before, but this was exceptionally familiar. Regardless, upon this watch, I realized that other than some smoother special effects in later editions, the others don’t actually improve upon the story. The 1930s time period is perfect for the spectacle of unreflected pillaging of foreign lands and then garishly exhibiting the plunder despite plenty of warnings on the folly of both. I appreciate practical effects so much more than computerized special effects and there is plenty on display here, especially when the expedition is on Skull Island. Kong looks a bit too cute and friendly in closeup, but that aids in humanizing the poor creature.