King Kong Returns To Empire State Building - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 12-06-2005, 10:40 AM

King Kong Returns to Empire State Building

(AP) "King Kong" producer/writer-director Peter Jackson, second from left, holds a 1933 Stop Motion...
Full Image

NEW YORK (AP) - Not surprisingly, considering New York's long-held fascination with the big gorilla, the city went ape for King Kong Monday.

The supersized simian has captivated New Yorkers since he first stepped foot, a giant one at that, in the city in 1933, via the classic RKO film. His building-scaling, blonde-loving ways made him an instant legend.

With the arrival Monday of the new $150 million cinematic version of the ape-meets-girl story, King Kong was once again the toast of the town.

Besides Mayor Bloomberg declaring Monday "King Kong Day," the hairy creature took a seat of honor in Times Square, growled from billboards throughout town and was the guest of honor at many parties. One of them was at the Empire State Building - the structure he famously climbed while carrying Fay Wray in the original movie.

"I always kind of felt there's like this twisted love relationship between King Kong and Fay Wray and the Empire State Building," said Lydia Ruth, the building's public relations director and special-events coordinator. "We made him famous or he made us famous. I'm not sure."

William Kornblum, a professor of sociology at The Graduate Center of City University of New York, said that despite being fiction, the movie did, in many ways, reflect history.

"The film used a building which symbolized the way the United States, and especially New York City, was reaching for the sky in its ambitions," said Kornblum, a New Yorker who specializes in urban history.

Richard Pena, program director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, agreed.
"It seemed, in a way, one of architecture's noblest achievements and at the same time it was where this primitive ape climbed up," he said. "It was a symbol of modernity overtaken by the symbol of the primitive."

(AP) George Lucas poses for photographers at the world premiere of the film King Kong, New York, Monday,...
Full Image

Part of the reason the King Kong legend had so much impact was that "it came out at the right time," said Ray Morton, author of "King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon." The film, he said, "was brand-new at the same time the Empire State Building was."

The 1976 remake of "King Kong," starring Jessica Lange, placed the ape atop the World Trade Center towers.

But the new rendition of the film, directed by Peter Jackson of "The Lord of the Rings" fame, takes the creature back to the Empire State Building, which, because of the tragic events of Sept. 11, is once again New York's tallest building.

At Times Square on Monday, a fake giant ape attracted hordes of crowds, including many tourists eager to take pictures with one of New York's most famous visitors.

"It's so cute! It's adorable," said Carol Kenner, 35, of Brooklyn.
Michael Zorek, 45, a stay-at-home dad, took his 3-year-old son, Jeremy, to check out the Times Square ape.

Jeremy told his father that "King Kong" didn't seem like a kids film. But as he looked at the hairy creature in front of him, Jeremy did not appear overly impressed.

Was it scary? "No," Jeremy said. "It's pretend."

Brian Damage · 12-06-2005, 10:43 AM

I'm a little skeptical about this movie. The original Kong was a classic. Remakes usually never live up to the hype.

80sTrivia · 12-06-2005, 04:20 PM

I've been looking forward to seeing this movie all summer! I hope it lives up to the expectations!

TV DVD Fan · 12-06-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

I'm a little skeptical about this movie. The original Kong was a classic. Remakes usually never live up to the hype.

I definately agree with the latter, but I think this one's gonna be good, too, I've heard that they made the CGI effects so that every hair on Kong's body aligned perfectly with one another. I think it's gonna be kick-ass in SE's, the question is, how will the acting be? The definate good sign is it takes place in the 30s, like the original. Unlike a totally tasteless and unfunny remake like THE HONEYMOONERS (no offense, but Paramount did their best to make it the exact opposite of the show although I haven't seen it, nor do I intend to, the previews were enough for me, I mean, they talk about unclean subjects that as Chuck Woolery would say, the execs wouldn't "touch that one with a forklift", back in the 50s and they made sure the cast wasn't the same color, you cannot place an African-American in a Caucasian role, and vice versa, and especially not Cedric). I think I'll wait for the DVD, though, I ain't big on movie theatres, rather watch it from the comfort of home.

I hope no one takes offense to my comments, but I'm sure we all can agree that Paramount did that to diss the original.

Switches (except for George Costanza's cases), generally aren't a good thing from a TV show to a film, like switching a man's role to a woman's, black to white, white to black, etc.

Make-up is everything, if you try to switch the looks, you diss the creator.

ie, THE JEFFERSONS starring Tom Cruise?
ALL IN THE FAMILY starring Mike Epps?

Does that sound right to anyone? (Sorry to be long-winded, I just don't want to offend anyone here)

Anyway, Kong never interested me much, but lately with previews, previews, then more previews, and online reviews of the original Kong, I think I wanta give the KING a try. (As long as he promises not to place me atop the forthcoming Freedom Tower, which is expected to soar 1,800 feet in the air, yikes, Fay wouldn't be happy if the movie took place 10 years from now!)

Pat

TJL · 12-06-2005, 06:16 PM

Am I the only one on the planet who liked the 1976 version?

LucyCompanyPhan · 12-06-2005, 10:48 PM

Usually remakes aren't good but there are exceptions and with the technology, this is the remake we need. The original will always be the original and no one will ever for get it, but how about for adventure and action? Jackson is an incredible director who does the impossible with a camara. I have full faith that this will be the blockbuster of the year.

Karen* · 12-07-2005, 12:19 AM

No offense, but the remake looks really stupid. It's like what they tried to do with Bewitched...not making an actual, full-out remake, but making a movie ABOUT making a remake, and everything becomes real as the actors create that remake. If that makes any sense to you guys.

Brad Russ · 12-12-2005, 04:26 AM

I'm excited about this movie, it looks really good.

Karen* · 12-12-2005, 05:34 PM

I changed my mind...I wanna see it now!

TJL · 12-12-2005, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen Foster

I changed my mind...I wanna see it now!

According to all the advanced critical praise, this film is guaranteed to do everyting short of curing cancer, so you had better get in line right now.

Karen* · 12-13-2005, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJL

According to all the advanced critical praise, this film is guaranteed to do everyting short of curing cancer, so you had better get in line right now.

Nah...I'll wait a week or two so I can get in for free.

TV DVD Fan · 12-13-2005, 09:24 PM

I never thought much of Kong, but I gotta admit, I am very tempted to start collecting all of the old films and see the new film. It is VERY hard for the critics to like a movie, and they are all over it, it sounds like a great love story, and I always like a little romance.

Pat

eltonfan80 · 12-13-2005, 10:04 PM

it true that is suppose to be a giant spider in the moive if so i not going to see cuase i am dealthly afraid of spiders

LucyCompanyPhan · 12-14-2005, 12:04 AM

I just watched some of the original King Kong on TCM (1933) and I really loved what I saw from the original. Unfortantely I didn't get to see all of it, but I loved the technique and style. I could just picture what Jackson has in store. I'll probably wait until the following weekend to see this because there are some other movies I need to check out first.

Brad Russ · 12-17-2005, 05:48 PM

Has anybody seen it yet?? Despite all the great reviews, it apparantely didn't do very well on it's opening day, making only about 8 million dollars.Considering the fact that this film costed over 200 million to make, and many people were predicting it would break Titanic's all time record, this is incredibly disappointing news. Hopefully it'll do better over the weekend, because this looks like a big budget hollywood film that is actually good for a change.

12-06-2005, 10:40 AM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	King Kong Returns To Empire State Building King Kong Returns to Empire State Building (AP) "King Kong" producer/writer-director Peter Jackson, second from left, holds a 1933 Stop Motion... Full Image NEW YORK (AP) - Not surprisingly, considering New York's long-held fascination with the big gorilla, the city went ape for King Kong Monday. The supersized simian has captivated New Yorkers since he first stepped foot, a giant one at that, in the city in 1933, via the classic RKO film. His building-scaling, blonde-loving ways made him an instant legend. With the arrival Monday of the new $150 million cinematic version of the ape-meets-girl story, King Kong was once again the toast of the town. Besides Mayor Bloomberg declaring Monday "King Kong Day," the hairy creature took a seat of honor in Times Square, growled from billboards throughout town and was the guest of honor at many parties. One of them was at the Empire State Building - the structure he famously climbed while carrying Fay Wray in the original movie. "I always kind of felt there's like this twisted love relationship between King Kong and Fay Wray and the Empire State Building," said Lydia Ruth, the building's public relations director and special-events coordinator. "We made him famous or he made us famous. I'm not sure." William Kornblum, a professor of sociology at The Graduate Center of City University of New York, said that despite being fiction, the movie did, in many ways, reflect history. "The film used a building which symbolized the way the United States, and especially New York City, was reaching for the sky in its ambitions," said Kornblum, a New Yorker who specializes in urban history. Richard Pena, program director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, agreed. "It seemed, in a way, one of architecture's noblest achievements and at the same time it was where this primitive ape climbed up," he said. "It was a symbol of modernity overtaken by the symbol of the primitive." (AP) George Lucas poses for photographers at the world premiere of the film King Kong, New York, Monday,... Full Image Part of the reason the King Kong legend had so much impact was that "it came out at the right time," said Ray Morton, author of "King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon." The film, he said, "was brand-new at the same time the Empire State Building was." The 1976 remake of "King Kong," starring Jessica Lange, placed the ape atop the World Trade Center towers. But the new rendition of the film, directed by Peter Jackson of "The Lord of the Rings" fame, takes the creature back to the Empire State Building, which, because of the tragic events of Sept. 11, is once again New York's tallest building. At Times Square on Monday, a fake giant ape attracted hordes of crowds, including many tourists eager to take pictures with one of New York's most famous visitors. "It's so cute! It's adorable," said Carol Kenner, 35, of Brooklyn. Michael Zorek, 45, a stay-at-home dad, took his 3-year-old son, Jeremy, to check out the Times Square ape. Jeremy told his father that "King Kong" didn't seem like a kids film. But as he looked at the hairy creature in front of him, Jeremy did not appear overly impressed. Was it scary? "No," Jeremy said. "It's pretend."

12-06-2005, 10:43 AM	#2
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I'm a little skeptical about this movie. The original Kong was a classic. Remakes usually never live up to the hype.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-06-2005, 04:20 PM	#3
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,714	I've been looking forward to seeing this movie all summer! I hope it lives up to the expectations!
	__________________ Perfect Gift Books for Pop Culture Fanatics: Thank You for Being a Friend: A Golden Girls Trivia Book The Bouquet Residence: A Keeping Up Appearances Trivia Book Cooking With the Golden Girls: Fun & Delicious Recipes from a Hilarious Miami Kitchen Love in the Afternoon: The Ultimate Soap Opera Trivia Book The Last Great Decade: The Ultimate 90s Trivia Book Betty White: A Celebration

12-06-2005, 06:16 PM	#5
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	Am I the only one on the planet who liked the 1976 version?
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

12-06-2005, 10:48 PM	#6
LucyCompanyPhan Hollywood Senior Member Join Date: Sep 25, 2001 Location: a far away place in sitcomville Posts: 2,254	Usually remakes aren't good but there are exceptions and with the technology, this is the remake we need. The original will always be the original and no one will ever for get it, but how about for adventure and action? Jackson is an incredible director who does the impossible with a camara. I have full faith that this will be the blockbuster of the year.
	__________________ "Rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness -- give me truth.”

12-07-2005, 12:19 AM	#7
Karen* paradox. Forum Superstar Join Date: Jan 08, 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 28,365	No offense, but the remake looks really stupid. It's like what they tried to do with Bewitched...not making an actual, full-out remake, but making a movie ABOUT making a remake, and everything becomes real as the actors create that remake. If that makes any sense to you guys.
	__________________ karen on \| twitter \| tumblr

12-12-2005, 04:26 AM	#8
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	I'm excited about this movie, it looks really good. Attached Images
	__________________ St. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Currently my favorite song. Last edited by Brad Russ; 12-12-2005 at 11:12 AM.

12-12-2005, 05:34 PM	#9
Karen* paradox. Forum Superstar Join Date: Jan 08, 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 28,365	I changed my mind...I wanna see it now!

12-13-2005, 09:24 PM	#12
TV DVD Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 07, 2005 Posts: 2,602	I never thought much of Kong, but I gotta admit, I am very tempted to start collecting all of the old films and see the new film. It is VERY hard for the critics to like a movie, and they are all over it, it sounds like a great love story, and I always like a little romance. Pat

12-13-2005, 10:04 PM	#13
eltonfan80 RIP MJ I'LL MISS YOU FOREVER Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 11, 2005 Location: in a cloud above the sky Posts: 847	it true that is suppose to be a giant spider in the moive if so i not going to see cuase i am dealthly afraid of spiders
	__________________ michael jackson 8-29-58- forever rip

12-14-2005, 12:04 AM	#14
LucyCompanyPhan Hollywood Senior Member Join Date: Sep 25, 2001 Location: a far away place in sitcomville Posts: 2,254	I just watched some of the original King Kong on TCM (1933) and I really loved what I saw from the original. Unfortantely I didn't get to see all of it, but I loved the technique and style. I could just picture what Jackson has in store. I'll probably wait until the following weekend to see this because there are some other movies I need to check out first.

12-17-2005, 05:48 PM	#15
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Has anybody seen it yet?? Despite all the great reviews, it apparantely didn't do very well on it's opening day, making only about 8 million dollars.Considering the fact that this film costed over 200 million to make, and many people were predicting it would break Titanic's all time record, this is incredibly disappointing news. Hopefully it'll do better over the weekend, because this looks like a big budget hollywood film that is actually good for a change.