King Kong (1976)

King Kong (1976) is a big, brawny slice of blockbuster mythmaking that wears its heart on its sleeve: a creature feature with real wonder in its eyes and a surprisingly tender pulse beneath the spectacle. John Guillermin stages the adventure with comic-book verve, letting the island discovery and New York mayhem play like a grand, slightly cheeky carnival ride, powered by a terrific score and effects that still have a tactile, showman’s charm. Jeff Bridges brings an easy likability, Jessica Lange gives Dwan a star-is-born sparkle that makes the film’s odd romance oddly persuasive, and Charles Grodin is deliciously slippery as the smiling face of exploitation. It’s not for everyone—some 1970s gender politics and a few suggestive moments may give modern viewers pause—but if you’re on the fence, it’s a lively, imaginative remake that knows how to entertain while reminding you why Kong endures.

King Kong (1976) is clearly aiming for a big, glossy update of the classic: corporate greed, larger-than-life spectacle, and a tragic monster you’re meant to pity as much as fear. The problem is it often feels more like a long, lumbering march to the inevitable than a gripping adventure, with thin characters and a predictable script doing the heavy lifting between set pieces. A lot of the effects and “sexy captive” vibe are very of their era, which can read as dated or even uncomfortable if you’re not in the mood for 1970s blockbuster attitudes. Still, Jessica Lange brings a watchable spark and the NYC chaos has its moments, so it can work if you want a nostalgic, camp-leaning creature feature rather than a sharp, emotionally rich remake.