Four stars (out of four)

The story of "King Kong" is familiar to almost everyone. The interest of this version is in the special effects, and they are outstanding.

The ape himself was totally believable, as were the dinosaurs and insects. Naomi Watts does an outstanding job as Ann Darrow, "Beauty"" to King Kong's "Beast."

In the end you are cheering for Kong. You fall in love with the ape, knowing that he has no control over his situation. Mankind, in his infinite struggle to conquer and control, tries to use Kong for his personal gain.

Rated PG-13, "King Kong" was full of violent, bloody, scary scenes. I question if the movie should be viewed by those under 10 years of age. If the natives on Skull Island don't scare children, the flesh-eating T. rex and larger-than-life spiders and other creepy crawlies will. Though a bit too long, "King Kong" is a very engaging movie, rich in action, adventure and emotion.

-- Marlene Creech, teacher

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Four stars (out of four)

Set in the 1930s, "King Kong" delivers a mix of drama and excitement that is emotional and surreal.

Though lengthy in the beginning, once Naomi Watt's character, Ann Darrow, is sacrificed to Kong on the dangerous Skull Island, the movie becomes increasingly engaging. Because Kong becomes Ann's protector on the hostile island, things get complicated. Naturally, Kong doesn't want to lose her and becomes a threat to anyone who would try to separate them. The bond between Ann and Kong is what separates Kong as an animal and not a monster in the movie.

In order to remake "Kong," director Peter Jackson does a thorough job of defining the traits and motives of the human characters in the movie. However, Jackson knows that Kong is the star of the show, not an overbearing special effect. Hence, he presents Kong as a true character with a wide range of emotions, while still maintaining Kong's animal mystique.

-- Kevin Skelton

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Two stars (out of four)

"King Kong" is one scary movie.

PG-13 is an appropriate rating as the violence is very realistic and some of the animation so lifelike it will keep you pushed back in your seat until the end of the film, which was too long at three hours.

From Skull Island back to Manhattan, this remake is adequately done. Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow captures the heart of King Kong, played by Andy Serkis. Kong is won over by Darrow after she performs her vaudeville act for him on a high ledge over magnificent but deadly scenery. The romance between Darrow and Kong consists of long, brooding looks and lots of tears.

The Skull Island prehistoric monsters from T. rex to larger-than-life centipedes and spiders all make this movie's special effects fantastic and worth the ticket price. Maybe the next remake will include better acting.

-- Helen Gibbar