I just finished watching Peter Jackson’s King Kong, the Deluxe Extended Edition. Kim bought it for me last month for my birthday, but I haven’t made time to see it until tonight. Actually, I saw half of it LAST weekend, and the other half tonight. The original theatrical version was over 3 hours itself, and the extended version adds another 38 minutes of deleted scenes, so it really is a large undertaking to watch it in one sitting. (Which, I should note, I fully intend to do… just as soon as I recover from watching it THIS time…)

So what’d I think of it? Well, let’s get one thing straight: I love the story of King Kong. There are so many alluring elements for me. Huge monkey on a remote island, monster creatures to fight, a short time frame of events. It’s perfect is so many ways. But Peter Jackson has taken the original storyline and enhanced it beyond anything I had ever imagined. Despite all the various plot holes, insane character motivations and laughable timing transitions, I still consider this movie to be a modern masterpiece.

Why? Because as much as I love the action and the gigantic fun of it all, what really gets me in this movie is the dynamic between Ann Darrow and Kong. She felt so alone in the beginning of the story. Abandoned and afraid, she had been let down by those around her throughout her life. But in Kong she found someone who would not only stand by her, but would fight to the death to defend her as well.

I’m not ashamed to say I cried while I watched this movie, even more so here at home than I did in the theaters, which surprised me. It’s just so wrenching, seeing them united and separated like they were, at peace and then thrust into turmoil once again. And what’s worse, my tears stung, so it wasn’t a cleansing cry. It was downright painful.

So, yeah, it’s going to be a while before I watch King Kong again. But I’ll be anticipating it for months to come, I can tell you that. And Kim? If you’re reading this, I Thank You. Thank you for such a wonderful birthday gift. This almost makes up for that time you gave me luggage. Almost.

Kevin