Psycho Response

Psycho is not a movie to be watched by people with shower-related phobias or individuals uncomfortable sleeping in motels. I was astounded at how well Psycho was put together and how even the smallest details added to the overall eeriness of the plot. Before watching Psycho, I never would've thought that a movie made that long ago would still be able to make me jump. The creepy sound effects and even creepier Norman Bates are enough to leave anyone feeling a bit uneasy. This movie really did push the limits of what was acceptable in the 1960s. The film's shower scene is surely disturbing enough to stack up to the horror movies of today. Watching this film gave me a higher respect for classic horror films and even now, days after finishing it, I still feel completely mind****ed by the movie's final twist when Norman Bate's split personality is finally revealed.

The romantic drama, Casablanca (1942), was a major shift from the stunning action adventure that was King Kong. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Casablanca nearly as much as the Kong films due to the fact that it was much more difficult to understand and had a much slower pace in my opinion. However, I was impressed by the plot revolving around the crisis of the time, World War II. Also, I felt the director, Michael Curtiz, did a fine job of developing the intense love triangle between Rick, Victor and Ilsa. I believe that this film would've had a much greater appreciation back when it first came out when World War II was a current event rather than history as it displays a powerful view of some of the hardships endured because of Nazi Germany. Though I did not particularly enjoy this film, I was able to appreciate the quality of film making of the time and the legacy the movie created.

King Kong (2005)

The newest remake of King Kong definitely blows the original King Kong (1933) right out of the water with its epic battle sequences and stunning special effects. Peter Jackson was able to portray a much stronger connection between Ann and Kong, which I felt was significantly beneficial to the movie's plot. Because of this twist however, I did not feel as if there was a strong enough connection between Ann and Jack, which played a large role in the 1933 original. Also, a change in Kong's personality was also incredibly evident. This, I believe, made the movie much more interesting as it allowed you more access to the depths of Kong's head rather than viewing him as a savage monster gorilla. Despite the incredible difference, I am very impressed by how far film making has come in such a short time and how the innovative techniques from back then are simple child's play now. To sum it all up, I thoroughly enjoyed King Kong (2005), especial considering I didn't have to hear Fay Wray screaming every two seconds.

King Kong (1933) Response

Prior to watching King Kong (1933) I would not have believed I'd be able to enjoy a movie made so long ago and lacking in the special effects technology of today. Watching this movie gave me the opportunity to really appreciate the effort it took to make a movie back in the day. Despite the miserable animation and obnoxious noises, I was still able to really feel for King Kong when he was shot off of empire state building. The only aspect of the movie which I found significantly unappealing was having to listen to Fay Wray's screaming every time she found herself far too useless to escape Kong on her own. The original King Kong is no Avatar, but it certainly was able to keep my interest.