King Kong (2005)

• What's it about?: This remake goes back to following the plot of the original and staying within the period it came out in.
• Thoughts: Honestly better than the original. The characters and story are much more fleshed out, Skull Island is more terrifying and of course a movie from 2005 with access to more modern filmmaking techniques is going to have better visuals than one from the 30s.
• Rating: 9/10
• Recommendation: Highly Recommended
• Tier: A

Main Characters

Carl Denham
Jack Black
An ambitious filmmaker who just wanted to film a simple uncharted island.

Other notable actors: Andy Serkis, Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Colin Hanks, Kyle Chandler, Jamie Bell

Director: Peter Jackson

Producer: Peter Jackson

Remake of: King Kong (1933)

The Mighty Kong (1998)

• What's it about?: The original but animated and partially a musical.
• Thoughts: Pretty bad. The animation is crap, the story is watered down, rushed and too cartoony.
• Rating: 1/10
• Recommendation: Not Recommended
• Tier: F-

Notable Actors: Dudley Moore

Remake of: King Kong (1933)

King Kong (1976)

• What's it about?: In this version an oil company goes to Skull Island seeking oil and then all the usual King Kong stuff happens. 
• Thoughts: This one just doesn't seem as grand as its predecessor. The gorilla suit doesn't seem as special as stop-motion or mocap and there's a disappointing lack of dinosaurs and giant monster fights.
• Rating: 6/10
• Recommendation: Maybe
• Tier: C

Notable actors: Jeff Bridges, Jessica Lange, Peter Cullen

Director: John Guillermin

Remake of: King Kong (1933)

Sequel: King Kong Lives (1986)

The Jackal (1997)

• What's it about?: Bruce Willis is an assassin known as The Jackal and is hired to kill someone. Richard Gere is taken out of prison to help stop him.
• Thoughts: It's an ok movie. Bruce Willis does a decent job but ultimately it doesn't do much for me.
• Rating: 6/10
• Recommendation: Maybe
• Tier: C

Supporting Antagonist

Ian Lamont
Jack Black
An arms dealer who tries to blackmail the Jackal.

Other notable actors: Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, J. K. Simmons

Director: Michael Caton-Jones

Remake of: The Day of the Jackal (1973)