The Son of Kong (1933)

I love this movie so much

One of the best films i have seen

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Quickie Follow-Up to one of the Best Movies Ever Made. After a rather Downbeat and Sombre Beginning, the Movie Loads on the Charm once back on Skull Island and it's all Played for Chuckles and Showcases Little Kong (named "KIKO" but it is never used on screen) as He Befriends His new Playmates and Showcases His Dad's Fighting ability as He Protects and Romps with the Crew.As a Stand Alone Feature the Movie is quite Affable and even Highly Entertaining (on the Island) and can be Forgiven for not even Attempting to Match the Grandiosity of its Heritage. Everything is done in "Miniature". The Story, the SFX, the Score, and the Willis O' Brien Stop Motion Effects are all Less Attentive.Overall, a Strangely Insincere Imitation, as the Creative Team all but Surrendered to the Demands of the Studio and Produced a very Cheap and Quickly Made Sequel that Despite all of the Half-Heartedness still Manages to be Worth a Watch despite Forever being in the Gigantic Footsteps of one of the Greatest Films of All Time. The Whole Team made such a Wonderful Movie the First Time They can be Forgiven, because making "King Kong" (1933) must have left Them, like Stunned Audiences (even to this day) all but Exhausted.Note…Marian C. Cooper and O'Brien made amends and a worthy continuation of Type in 1949, with the excellent "Mighty Joe Young".

SON OF KONG isn't a particularly bad film by any means, but it's fair to say that it pales in comparison to its monstrously good predecessor and thus is destined to remain forever in KING KONG's shadow. It's weaker than the first film in every respect, and yet despite the flaws I found it to be quite a watchable movie.The good news about SON OF KONG is that it's short and to the point, with little chance for the viewer to get bored by the on-screen proceedings. The plot is serviceable, utilising simple devices to get some recurring characters from the first movie back on Skull Island, where they inevitably encounter a young, cuter giant ape.Willis O'Brien's wondrous stop motion effects are once again in evidence here, although they're used quite sparingly and the actual scenes of monster mayhem are sparse, although the ending doesn't disappoint. The characters are one-dimensional and the script is straightforward, but there's the requisite amount of adventure and atmosphere for fans of this enjoyably dated genre to enjoy.

Which isn't to say it's better (or as good as) the original KONG, which is a film that will never be equaled (as De Laurentis and Peter Jackson spent millions proving). But as sequels go this one is just right. When modern film makers produce a sequel to a hit movie they essentially remake it only bigger. If the original had ten explosion the sequel has a hundred, if the original had one big angry monster the sequel has five. In other words they take a good idea and turn it into something tedious and overblown. The producers of SON OF KONG shrewdly realized that they could never top the original so they gave us a pleasant little followup instead. As another reviewer aptly noted, SON is a light dessert after a steak dinner, which is just what you want. The effects and action are good, the humor is excellent, and I for one prefer Helen Mack's spunky gal to Fay Wray's insipid heroine. So sue me.

The story of KING KONG (1933) does not demand a sequel, but that's never stopped Hollywood. Impossible to live up to its groundbreaking predecessor, SON OF KONG (1933) is a nice little adventure flick that serves as an epilogue to the earlier film.The movie picks up where KING KONG left off and focuses on ruined showman Carl Denham dealing with the fallout after his giant ape runs amok in New York City. He faces lawsuits and jail time and has boarded himself off from the public. He even feels remorse for his actions in the first film.Denham is reunited with Captain Englehorn and the two sail away from the scandal. Before long they learn about a treasure hidden on Kong's island and decide to return for it. Back on the savage island, the group encounters giant prehistoric monsters, dangerous jungle terrain, and a young white-haired Kong gorilla.Robert Armstrong returns as Carl Denham, with Frank Reicher reprising his role as Englehorn. They are joined this time around by Helen Mack, a cute brunette. The creative team behind KING KONG is back again, but limited by a smaller budget for this quick follow-up (released the same year as its predecessor). Willis O'Brien's stop-motion creature effects are back, but there's relatively little time spent in the jungle.The filmmakers take a more sympathetic approach to the beast this time. Kong Jr. is made to be more likable than his old man. He's given a childlike innocence and a pleasant disposition. (The sometimes comical touch given to the white-haired Kong reminded me of the bumble snow monster from RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER.) Spurred on by Helen Mack's character, whose father had a circus act with animals, Denham aids the giant gorilla. Feeling sorry for bringing about the elder Kong's demise, Denham figures he owes something to Junior. This kinder, gentler Kong proves to be a useful ally. The girl is not afraid of the giant ape and her understanding allows Denham to reform and possibly redeem himself.This sequel is short and sweet, only 70 minutes long. It's not at all essential to viewers of the original KONG, but it's a neat curiosity. A little-known follow-up that ultimately brings the Skull Island saga to a close. The character of Carl Denham gets a nice little resolution. Not in the same league as the earlier film, the movie is still rather enjoyable. Helen Mack sure is a cutie. I'll have to watch out for her other films.6+/10