we saw king kong as a family. It was a bit too much for me and my kiddos. We ended up fast forwarding thru a few spots such as when the giant worm things "eat" some characters. The violence was realistic but a bit intense. I would highly recommend this movie be screened for your child before they see it. All in all it was an ok movie. Great in some spots a bit over done in other spots. It could have been shortened without loosing any plot details. Great movie for 15 and over, iffy for 13 & 14. not for under 12 IMHO. :)
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King Kong (2005)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Boisterous, spectacular remake of 1933 classic.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–14
What to watch out for
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Violence :
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Sex :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About King Kong (2005)
Parents need to know that the movie includes numerous violent scenes that may be frightening for younger viewers and some action pushing the PG-13 edge. Specifically, humans are attacked on the island by giant bugs, bats, and dinosaurs in sustained, pounding action scenes. Kong shifts from scary (chest-pounding and roaring) to sympathetic; he's attacked brutally by men in tanks and planes, shooting guns. Characters drink and smoke cigarettes; Ann wears a slip through most of her adventures on the island. Most troubling is the depiction of the black island natives, who appear as nightmarish, surreal images, chanting and shaking when they sacrifice Ann to Kong. The showbiz version of this scene (recreated in New York) uses blackface performers.
Read our full review by Cynthia Fuchs
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the relationship between Ann and Kong. How does their mutual affection extend beyond person and pet, to something more complicated? How does Denham's exploitation of Kong parallel his exploitation of people? How do the military attacks make Kong increasingly sympathetic (even an underdog, out of place in the city), as he tries to protect Ann and then she tries to protect him? How do the blackface performers serve as commentary on mainstream fear of the "unknown"?
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Our Members Say
See all 73 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in New YorkI rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Lives in HawaiiI rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
It is not pushing PG-13 limits how lame. It is fine kind of boring but Naomi Watts saved it.
I rate this title on for age 13 and give itI was dazzled
Incredible remake is bloody and violent.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Excellent, spectacular action movie: might scare younger children.
My two older kids say this movie, and they enjoyed it. They wouldn't even stand up to go to the bathroom until it was over, which was very strange. The movie is great, but it's 3 hours long. If you are into action and adventures, this movie is one worth sitting through, but younger kids might get scared. There is a scene with giant roaches that climb on peoples backs, and one of the main characters is surprised by a hidden tarantula. This movie either grosses you out, or gives you energy. I would rate this movie: PG-13.
- I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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For Your Family
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