King Kong Lives

King Kong Lives is a thrilling 1986 movie sequel that picks up the story of the classic King Kong adventure saga. This sequel opens with King Kong's spectacular fall from the World Trade Center in New York, which happened in the previous film. The movie stars Brian Kerwin, Linda Hamilton, and the talented mime artist Peter Elliott, who assumes the role of the giant primate.

The film explores the aftermath of King Kong's fall. While it might be easy to believe that it was the end for the mighty Kong, this exciting narrative proves there is much more to the story. The movie opens with a revelation that Kong did not die but has instead been in a coma for a decade, maintained by the dedicated doctor Amy Franklin, portrayed by Linda Hamilton. Hamilton, best known for her role in the 'Terminator' series, brilliantly plays this compassionate character.

Dr. Franklin has kept King Kong alive with the help of a giant artificial heart. However, there's one life-threatening problem that keeps Kong in his coma. He needs a large amount of blood for a heart transplant operation, the kind of blood that is not easy to find. Here enters the adventurer Hank Mitchell, played by Brian Kerwin, adding a touch of audacity and humor to the grim situation. Mitchell discovers a giant female ape in Borneo and realizes that her blood could save King Kong.

However, capturing Lady Kong and bringing her to the United States proves to be a daunting task for Mitchell, replete with intrigue and danger. Brian Kerwin's portrayal of this modern-day adventurer is vibrant and energetic. As you might expect, after Lady Kong's arrival in the United States, things do not go smoothly.

The plot thickens when Kong awakens from his coma and breaks free, resulting in a terrifying rampage in pursuit of his female counterpart. The dynamics of the two giant apes, their bond, and their struggle against human opposition form the backbone of the film.

Peter Elliott, renowned for his performances in the gorilla suit, reprises Kong's role in the sequel. He brings a real depth to the creature, articulating Kong's emotions with surprising conviction. Kong, as a character, is a mix of terrifying power and profound melancholy, and Elliott manages to convey this duality impressively.

Directed by John Guillermin, the movie effectively carries forward the King Kong legacy while adding new layers of emotion and action. Guillermin successfully blends touching moments of gentleness and affection with scenes of high-stakes excitement and adventure. The director uses modern (for the time) special effects to make Kong and Lady Kong come alive on screen. The playful yet powerful interaction between the two apes becomes the movie's unique selling point.

One of the film's most endearing aspects is the relationship that develops between the two central human characters, Dr. Amy Franklin and Hank Mitchell. Linda Hamilton and Brian Kerwin share a sparkling on-screen chemistry that adds an interesting subplot to the main narrative.

King Kong Lives also benefits from an engrossing screenplay, filled with compelling dialogue and a variety of fascinating scenes. The film effectively combines elements of romance, adventure, and science fiction, resulting in an exciting cinematic ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

In essence, King Kong Lives is a movie filled with excitement, adventure, and poignancy. It brilliantly reimagines the King Kong mythology, combining impressive special effects with engaging performances by the cast. The movie takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride of suspense, emotion, and action, reiterating Kong's timeless appeal.