For filmmaker Peter Jackson, the original King Kong film is: "A wonderful blend - possibly the most perfect blend - of escapism and adventure and mystery and romance." But what do audiences make of his new version? Sarah, 32, Camden: It's the greatest beauty and the beast story ever. Beauty kills the beast. I suppose the giant ape represents male turmoil. The process of the relationship between the Naomi Watts and Kong changing from fear and curiosity to something resembling love was utterly believable. It's also about hubris.
Zach, 24, Philadelphia: Dude, there was some freaky shit going on on Skull Island, and the ugliness of the savages did make me wonder whether the film might be racist.
Bob, 25, New Jersey: I know the film's been called racist, but I can't really see it. I mean, King Kong might be one fucking big scary ape, but he's the hero and we're rooting for him by the end.
Christopher, 37, London: I went expecting a Hollywood blockbuster like Jurrasic Park, but this was art. There could have been an interval. It was like watching two films back-to-back, but it was magnificent. King Kong's all about awe and spectacle.
Simon, 36, Oxford: King Kong is a slightly belaboured allegory for cinema itself. It's extravagant and over-indulgent. I loved it despite myself. Jackson's created an homage to the original film, and he captures its essence. Jack Black was great as the scummy director.
Dinesh, 29, London: It's just masterful storytelling. A great adventure. King Kong takes ages to arrive, but he's worth the wait.
Katherine, 30, Soho: I thought I knew the story. I was surprised that the romance between the actress and Kong was made so explicit. There's probably loads to say about gender, class, and race in this film, but for me, it was about unrequited love and betrayal. Everything hinges on the bond between Ann and the giant monkey.
