I've only just seen this move, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is one film that actually lives up to the publicity and hype surrounding its reputation. The iconic scene of the creature carrying the fainted lady is there intact, as well as every classic monster stalking concept that has since been borrowed for most monster thriller stories since, I thought the reveal of the hand clawing at the riverbank was brilliantly done, as well as the attack of the native workers in the tent. And also the human drama plays along very nicely alongside the chase elements. The sexual rivalry between the two male leads over the female, as well as the philosophical dispute between business and scientific research was very well done. The ethnic boat captain was a great comic character also.
The only scene I didn't like was the bit in the aquarium where everyone is "discussing" the need to mount an expedition, and they all give profound speeches and almost instantly agree to go. To me this seems a bit overly preachy and forced, even for classic films of this time. But that was really the only weak scene. Everything else worked brilliantly.
This definitely is one movie that well deserves its reputation as a fun escapist masterpiece.
The only scene I didn't like was the bit in the aquarium where everyone is "discussing" the need to mount an expedition, and they all give profound speeches and almost instantly agree to go. To me this seems a bit overly preachy and forced, even for classic films of this time. But that was really the only weak scene. Everything else worked brilliantly.
This definitely is one movie that well deserves its reputation as a fun escapist masterpiece.