I like the idea of it being shorter, but I I think the bond between Kong and Ann was what made the movie work. It gave the movie emotion and drama. When Kong died it was a powerfully emotional moment, because Kong died trying to protect Ann from something he did not understand in a world that was unfamiliar because he cared for her. That is true companionship and friendship. And the movie got full marks from me because of this. I really don't know how you kept the emotional level up there without this key story point.