I was a few years younger than you in 1976 and massively excited to see the movie.
My reaction? I don't really remember.
I think I liked it but didn't love it like I'd hoped.
But I did have merch: lunchbox, notebooks. I think I liked the idea of the movie and the character more than the...
I felt so deceived as a kid when I saw the movie and realized Kong wasn't anywhere close to big enough to stand on both towers at the same time!
Is it too late to file a class action lawsuit? :D