I prefer the movement in this game to the original Donkey Kong, it's just a lot faster, and I think the way they expanded upon the climbing mechanics from the first was greatly appreciated. The 2nd level and 4th are probably the most intriguing in that respect, and I especially like the twist on DK's last level in this game. Sort of ironic, but I feel due to the fact it's much smoother to control, you kind of lose some of the charm and tension of the original because of that fact, and in general I just find it way easier than it's predecessor in both handling and level design.. but that's not exactly a bad thing.
It still has some of the weirdness of the first but you kind of just get used to it after dying like twice.