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Running Time:
114mins Bonus Materials: |
The film begins in the remote mountains of central Africa. One fateful night a baby gorilla and Jill Young (the daughter of the famous zoologist Dr Young) are both orphaned when a hunting party fire indiscriminately at the gorilla population. Jill grows up a beautiful young lady committed to protecting Joe the baby gorilla. Joe has grown to become the largest gorilla in the world. When the local poachers become aware of Joe's existence his future becomes uncertain. Jill therefore decides to make use of the offer made by zoologist Gregg O'Hara to offer Joe a safe home at a Californian Conservation Centre. Life might be okay but for the return of the evil hunters who have decided to have a second go at capturing Joe.
The action all rotates around the plans of the evil hunters and Jill's efforts to protect Joe. Excitement and adventure all the way.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere never climbs out of the land of make believe; indeed it doesn't
try to (which is fare enough).
Plot
The plot is a classic of the dastardly evil bad guys versus the naive but well
intended good guys/girls.
Special Effects
Hats of to the special effects team who created a very creditable Gorilla of
incredible scale, all set amongst real size background. Very good special effects.
Sound
Was fine.
Acting
The film provided little scope for Oscar nomination performances, but it was
fine.
Overall
Mighty Joe Young provided harmless, clean entertainment that could be enjoyed
by all. I could imagine young children being completely engrossed by this very
good little film, and that surely is as high an accolade as this film would
ever seek. If not for young people, Joe Young is certainly best enjoyed by young
at heart.
A bit light on the extras front, although it does contain a nice featurette which shows how the gorilla special effects were made. Also included is a theatrical trailer and the compulsory chapter search.
Gregg O'Hara - Bill Paxton
Jill Young - Charlize Theron
Strasser - Rade Sherbedzija
Pindi - Naveen Andrews
Cecily Banks - Regina King
Harry Ruben - David Paymer
Director - Ron Underwood
Buy this at Black Star!
