Mighty Joe Young Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Survival is an instinct.
The movie opens with poachers attacking a group of gorillas. Animal preservationists fight the poachers, which ends with one gorilla and a young girl's mother dead. In the melee, a particularly large gorilla baby attacks the head hunter and bites his thumb and forefinger off. The films immediately passes into the future and the young girl has grown up to be Charlize Theron and the gorilla has grown to be 15' tall and weighs 2000 pounds. The two are best friends who play together. When poachers again appear, a representative (Bill Paxton) of a California wildlife refuge convinces her to transfer the gorilla she has named Joe Young to the refuge. Of course, once there the former hunter shows up seeking revenge. Terrorizing the gorilla without letting his human handlers know, the gorilla goes on a rampage across Los Angeles.
| Bill Paxton | Gregg O'Hara |
| Charlize Theron | Jill Young |
| Rade Serbedzija | Andrei Strasser |
| Regina King | Cecily Banks |
| Peter Firth | Garth |
| Naveen Andrews | Pindi |
| David Paymer | Harry Ruben |
| Robert Wisdom | Kweli |
| Christian Clemenson | Jack |
| Geoffrey Blake | Vern |
| Lawrence Pressman | Dr. Elliot Baker |
| Linda Purl | Dr. Ruth Young |
| Mika Boorem | Young Jill Young |
| Cory Buck | Jason |
| Liz Georges | Jason's Mother |
| Ron Underwood |
5.40 out of 10 (4539 votes)
Visitor Reviews
First-Class Make-up/Effects
posted on 11 May 2009Rick Baker outdid himself in this remake of the 40s classic. "Joe" is realistic - so much that many times I was sure he was real.Charlize and Bill Paxton present some of their best roles in a more family-oriented film.This *is* a family film. Definitely worth a ticket and tub of popcorn at Christmas.
So Simple, a Monkey...
posted on 11 May 2009Spoilers herein.Disney studios has a simple formula which not surprisingly is similar to Spielberg's: Keep things really simple. One plot line only. Develop everything around the characters; rely on every external reference to give definition to them, do not be afraid of stereotypes. Don't make the characters work too hard to define themselves. Spend a lot of time on the score. Build everything from these two elements, characters and score. Don't take any risks with camerawork, editing, etc.The result is a manufactured product that damages children because it blunts their imagination. Not as badly as TeeVee, but nearly so.This little tale is stamped from an uninteresting mold. But I do find the craft of the score interesting. I do not know this fellow, but he does seem to get around. Perhaps Disney is the place where he can really shine.When is Ms Theron going to get to use her own eyebrows?
Beauty and the Beast named Bill Paxton
posted on 29 Apr 2009Judging by the reaction of the crowd after this movie ended, I think Disney has another hit on their hands. Everybody was clapping and cheering. I was lucky enough to win a pass to see this flick, and I have to say that aside from the crappy, hapless overacting, the watered down storytelling and some seriously over the top stereotypical bad guys, I still came out of the movie enjoying it. This was mostly in part due to the wonderful work of both Rick Baker and the gang who created a very genuine looking, CGI 15 foot, 2000 lbs. ape. That's why I went to see this movie. For Mighty Joe Young. For most of the movie, with a few exceptions being the very last frames leading up to the end credits and the end credits, and some lame computer generated game animals like the rhino and the wild boars at the game park, there was seemless interaction between animatronics and computer effects. Joe Young, the gorilla, was amazingly quite charming and steals the show. They made this ape as lovable as possible so as to draw on as many heart-strings as the big guy can. Why the heck did it have to work on me? I knew what was going to happen, yet those tingly sensations kept running through my body. It's the animal lover in me I suppose.Now as for the human component in this film, I'd have to say that Bill Paxton has got to be the luckiest guy around. He doesn't have much talent in the acting department, but he ends up in some of the biggest blockbusters on the planet. He's Jim Cameron's go to guy (think about all the flicks of Cameron's that Paxton's been in). He pretty much plays the same character he plays in Twister, which isn't a stretch, but I like him anyways, because he'll always be 'Hudson - "Game Over Man"' guy to me. Well that's not completely true, because he was actually quite good in A Simple Plan. Anyways, moving on to Charlise Therron. She just there to be the beauty to Joe's beast and she fills this spot nicely. That's all I have to say about that. Everyone else sucks worse than my friend Bill.The movie gets across a few messages about conservation and habitat, but everything just ends up too easy and too Hollywood, as the law of Disney films dictates. Nothing ever really goes wrong in a Disney flick, and when it does, it either turns out OK a few minutes later or it becomes a flop. Case in point, the Hunchback of Notre Dame. This movie is meant to entertain, and it does, especially for children and the adults who are forced to take them to see this movie. It lacks any real intensity, which disappointed me somewhat, but what can you expect when a movie is rated G. Definitely not Babe, thank my lucky stars!. There are scenes that could frighten children when Joe goes a bit berserk, but Joe is such a softy that he can be forgiven because he does things only when he's provoked and for a good reason.The ape is the coolest thing about this film in my opinion, and there is a minimal entertainment value to it to give it my go ahead to see it on the big screen on a CHEAP night at the movies. One thing I must make absolutely clear is that you should see it in a theatre that has good sound. I saw it in an older theatre that doesn't have THX or Digital Sound. This definitely makes a difference, especially when Joe roars. It sounded so pitiful in this theatre. Anyhow, it's definitely going to be big with the children. All the tie-ins like the toys are going to sell bigtime.
More than just a mini "King Kong"
posted on 06 Mar 2009Disney has taken their typical spin on things by making this a family-oriented watered-down action film. It is important not to look at this as a remake, because, truly, it isn't. It does stand well on its own, though, and is an exciting, non-gory action flick, with some wonderful scenes, and cute one-liners. Even the ape gets in a few good shots, and the realism created by the combination of animatronic special effects, and CGI, truly lend to the overall suspension of disbelief. Though it will never be on par with King Kong, it does make a fine solid film.
At last - a FAMILY film that is not "kid stuff!"
posted on 23 Feb 2009Mighty Joe Young is an excellent family movie. 5 stars for everyone involved. No gore, no nudity, no vulgarity, but a film that gets your attention immediately and holds your attention till the very end. 5 starts - definitely a MUST SEE. Not only would I watch it again, but I'll buy it!!!
Stunning!
posted on 05 Feb 2009I never got to see this movie in theaters, but when I rented it on video, it was better than I thought it would be. The humor was astounding when Joe wacked Bill Paxton across the head. The Special Effects were breathtaking, especialy when the ferris wheel tipped over. The acting was great as well as the storyline. I think MIGHTY JOE YOUNG is a movie the whole family can laugh and cry about. Believe me, this movie is an edge of your seat adventere.
Fantasic effects that are very realistic
posted on 02 Jan 2009This update of "Mighty Joe Young" features incredible visual effects. They are so seemlessly blended into the picture that Joe seems more than real.Bill Paxton is great as usual. In fact, most of the cast is pretty good. Charlize Theron is both tough and sexy. She worked better with Paxton than the contrived relationship he had with Helen Hunt in "Twister".I watched this movie with my kids and they loved it too. Definately a thumbs-up as a family movie. I recommend it.
Great movie for everyone
posted on 13 Dec 2008Disney just keeps getting better with thier movies. The special effects in Mighty Joe Young are done just as well as Jurassic Park. I didn't think I was going to like this movie, but I rented the DVD and loved it. Suprisingly, there is a feature on this DVD which contains interviews with some of the actors. Best of all, James Horner (Titanic, Mask of Zorro, Deep Impact) composed the music.
That was one SCARY monkey (SPOILERS)
posted on 15 Nov 2008At the start of the movie, Jill and her mother are having fun in Africa with the gorillas, and Jill's mother can't believe how big Joe is getting. She doesn't think it's Joe, in fact. Later, Jill's mother has to try to protect the gorillas from poachers.12 years later, Joe is (very) full-grown, and this time he is threatened by Gregg O'Hara and his men, who want to take animals into captivity. Joe attacks them, but Jill calms him down. Eventually, Gregg persuades Jill to let the gorilla be taken to an animal preserve in the United States.One of the poachers finds out about Joe, and he wants to get his hands on the ape. Also, while Gregg and Jill can't stand each other, Cecily Banks, an employee of the animal preserve, believes they like each other.This is close to being a movie the whole family can watch. However, the animal action and the violence are quite scary, and I would say not appropriate for the little ones. In two instances, a child is put in danger. Still, the action often included comedy, which was confusing. Some people were really scared of the ape, while others laughed.The gorilla was quite an actor, whatever that means. Whatever emotions the gorilla felt--anger, sadness, regret, happiness--they were obvious from his facial expressions. Robert Wisdom (as Kweli) also gave a good performance.
Charlize Theron was typical of the activist in movies such as these. Jill's character was overly enthusiastic about protecting the ape, and a little too confident in her own ability to regulate its behavior.This was a pretty good adventure.SPOILERS: Jill and Joe both lose their mothers when trying to protect the gorillas from the poachers.Exactly what made the ape so scary cannot be fully explained without giving away certain plot elements. During a fund-raiser, Joe became very agitated when he recognized the poacher, and the ape escaped and made a complete mess of the event. Joe had to be put in a special facility, which Jill believed would make him lose his will to live. She took the poacher up on his offer, not realizing who he was, to take Joe back to Africa to a better preserve.
When the poacher's truck wrecked, Joe went wild in downtown Los Angeles, and even climbed the Hollywood sign. Then Joe was chased to an amusement park, where he made a mess but eventually redeemed himself when he saw a child in danger and saved him.SPOILER YOU PROBABLY SHOULDN'T READ:Don't worry. Joe risked his life, but he was all right. He ended up in an African preserve where he could be happy.
Disney does a good job with this excellent modernized remake
posted on 04 Nov 2008As a fan of the original Mighty Joe Young which I've watched many times as a kid, I was pretty impressed with the way Disney took the story and brought it back to life with a bit of modernization to the plot. If you are a fan of Disney movies in general, or you like their Animal Kingdom theme park, you will probably really enjoy this movie. My kids loved it too. There are a few emotionally tough spots, so be sure to watch it with them. But like most Disney movies, just about everything works out to a happy conclusion. This is still one of my favorite stories of all time. I'm glad to see it rejuvenated.
Best Bresson Movie Not Made By Bresson
posted on 08 Oct 2008Surprised this picture didn't do better at the box office. After making the dreadful Hearts and Souls (with Alfre Woodard, trying to out-do GHOST) and Speechless (the romantic comedy which killed the careers of both its stars, Geena Davis and Michael Keaton) director Ron Underwood bounced back with this inventive, lively remake of an earlier 1949 movie.
It should have made Charlize Theron, who plays Jill Young, a big, big star, but instead, Charlize had to bumble on for a few more years before winning an Oscar.
James Horner's music outdoes his heart-wrenching symphonic themes for TITANIC, BRAVEHEART, and THE ROCKETEER, with a touch of African percussion and wood and wind instruments that bring the plains of Africa into mind whenever you hear them. Charlize has a lovely song, "Wind Song," sort of a lullaby for Mighty Joe, that should have been a hit on the scale of "MY HEART WILL GO ON." But somehow people just weren't interested in this picture. Maybe the forthcoming remake of KING KONG by Peter Jackson will have better luck with audiences. It will have more publicity, for sure, for I don't think the studio was really behind Ron Underwood to the same degree that New Line supports Jackson.
What a cast! Beyond Charlize and Bill Paxton, the movie also features Naveem Andrews (who plays Sayid on ABC's LOST) in a rather comic role, and also everyone's favorite REGINA KING from RAY.
If you liked AU HASARD BALTHAZAR by Robert Bresson, you will also enjoy MIGHTY JOE YOUNG the remake.
Fun and Charlize is nice to watch
posted on 01 Oct 2008The movie was fun to watch. And Charlize Theron looked so elegant in this movie. The scene where she enters the party in the white dress was amazing. She is quite a one of a kind beauty. Her acting was great too. I knew she was going to get a project eventually getting her acclaim.
Watch Max Keeble's Big Move isntead of this garbage
posted on 08 Sep 2008Here is a live action movie that Disney shouldn't have made. And the Walt Disney company doesn't come out with a lot of live action movies. Or just to the animated movies, but they made this, along with Heavyweights, The Santa Clause, The Jungle Book, 101 Dalmatians. Max Keeble's Big Movie is a lot better than this mess.
PLEASE Rent the Original!!!
posted on 20 Aug 2008There he was, lumbering up on the screen, knuckles dragging on the ground. He opens his simian mouth, and some unintelligible grunts and belches seep out. His eyes, half closed, show that there is *some* form of intelligence behind them, but you'd never know it given the machinations of the script.But enough about Bill Paxton, what about Joe?Add this to the list of unnecessary remakes. The 1949 original is tight, exciting, artful, and in no way in need of updating. The Ray Harryhausen effects are stunning (watch Joe's rampage in a jungle-themed nightclub, where lions are tossed to their deaths--PETA'd have a BIRD with that one today!) The 1998 repeat is dull, stupid, manipulative, loud, and even has a feel-good ending tacked on that made me want to put my fist through the screen.I realize this movie wasn't made for me--a 36 year old male with an affinity toward classic Hollywood. It was made for the under 12 set who won't watch a black and white movie if their Playstations depended on it.But what a pity.If you're interested in this story, track it down in the B&W jungle of your local video store. Otherwise, stay away from this homogenized, heartless, baBOO-O-O-On of a movie!
great remake
posted on 06 Aug 2008this version of the mighty joe young is exciting, enjoyable and a just plain great movie that should have been released during the summer season. Rick baker's make is amongst the finest ever. While you know it is not a real groilla it a[appears anazing life like. the story is engrossign that moves along at a steady pace. the action is great and thrilling without being bloody. this is the type of film that should appeal to teens and adults as well as kids. i loved this movie. It is nothing but fun and excitement all the way through. The heros and villians are of the classic mode, and athough the scene when joe goes on the rampage is much shorter than the same in the original, it is pushed along by a great plot with mean, dispicable villians. the part when joe overturns the truck and runs amok in the city topped off with the great finamusement park are nothing short of a maximum thrill ride. The change at the end when joe rescues a boy trapped on top of a disabled ferris wheel instead of a girl trapped in a burning orphanage is a splendid reworking that works so damn well. there is action aplenty and done so well that this moive is a must summer film for everyone who wants to not only stay awake but enjoy themselves. to hell with the critics who panned this movie and the moron viewers to complained about it and would probably watch worthless bores such as shakespear in love and schindlers list.
very good show with morals
posted on 22 Aug 2009should have more show as this one,pretty girls, great outdoors and good story.I would see this one again. need more like this, good for all ages