Mighty Joe Young
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Movie Reviews of Mighty Joe Young
Movie Review: Home Is Where the Heart Is
Summary: 4 Stars
Mighty Joe Young is a very moving, endearing film played with a wonderful earnestness. Other reviewers have noted positive aspects that I don't need to cover. An additional aspect of the film, which I have noticed, is the idea of home and family initiated in opening scenes between the child Jill and her father (Regis Toomey). Max O'Hara's (Robt. Armstrong) enticement, to have the adult Jill, obviously happy where she is with her simian friend, bring Joe to the States, should have the viewer definitely against the suggestion. One gets the notion that Ben Johnson's character, Greg, might be againts it. He looks about Jill's African farm, with its lush verdant beauty, and exclaims "sure is pretty around here. I reckon this is my kind of country." Along with the sentimental parts of the script, there are clever moments as well as a good deal of humor. There is a large collection of character actors of the era who can be found throughout the film. Mighty Joe Young also captures the flavor of its era by looking like classic film noir especially in the night club and Hollywood scenes many of which take place at night. This is a very entertaining movie with some real thought to the script and direction. I never tire of it.Movie Review: Like Clifford the Big Red Dog With a Gorilla Instead
Summary: 4 Stars
This doesn't approach the status of "King Kong" but there is alot to like about "Mighty Joe Young". The creature effects are excellent but that goes without saying because Willis O'Brien ("King Kong") and Ray Harryhausen were the principal designers. Memorable setpieces include Joe trying to elude capture by cowboys on horseback, Joe's trashing of an elaborate safari themed nightclub, and Joe's rescuing children from their burning orphange(Aw!!!). I liked Robert Armstrong's reprise of his Carl Denham character from the original "Kong" in the person of impressario Max O'Brien. Armstrong played this character type straight to the vest in "Kong" but here he mines some laughs out of it. A young Ben Johnson contributes acting heft to a cowboy sympathetic to Joe's plight. Terry Moore is fetching as Jill Young, Joe's owner. In a nutshell, amiable entertainment that still enthralls almost sixty years since it's initial release.Movie Review: What's up with the red color in Orphanage scene?
Summary: 4 Stars
I love this movie but was startled when watching the new DVD release - when they arrive at the burning orphanage the whole screen turns red. What's up with that? The scene is not in color but just a red tint. It is distracting, espeically when the movie goes back to black & white. The contrast is disturbing. Does anyone know what the movie makers were thinking when they applied this red tint? I would have preferred the entire movie to be presented in black & white, however, if the orignal had this red-tint during the orphanage scene, then I agree this is how Warner should have released it. I'm just scratching my head as to what effect the producers were trying to accomplish, because it fails miserably (at first I thought the color on my TV had gone off). The movie is still terrific and the effects our still impressive when viewed today.Movie Review: HARRYHAUSEN'S BIG BREAK
Summary: 4 Stars
This film was Ray Harryhausen's break into the big time. Willis O'Brian may have been overseeing the effects, but it was Ray Harryhausen doing most of the animation.
I really liked this as a kid and it still holds up for me now. I know Ray was a huge fan of King Kong and it was the film that inspired him to get into the business. The Stop Motion effects in this film are superb, but in this ape story we get a happy ending!...at least for the ape!
Great transfer to DVD and some very interesting extras. If your a fan of the great monkey movies of yesteryear then buy the King Kong box set as it includes King Kong and Son of Kong along with this great adventure film. Three great giant monkey movies at a very fair price.
Movie Review: if only fay & kong could have found this kind of happiness ...
Summary: 4 Stars
willis o'brien returned to apedom for this lovely movie, and he brought young protege ray harryhausen along. after the horrors of "kong" many years before, this film is played as much for humor as for frights, and it shows in its happy ending. i remember having watched this one 14 times in one week on new york citys old "million dollar movie" 40+ years ago, and ive never grown tired of it.