I remember watching this movie on TV when I was 4 or 5 years old and loved it then. When I found out it was being remade I made the decision to see it right away. Its still bittersweet, but being in color now adds from the 50's version.

Sure, I used to be naive like you. I figured that,“If we could all come together on religion and politics, then the world would be a better place and we’d sing in harmony as brothers and sisters . . . etc., etc.” Hah! What you people have yet to realize is that whether we all believe or don’t believe in God, there’s something much stronger that divides us all. What am I talking about? Okay, let me ask you this: “What’s the best ape movie, the original KING KONG or PLANET OF THE APES?” See how quick you were to answer that? “Well, of course it’s...” How arrogant you are that everyone feels the same way as you. Just ask your neighbor and I’ll bet you’ll get a different answer...and I bet you’ll come to blows before you convince him otherwise. It’s such a hot button issue that, as a public figure, I have to remain neutral so as not to damage my career. I do, however, feel brave enough to say that the number three spot is held by MIGHTY JOE YOUNG.

Twenty years ago in the Tanzanian jungle Jill Young (Charlize Theron) and “Joe,” and an infant gorilla, watched as their parents were slain by poachers. From this tragedy the two formed an unbreakable bond. After twenty years of anonymity, the two are discovered by zoologist Greg O’Hara (Bill Paxton) in search of a mythical “jungle protector.” The protector is of course Joe, who is now a very powerful and intelligent 15ft. tall gorilla. O’Hara convinces Jill that Joe would be safer in a California animal preserve and off they go. Everything works out perfectly until Joe is recognized by enemies from his past. When their plans to exact revenge go awry Joe is set loose on Los Angeles leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake.

Originally, this movie was slated to be released last summer and it was marketed as more of a horror movie. Later it was picked up by Disney and pushed back to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. In the world movies these are all very bad omens.

THE GOOD: Let me first say that I am NOT impressed by special effects and I HATE remakes! With that in mind I have to say, I LOVED this movie!! It stayed faithful to the original but knew all of the right elements to update and add to. It’s rare that a Hollywood movie does so many things right. And the SPECIAL EFFECTS bowled me over. Easily the best I’ve seen all year. The gorilla has power and more life than Brad Pitt in his last four movies...but then, so does the movie's poster.

THE BAD: There are a few places where it gets too corny . . . but in all fairness, it was the same way in the original. Perhaps they were a little too faithful.

OVERALL: This is my idea of a “family” movie because the whole family can enjoy it- not just suffer through it. Not only did it far exceed my expectations (which were admittedly low) but by the end half of the audience was crying. ...Uh, not me though . . . ...my, um allergies are always bad this time of year. Yeah, that’s it.

I was glad MJY finally hit the theatres just so I wouldn’t have to watch the trailer that they’ve beaten to death over the last 9 months (this was originally scheduled for Memorial Day 1998, for God’s sake!). After a slow beginning, it’s a pretty worthy remake and a very enjoyable film. Versatile Charlise Theron’s rapport with Joe is touching and the gorilla himself is truly amazing. Good use of special effects to add to a movie and make you forget all this stuff is done with computers. My favorite part is Joe’s game of hide-and-seek. Kewl.

10-point scale rating: 7

This was a very solid movie. The special effects used to create Joe are wonderful and make you wonder if there isn't a 15 foot tall gorilla somewhere. As a mother I only have one problem with this movie, there are some elements that are too intense for a small child (4 or less). Other than this problem, it is a great family film.

This is a great kids movie. Very low on violence, but big on adventure. Both boys and girls will enjoy this movie. Great family movie.

The movie was great. I have never seen better graphics on a gorrilla! Joe seemed very real! His character was developed very well. Bill Paxton also did a great job. It was nice to see a good ending. The action was great and the bad guy definitely looked the part. It was a great action movie for surround sound. The only drawback was the leading lady calling Joe's name so much. However see too played her part well. All in all I was very impressed.

I found this movie to be very easy to get into you really want the movie to go on at the and what ever you do go see this movie NOW.

and the gorrila is very cute animal wise!

This was a terrific movie. Both the kids & parents enjoyed it. We rented but if you can see it in the theater go for it! It inspires compassion, anger and tears for the whole family. Everyone will love it!!

A not bad remake of the 1949 classic. I stars Charze Theron as the woman who own abig ape with the name Mighty Joe Young. I like the 1949 version as well as the 1998 version. See Both.