Sure, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG is a somewhat mushy movie. SURE, it has all the cliches you expect. Sure, some of the special effects are a little rough. But sure, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG is a wonderful entertaining movie, sure to bring a little tear to the eye, and entertain even the hardest cynic. In updating the 1949 classic, director Ron Underwood (who gave us the first TREMORS)has pleasantly remade the original to make it more accessible to these ever changing times. From the opening scenes where little Mika Boorem (Hearts of Atlantis) and her doctor mommy Linda Purl are besieged by heartless poachers to the last thirty minutes where some really exciting climactic action scenes occur, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG delivers the poignant tale of an oversized gorilla who just wants to be loved. The special effects crew do a fine job on giving Joe his own personality with the especially effective use of Joe's eyes, and ironically, he and Charlize Theron have a remarkable screen chemistry, actually better than her chemistry with co-star Bill Paxton. But then the movie isn't really about Paxton and Theron; it's about Joe and Charlize. The dynamic Regina King (from RAY) does a nice turn as the doctor who also bonds with Joe; and even self-centered David Paymer as the conservancy head finally warms up to Joe. Of course, a movie like this would be nothing without villains, and we have two good ones here: Croatian actor Rade Sherbedgia wants revenge on Joe because after shooting Theron's mother, he loses a finger and thumb to the then infant Joe; Peter Firth (Equus) is the more compassionate (?) sidekick who claims that Rade is "not a hunter, but a murderer." The climax in the heart of LA, on the freeways and finally at Palisades park delivers nicely.
I wasn't expecting a whole lot when we bought this movie, but it was a pleasant surprise and I recommend it for family viewing.

This movie is really good to own. Lots of fun for the hole family to injoy! This movie is really nice. The first time I watched it. I had to own it! I think you might injoy this film!

A feel good story for the whole family, don't expect "Mighty Joe Young" to knock you off your feet. Instead, watch it for the good "Beauty and the Beast" storyline that is well outlined for any age group to watch.
There is some violence in this movie, and smaller children may be frightened by "Joe" at first, but if they can control themselves through the first few minutes, they'll fall in love with him. There is very little, if any, foul language.
The story is simple: Girl and giant ape are moved to the city, girl and giant ape want out, man in love with girl helps, everyone ends up happy.
If you're interested, "Joe" looks fairly realistic, especially for the time this flick was made.
Overall, a good family show that all can watch. I highly recommend it for its entertainment value.

Ok, this movie makes me cry every time i see it. stupid i know, but what the hey. I love both Bill Paxton and Charlieze Theron, so that was why I saw it initially, but I just love it. Joe looks realistic with the exception of his tongue, which looks goofy, but it still works for me. great kids movie i think too.

As 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.