Mighty Joe Young (1949) Review in 2025
Mighty Joe Young is a classic adventure film about a giant gorilla and his human friends who embark on a thrilling journey to save the gorilla from poachers and find a new home.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families with children, but it may be too intense for very young children due to some scary scenes and themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of adventure and family films. It's a classic tale of friendship and perseverance, and the special effects hold up surprisingly well even today. However, it may not be the best choice for viewers who prefer more complex or nuanced storytelling.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows the story of a young girl named Susan who befriends a giant gorilla named Joe, and together they escape from the zoo and embark on a journey to find a new home. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and dangers, including poachers and treacherous terrain. Meanwhile, Susan's father, Dr. John Randall, tries to find a way to help Joe, but his efforts are hindered by the poachers and the government's refusal to intervene.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and exciting, with a clear plot and well-developed characters. However, some parts of the story feel a bit predictable and formulaic.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally good, with Terry Moore delivering a standout performance as Susan. However, some of the supporting actors feel a bit wooden.
characters8.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Susan being a particularly strong and independent protagonist. However, some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with some effective uses of camera angles and lighting. However, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is impressive, with some stunning shots of the jungle and the gorilla. However, some of the special effects feel a bit dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Engaging story, well-developed characters, impressive cinematography, and a standout performance from Terry Moore.
Cons
Some parts of the story feel predictable and formulaic, and the pacing can feel slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a gorilla, I'm a person!"
"We're not going to hurt you, Joe. We just want to help you."
"You're not a person, you're a gorilla!"
