Mighty Joe Young (1998)
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
Charlize Theron and Bill Paxton starred in the 1998 remake of ‘Mighty Joe Young’, based on the original 1949 film. Unlike the original, the fully grown Joe stands over 15 feet tall, significantly larger than his 1949 counterpart.
The movie tells the story of Jill Young and her extraordinary bond with Joe, a giant mountain gorilla she’s sworn to protect. The main antagonist, Andre Strasser (Rade Å erbedžija), is a ruthless poacher responsible for taking the lives of Joe and Jill’s mothers. Strasser has a personal vendetta against Joe, who had bitten off his thumb and index finger. Jill’s ultimate goal is to safeguard Joe’s well-being by relocating him to a wildlife refuge where he can live in peace.
Like many classic 90s Disney films, Mighty Joe Young expertly balances humor and heart, weaving in a touch of romance. While it may not rank among my all-time favorites, I cherish the memories of this film and know I’m not alone in my nostalgia.