Mighty Joe Young
Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: December 25, 1998 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
51
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
10
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Mighty Joe Young is not meek and harmless; it's a full-blooded action picture, all right, but with a certain warmth and humor instead of a scorched-earth approach. You feel good at the end, instead of merely relieved. Read full review
75
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
Joe is a masterpiece of special effects wizardry, looking more real than any giant primate ever to walk across the silver screen. By combining animatronics, computer-generated images, and a man in a costume, Mighty Joe Young creates a compelling illusion. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChroniclePeter Stack
Mighty Joe Young is a mighty fun movie. The trick? They didn't try to out-monster those bloated King Kong and Godzilla franchises. But it's still a hoot of an adventure about an overgrown ape having trouble adjusting to life in California. Read full review
75
Miami HeraldHoward Cohen
Social concerns aside, Mighty Joe Young is a Disney film at heart, and director Ron Underwood keeps the emphasis on crisp action sequences, setting up a thrilling chase down Hollywood Boulevard and a finish at the park that is almost guaranteed to turn eyes misty. [25 Dec 1998, p.11G]
75
Boston GlobeJay Carr
Karmic influences or not, the new "Mighty Joe Young" works. This is one remake that isn't trying to make us forget the original, but seems rather to embrace it and bring it into the present in solidly crafted, family-friendly fashion. [25 Dec 1998, p.C9]
70
VarietyLael Loewenstein
Mighty Joe Young is wholesome, well-crafted family fare like Hollywood used to make. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesJack Mathews
Mighty Joe Young may be the season's most appealing family bet. Certainly, it has an appealing cast. Read full review
67
The A.V. ClubKeith Phipps
It's all a little silly, and silly in a way that's less fun than the original—due in part to an obvious subplot involving a poacher played by a hammy Peter Firth—but its kid-friendly B-movie charm and the peerless Mr. Young make it worthwhile, undemanding entertainment. Read full review
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