"Am I dreamin'...or did I see a gorilla and a beautiful dame?!"
This is simply a fun movie. It's obviously trying to ride on King Kong's popularity, but storywise it offers a new bent: What if the giant ape show went as planned? Oh there's plenty of other changes from Kong so its not a ripoff, but its this major theme of people becoming bored with the spectacular that Joe offers as its own signature. You really do empathize with Joe as he sadly, but obediently sits in his cell, and you rage against the people who are throwing discs and eventually a booze bottle at him as Joe takes the humiliation with what dignity he can. The movie is definitely a product of its time with the characterization and the humor, but I really *like* it here. Again, it helps Joe to be its own film. Whereas King Kong was the grand adventure, Mighty Joe Young is the light-hearted romp and sidestory.
"Who's Mr. Joseph Young?"
"How would I know, that's Mr. O'Hara's big secret."
"Maxxy sure got a new angle."
I was a little suprised when the picture went with the red tint when our heroes arrived at the burning orphanage. Its been so long since I last saw this that I had forgotten they did that effect, and for a black and white film it really works. It goes without saying that the stop motion animation from Harryhausen is top notch, and to say its abundant is an understatement. Joe is the star of the flick, and they never hesitate to have him in the scene even if its just him peering outside the curtain on the back of the truck.
This is one of my favorite special effects sequences from the movie. It's such a perfect blend of live action and stop motion animation.
As much as I love everything in this flick, this *thing* freaks me out a bit.
"Here you see ten men. I have combed the country to find these men. Let me introduce them...."
I love this scene with the introduction of the ten strong men. It's goofy in its own way but also charming. I love when people from the crowd do shout outs after each introduction.
This dvd is suprisingly good(even more so considering it was only cost me 3 bucks). There's a commentary track with Harryhausen and an extra interview with Harryhausen by the Chiodo Brothers. I ended up watching the interview when I was done watching Joe as I always enjoy hearing Harryhausen talk about his work. One particular tidbit that somewhat suprised me is that Harryhausen isn't a fan of the Son of Kong because they over-emoted the ape to the point of making him silly.
Comparing this to last week's Godzilla vs King Ghidorah is really an apple and an orange futility. However, comparing it to the Mantis is completely apt. Mantis is intended as a horror movie, and as that it never even tries to veer from its 50's monster movie formula. Joe, on the other hand, is clearly set up as a family film, and its consciously aware you might be there because of King Kong, but they're going to offer the viewer something new despite that. There's a love of the film that comes through from everyone involved including Harryhausen's Joe whereas Mantis feels like it was just a paycheck for all involved from a small budget.
Btw, I never bothered watching the updated remake. Was it worthy of the namesake?
