Congo [1995] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Amazon.co.uk Review

This is a terrible movie. Frank Marshall (Arachnophobia) demonstrates no control over story, actors, effects or general presentation in this adaptation of a Michael Crichton novel about an expedition into deep, dark Africa that runs into an unknown race of killer apes. The big monkeys attack and attack and attack and have to be fought off with machine guns and lasers--that's pretty much the story, except there's probably an even better one behind "fourth Ghostbuster" Ernie Hudson's bizarre decision to speak with a British accent. While Marshall wants us to root for the human characters, they're all so obnoxious and unbelievable you can't help but feel lousy for the poor apes when they get chopped to bits just for defending their homes against these twerps. If you're not feeling enough environmentalist ire these days, watch this and get angry. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Panned by clue-less critics, enjoyed by everyone else........2008-01-08

The problem with "Movie Critics" is that they watch movies as a profession and thus anything that doesn't leave them reeling with shock or buzzing with new ideas to justify their time sitting down and watching it is panned as unwatchable.

The truth is that most of us watch a lot of movies for pure escapism and enjoyment in preference to doing something rather dull in our normal lives. We watch the film to fill an evening or as a background to night in and it doesn't matter to us that its all claptrap, so long as its enjoyable.

Congo is not going to challenge anything in your head, but as a popcorn and soda type film, its hugely enjoyable. The pacing is good and feels epic without being slow. The story, as daft as it is, keeps the viewer on edge and the actors revel in their parts knowing that this is not the next Clockwork Orange.

Perhaps the real criticism is the fact that it is based on a novel that is scientific and thoughtful in its approach. I can imagine if you are a fan of the novel, the film will seem disappointing simply because of its different approach.

There are some terrible movies that seem to go on forever without getting close to being interesting, Congo is not one of them - Jerry Goldsmith's musical score sooths the action and terrible lines are delivered with a zest that suggest the actors know its looney, but aren't going to let that stop them (and us) getting on with having a good time.

A little scary in places and with great set pieces and characters getting what they deserve at the hand of rabid gorillas in a lost jungle temple, this film is under-rated. Great to have on as thin flick that isn't nearly as bad as critics will lead you to believe. Just Enjoy It!

um bongo.......2006-06-14

Not since the last Spielberg effort have I seen such a badly scripted, cheesily acted, risible, cliché-ridden piece of old muff. I loved it! Imagine Twister without any twisters and a completely different cast/plot/location and you've pretty much got the whole story: Laura Linney goes to the pantry looking for a Blue Riband and upsets a rare group of apes when she knocks over their teapot. Carnage ensues. Practically. Who cares if it looks cheap and makes no sense. It's fun and fast-paced and the lead actor has curly hair. At least it's not some dreary old British film making you wince everytime you miss out on the bonus ball. "Cricklewood" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

You'll believe an ape can sign ...

congo.......2003-04-25

this film had no co-ordination and the acting was appauling i would have made a complaint to the producers if i wasn't so disgusted by the fact that this product actually went on the shelves in shops. the poor story line consists of a company that desires a blue diamond that can power a laser so they send some exhibishonists to search for it. they find it but get brutally murdered by blue killer apes. the company boss is desperate to get it so he sends one of his scientists to find the diamond. there is a talking gorilla and a scientist who is the gorilla's boyfriend and this gorilla know's where the lost city of zinj is.

Top adventure.......2002-03-28

A word of warning to anybody purchasing this DVD(or VHS): If you have watched the film, then do not read the book afterwards. Whereas the film version of Congo moves at a cracking pace and has humourous overtones, the book is much more scientific(as with all Crichton books) and has a much more sedate pace.

Anyway, on with the review. Although it is universally panned by reviewers as not being very good, the film is actually good. The closest comparison I can make is with Jurassic Park 3, as the film sparkles with set-piece after set-piece but you get the impression that it never takes itself too seriously(Talking gorillas?). Ernie Hudson(Ghostbusters) is surprisingly good as the "great White hunter - although I happen to be black" (Actual line from the film) and manages to pull off a competent English accent with no attack of Dick Van Dyke Cockney. Tim Curry also stars as a Romanian philanthropist and Laura Linney(Truman Show) stars as the scientist sent to recover a very expensive piece of telecom kit. Definitely recommended - way better than Godzilla - it's the sort of film you can sit watch and enjoy but not have to think. Watch out especially for the Americanised African general. Priceless!

A Great Adventure.......2002-01-08

Many people don't believe Congo to be a good movie. This is especially true of the fans of the novel, which is much darker and very different.

However, the film is much more like an oldfashioned African adventure serial or movie, and captures the feel of a modern King Solomon's Mines (Haggard).

The plot, acting and effects all add to the good fun of the film, as it is not particularly realistic, but a laugh to watch with friends - especially if you're fans of the good old adventures, or are 'adventurers'or travelers yourselves !

Product Description

PLOT SUMMARY: "We are friends for life." The man speaking: Micawber, played by W.C. Fields with great comedic charm and human warmth. The child addressed: David, played by Freddie Bartholomew in his Hollywood debut. The movie: David Copperfield, still one of the best-ever screen adaptations of a Charles Dickens novel. "To call the casting inspired is to underrate it," historian David Shipman wrote in his The Story of Cinema. Lionel Barrymore, Edna May Oliver, Maureen O'Sullivan, Basil Rathbone and more joined Fields and Bartholomew in portraying the eccentrics, cads and loving family of this film directed by George Cukor. David O. Selznick produced, insisting on an attention to Dickensian detail that included matching the sets to the first edition's illustrations. The result: one of the greatest page-to-screen adaptations ever. ABOUT THE DVD: This is a Warner Bros. release for the NETHERLANDS market (Region 2 PAL format - same as UK discs, so will play without problem on all DVD players in this country). The audio is the original English (with an Italian option also available if required). Subtitles on the disc are English, Dutch, Italian and French. The film is presented in full screen (4:3 ratio) and menus are in English, so are easily navigated. The disc contains a wealth of extras too, including the short musicals 'Private Party On Catalina Isle' and 'Two Hearts In Wax Time', a classic cartoon 'Poor Little Me', 'Leo Is On the Air' radio promo and the theatrical trailer for the film.

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