The movie’s concept feels very similar to *King Kong*, it has to be said. However, *Mighty Joe Young* does have its own identity and I did find myself enjoying it. Bill Paxton as Gregg and Charlize Theron playing Jill are significant contributors to that enjoyment; they both deliver appealing performances. The special effects and animatronics used for the gorilla are also noteworthy, even when Joe is portrayed by …

This Disney film concerning “Kong Jr.” features Charlize Theron and Bill Paxton. A woman (Charlize Theron) who nurtured a giant gorilla named Joe from when he was very young transports him to an animal sanctuary in Southern California, assisted by a zoologist (Bill Paxton). Simultaneously, a poacher with a grudge against the creature (Rade Serbedzija) appears and sets things in motion that lead to destruction. …