Mighty Joe Young (1998, USA) C-114m. *** D: Ron Underwood. Starring Bill Paxton, Charlize Theron, Rade Serbedzija, Regina King, Peter Firth, Naveen Andrews, Lawrence Pressman, Terry Moore, Ray Harryhausen. Well-produced, well-filmed remake of the 1949 monster movie classic (itself a variation of KING KONG). Paxton plays a kind-hearted scientist, who is fascinated by an African legend of a giant gorilla and travels to the place where he is said to roam. He finds a young woman (Theron), who grew up with the beast. He manages to convince her to ship the ape to the U.S., where predictable complications ensue. Rousing adventure, good for kids and adults, though a bit long. Impressive monster created by Rick Baker.