Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Congo’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

​The 1990's were a wonderful time for a pair of big time writers; Stephen King and Michael Crichton. Mister King's work was everywhere on television thanks to the incredibly popular T.V. adaptations of It and The Stand and Mister Crichton...well his ideas opened up Hollywood to all kinds of new possibilities with the 1993 big budget adaptation of Jurassic Park. 

The incredible success of that film prompted producers to snatch up the rights to more of his other works, leading to a surprise departure from action and adventure with the 1994 adaptation of Disclosure, since that film turned out to be quite the powerful drama. But it wasn't long before the industry returned to Michael's more visionary and incredible work with the 1995 release of the wild and adventurous film, Congo. 

In this film we are introduced to Doctor Karen Ross, a former employee of the CIA who left that cold life behind for a job in the private sector at a telecommunications company known as TraviCom. It's enigmatic and eccentric owner, R.B. Travis, is close to getting his hands on a rare blue diamond that will revolutionize the telecom industry. But when his son Charles, who also happens to be Karen's fiancé, goes missing in Zaire on an expedition to find those diamonds, it will be up to Karen to lead a team of soldiers, a thief and a group of scientists looking to return an ape to her home, to find the lost team and the diamond in question and what they will uncover on their journey...is the stuff of legend.

So let's get one thing out of the way. If you're looking for this particular film to be as cerebral as Jurassic Park, you've got another thing coming. This is hands down designed to be a fun romp through the jungle that is far more akin to an Indiana Jones film than a parable about playing God and let me say it now...this film definitely delivers on the fun. There's tons of exotic locales to be found, along with wonder and awe when the expedition team discover the Lost City of Zinj and let's be honest, you simply cannot go wrong with a motion picture that features killer apes that will do anything to protect their long lost master's treasure. Yet despite the fun to be had, many have pointed out, with good reason, the one real flaw in this film; its production quality.

Sure it's from Paramount, and sure it has a big budget. But at times, it truly feels like a low budget 80's flick, especially when one considers the apes in this film are people in suits and also considering some of the over the top performances from veterans Ernie Hudson and the legendary and late Tim Curry. Yet, those are elements that never were a detractor for me. It only added to the experience in my opinion, which makes Congo a must see in my eyes. It's a great popcorn flick, one that keeps the kernels flowing and one that never bores you when it comes to the story. Oh and as an added bonus, screen legend Bruce Campbell pops up in the movie as well, and his role is worth the price of admission alone. 

---