Though it did manage to draw in audiences, "Congo" plays like an old John Agar flick from the 1950s, a manipulative, special effects-laden co-feature straight off the assembly line. Motley expedition team in Africa (which includes a "talking" gorilla) come upon murderous gray apes guarding a lost fortune in diamonds. Adaptation of Michael Crichton's bestseller (by John Patrick Shanley, of all people) has strong talents involved, yet no one can disguise the fact this is a hoary premise culled from the late-late show, full of stock characters, clichés and unsurprising action. However, Amy the Talking Gorilla is a sweet new ingredient, giving the stale plot some much-needed lift. ** from ****
Review of Congo
