Congo (released in theaters on June 9, 1995) swings into action with a high-stakes corporate disaster when a communications expedition sent by TraviCom CEO R.B. Travis (Joe Don Baker) vanishes mysteriously in the deep, uncharted territory of the Virunga rainforest.
Desperate to locate the team and a legendary cache of rare blue diamonds capable of powering a revolutionary satellite laser weapon, Travis dispatches his brilliant, no-nonsense electronics expert, Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney), to launch a rescue mission.
To navigate the dangerous terrain, Karen funds a joint expedition with Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh), a dedicated primatologist traveling to Africa to return Amy – a highly intelligent, mountain gorilla capable of communicating via a computerized sign-language glove – back to her natural wild habitat.
The plot transforms into a frantic, obstacle-ridden race across Africa when their charter plane is shot down, forcing the mismatched group into the wilderness.
Guided by Munro Kelly (Ernie Hudson), a dashing, unflappable mercenary guide, and supported by Peter’s eccentric assistant, Richard (Grant Heslov), the group is joined by Herkermer Homolka (Tim Curry), a shady, debt-ridden Romanian philanthropist obsessed with finding the lost city of Zinj.
Along their treacherous path, which features brief encounters with local authority figures like Captain Wanta (Delroy Lindo) and slick suppliers like Eddie Ventro (Joe Pantoliano), the team braves active volcanoes and hostile terrain.
The narrative shifts into pure survival horror when they uncover Zinj, only to realize the original expedition, including a brave researcher (Bruce Campbell), was slaughtered by a mutated, bloodthirsty breed of gray gorillas bred to guard the diamond mines.
Armed with Karen’s high-tech laser rifle and Amy’s bravery, the survivors must fight their way through an army of killer apes as the erupting volcano threatens to bury the ancient city forever.
Director Frank Marshall delivers a fast-paced, unpretentious B-movie spectacular that leans perfectly into its campy, pulp-adventure roots.
Linney brings an unexpected, fantastic action-hero grit to her leading role, while Hudson steals the entire film with an effortlessly charismatic, scene-chewing performance.
Curry provides delightful, scenery-devouring comedic relief as the untrustworthy treasure hunter.
James Karen, Mary Ellen Trainor, Stuart Pankin, Peter Jason, and Jimmy Buffett round out the cast.
Dylan Walsh in Congo (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Congo
Congo grossed $24.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office.
The film would gross $152 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Congo three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Congo‘s legacy rests on its status as a quintessential, intensely beloved 1990s guilty pleasure and a defining cult classic of the summer blockbuster era.
Arriving hot on the heels of Jurassic Park, this adaptation of Michael Crichton’s techno-thriller chose to bypass prestige drama in favor of unapologetic, over-the-top fun and animatronic gorilla mayhem designed by the legendary Stan Winston.
It gave pop culture a permanent, endlessly quoted icon in Amy the gorilla and her electronic voice.
Congo remains celebrated by genre enthusiasts for its vibrant practical effects, its wildly eccentric dialogue, and its nostalgic position as a delightfully chaotic monument to the golden age of high-concept Hollywood creature features.
