Congo Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of people go to Congo, a gorilla talks, more gorillas attack, and Tim Curry wants diamonds…it’s all very simple, really.

🍿 Congo: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The TraviCom Expedition

Charles Travis, son of a megalomaniacal CEO, R.B. Travis, is searching for rare blue diamonds in the Congo. These diamonds are meant to power a revolutionary laser communications system for TraviCom. The expedition discovers the ruins of a lost city, but contact is lost, and the team is presumed dead. The last transmission shows a destroyed camp and shadowy figures.

Karen’s Mission and Amy the Gorilla

Karen Ross, Charles’ former fiancée and a CIA operative, is sent to the Congo to find out what happened to the expedition. Simultaneously, Dr. Peter Elliot, a primatologist, is trying to return Amy, a gorilla he has taught to communicate through sign language, to her natural habitat. Amy has been having nightmares and drawing pictures of an ‘eye’ symbol.

The Journey to Zinj

Karen and Peter join forces, along with a Romanian philanthropist, Herkermer Homolka, who funds the expedition. They hire Captain Munro Kelly as their guide. The journey is fraught with dangers, including hostile military factions, a plane crash, and encounters with local tribes. They discover that Homolka is secretly searching for the lost city of Zinj, which ties into Amy’s drawings.

Discovery and Danger in Zinj

The group finally reaches the lost city of Zinj, an ancient diamond mine guarded by aggressive gray gorillas. They discover that these gorillas are highly territorial and deadly. The hieroglyphs within the city warn, ‘We are watching you.’ Homolka’s greed leads him to gather diamonds, but he is quickly ambushed and killed by the gorillas.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Karen Ross (Laura Linney): A former CIA operative and electronics expert who leads an expedition to the Congo to find a rare diamond and her ex-fiancé.
• Dr. Peter Elliot (Dylan Walsh): A primatologist who returns Amy, a talking gorilla, to her natural habitat in the Congo.
• Herkermer Homolka (Tim Curry): A Romanian philanthropist with a hidden agenda to find the lost city of Zinj and its legendary diamond mine.
• Captain Monroe Kelly (Ernie Hudson): An experienced guide hired to lead the expedition through the dangerous African Congo.
• Amy (Misty Rosas): A mountain gorilla who can communicate through sign language and a special device, leading the team to the lost city.
• R.B. Travis (Joe Don Baker): The megalomaniacal CEO of TraviCom who sends Karen to the Congo to retrieve the diamonds.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Captain Wanta: “STOP EATING MY SESAME CAKE!” – Captain Wanta yells this at Homolka when he sees him eating his cake.
• Herkermer Homolka: “Who’s Kafka?” – Homolka asks this when the group discusses literature, highlighting his lack of intellectual interests beyond wealth.
• Amy: “Amy good gorilla.” – Amy uses sign language interpreted by a device to identify herself.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $50,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $81,022,101
• Worldwide Gross: $152,022,101

💥 Congo Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Congo’ as a kid and being absolutely captivated! Tim Curry’s over-the-top performance as Herkermer Homolka was hilarious. The idea of a talking gorilla, Amy, was so unique, and I loved the sense of adventure. The special effects might seem cheesy now, but back then, it was pure movie magic.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of adventure movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy B-movies”
  • “Fans of Michael Crichton’s novels (with adjusted expectations)”
  • “Those looking for a nostalgic 90s film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and gore”
  • “Animal attacks”
  • “Some intense scenes”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Congo delivers a thrilling adventure with an entertaining cast, though the special effects are dated. The film’s high-concept plot and fast-paced action make for an engaging experience, despite some predictable elements. Tim Curry’s performance is a standout.
• RogerEbert.com: “Congo is a guilty pleasure. The special effects may not be top-notch, and the plot is outlandish, but it’s a fun, escapist adventure. Tim Curry steals every scene, and the film’s energy keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
• The Washington Post: “Congo has a lot going on but ultimately lacks substance. The story is convoluted and the characters are paper-thin. While it offers moments of excitement, the film feels disjointed and fails to fully capitalize on its potential.

Audience Reactions

Ernie Hudson’s performance as Captain Monroe Kelly was memorable and charismatic.: Many viewers enjoyed the film as a fun, escapist adventure despite its flaws.

Tim Curry’s quirky portrayal of Herkermer Homolka has been praised as highly entertaining.: Viewers found the film to be a guilty pleasure with a good mix of adventure, humor, and thrilling moments.

Overall Consensus: Congo is a flawed but fun adventure film with memorable performances from its cast, particularly Tim Curry and Ernie Hudson. While it doesn’t hold up as a critical masterpiece, it remains a guilty pleasure for many viewers due to its unique storyline and entertaining moments.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The original script was significantly altered by John Patrick Shanley, known for ‘Moonstruck,’ who added much of the film’s humor and eccentric character dynamics.”
• “CGI was initially planned for the gray gorillas, but the technology to create realistic hair wasn’t advanced enough at the time. As a result, animatronics and suits were used.”
• “Filming took place in Costa Rica to simulate the African Congo, chosen for its diverse landscapes and relative accessibility.”

🖥️ How to Watch Congo?

Congo is available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Congo, you might like these similar films:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Both feature adventurous expeditions to locate lost treasures in exotic and dangerous locales.
• Jurassic Park (1993): Another Michael Crichton adaptation with cutting-edge technology and creatures running amok.
• The Mummy (1999): Shares a similar blend of action, adventure, and supernatural elements with a focus on exploring ancient ruins.
• King Solomon’s Mines (1985): Classic adventure tale of seeking treasure in Africa, though tone and production values differ.

🛒 Congo Related Products

• Congo (Blu-ray): Experience Congo in high definition with improved picture and sound quality. Relive the adventure with enhanced visuals and immersive audio.
• Congo: The Book by Michael Crichton: Read the original novel by Michael Crichton that inspired the movie. Delve deeper into the story and characters with expanded details.
• Congo (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered]: Rediscover Jerry Goldsmith’s score from the movie Congo. Immerse yourself in the tribal rhythms of this classic film
• Tim Curry as Herkermer Homolka – Custom Figure: A custom-designed action figure of Tim Curry’s iconic character, Herkermer Homolka, with intricate details and accessories.

🎧 Soundtrack

Congo features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Spirit Of Africa” – performed by Jerry Goldsmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

King Leopold II & the Congo Free State (1885-1908)

Want to understand the dark history behind the Congo? This video dives into King Leopold II’s reign and how it shaped the country. It’s pretty shocking, but essential for understanding the region.

Congo rainforest world’s most dangerous forest #congoforest #adventure #facts #science #dailyfacts

Did you know the Congo rainforest is considered one of the most dangerous forests in the world? This short video shares some surprising facts. Pretty wild stuff when you think about the movie setting.

DR Congo’s Capital Kinshasa. The Largest, Most Developed City in Central Africa

Ever wondered what a major city in the Congo looks like? Check out this video of Kinshasa – it’s surprisingly developed and vibrant. Totally different from the jungle scenes in the movie, right?

The Congo War Explained (and why it’s escalating)

Trying to make sense of the conflicts in the Congo? This video breaks down the history and current issues in a clear and concise way. Super helpful for understanding the broader context of what’s happening there.

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