Congo
Performance & Direction: Congo Review
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Congo (1995) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Congo features a noteworthy lineup led by Laura Linney . Supported by the likes of Dylan Walsh and Ernie Hudson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Congo
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1995, Congo is a Action, Adventure, Science Fiction film directed by Frank Marshall. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Laura Linney.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Frank Marshall establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Eight people embark on an expedition into the Congo, a mysterious expanse of unexplored Africa, where human greed and the laws of nature have gone berserk. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Laura Linney, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Congo
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Frank Marshall, Congo attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Laura Linney, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Congo reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Congo?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Congo
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $50.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $152.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Congo Budget
The estimated production budget for Congo is $50.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Congo
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Where to Watch Congo Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoCongo Parents Guide & Age Rating
1995 AdvisoryWondering about Congo age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Congo is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, Congo is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1995 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Congo worth watching?
Congo is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Congo parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Congo identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Congo?
The total duration of Congo is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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Critic Reviews for Congo
The movie is very boring. A talking gorilla is pretty cool. I actually was about to shut the movie off cause it was that boring. Then all of a sudden the movie took a awesome turn at the end. It went from a family friendly boring movie to a horror show.
Now I'm usually a fan of Tim Curry but quite what he is doing in this rather weak and feeble hybrid of "Tarzan" meets "King Solomon's Mines" is anyone's guess. It's all about the search for a lost expedition that was being led by the son of an American industrialist who was seeking diamonds large enough to power a laser (ostensibly for communications purposes, but who really knows?). Anyway, they disappear so it falls to Curry and Laura Linney's "Dr. Rees" to follow the sagely guidance of the Quatermain-esque "Kelly" (Ernie Hudson) deep into the hostile terrain of the jungle. It's got just about everything required to make it flop, this film. Terrible acting, even worse dialogue - and that's just from the chatty gorilla that all too often saves the day - and some very cheap and cheerful CGI that merely serves to showcase the poor nature of this derivative and rather unremarkable effort. Curry ("Homolka") is just not at the races here and Linney brings very little by way of gravitas or to her over-scripted role neither. It's rated 12 - but perhaps that's referring to the maximum IQ of anyone whom they are hoping will watch? I wouldn't bother if I were you.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
