Release: Donkey Kong Country

 

Donkey Kong Country

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure

Director: Mike Mitchell

Writer: APJ

Based on the Nintendo video game series

Voice Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Skyler Gisondo, Danny Glover, Mark Hamill, Kiernan Shipka, Elizabeth Banks, Dax Shepard, Ike Barinholtz, Fred Armisen

Budget: $120,000,000

Domestic Box Office: $372,337,999

Foreign Box Office: $348,096,669

Total Profit: $242,043,104

Reaction: Donkey Kong Country closes its theatrical run as the second highest grossing animated film in LRF history, so it's obvious that we're pleased with the results.

"Who expected Dwayne Johnson to play the role of Donkey Kong? Even more so, who expected him to give such a charismatic and likable tint? Okay, probably everyone, but still, Donkey Kong Country is a surprisingly fun time that doesn't make a monkey out of itself with its coming-of-age story for Donkey Kong. Add in a few great character beats, some engaging fight sequences and a thrillingly hammy performance from Mark Hamill, and you have one of the best animated films in LRF history." - Mitchell Parker, New York Times

"Donkey Kong Country is a colorful, high-energy adaptation that captures the chaotic charm of the games while delivering plenty of inventive action. Director Mike Mitchell leans into slapstick and momentum, with standout sequences like the mine cart chase and the Gangplank Galleon finale. Dwayne Johnson brings an easy charisma to DK, while Skyler Gisondo’s Diddy provides much of the film’s comedic spark. It’s light, fast, and consistently entertaining—even if it never aims for much more." - Trevor Malloy, Saturday Morning Review

"While Donkey Kong Country nails the look and kinetic energy of the games, it struggles to build a story around them. The plot is thin and predictable, with character arcs—especially DK’s—feeling rushed and surface-level. The voice cast is a mixed bag: Johnson fits the tone, but others feel underused or mismatched, and Mark Hamill’s K. Rool, while fun, leans heavily on familiar villain beats. Kids will likely enjoy the nonstop action, but the film rarely rises above a collection of set pieces." - Caroline Hedges, The Family Screen Journal

Rated PG for action, mild peril, and some rude humor.