Run time: 110 mins
The Legend of
Tarzan is the latest rendition of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ famous novels from
the early 1900s. The film takes a unique approach in that it follows Tarzan -
who now goes by the name John Clayton III - after
his time in the jungle. Though the audience sees flashbacks of his previous
life, the movie begins with Tarzan’s life in England with his wife, Jane.
However, he is quickly drawn back to Africa upon learning of the atrocities
being committed there by King Leopold. In the King’s search for diamonds,
slavery and mass murder are beginning to spread throughout the Congo.
Accompanied by his wife and friend George Washington Williams, Tarzan soon
learns of an old enemy that wants revenge.

Alexander Skarsgård and Margtoo stuck in his element. Always one to play the debonair villain,
it was a little disappointing to see him play the same cookie-cutter
character.
ot Robbie played decent roles
as Tarzan and Jane, but were left a little pale compared to their costars.
Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson - both Quentin Tarantino favorites - felt
much more vibrant and attention-grabbing in comparison. The only downside was
that Waltz, obviously in his element, might have been
The only real quarrel I have with this film is its
likeness to The Jungle Book. Both
movies focus on a feral human who attempts to save their native homeland, but
they also appeal to difference audiences. I had been hoping that Tarzan would try to emphasize this
difference, but more often than not, I found myself a little struck by the
cheesiness. The fact that Tarzan could essentially talk to animals - not just
gorillas, but all the animals in general - felt like something straight out of
a child’s book. I know it’s a fictitious story, and that realism likely wasn’t
the main priority, but some things just felt too disingenuous.
But altogether, The
Legend of Tarzan wasn’t a bad flick. It had an adequate plot, enough action
to keep it flowing, and fair acting. I’d definitely advise it to anyone looking
for an engaging summer film.
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