Seventeen years after the release of one of Disney’s most loved films comes the real story of the mysterious Tarzan. “The Legend of Tarzan,” which hit the top of the charts on opening weekend, was equally adventurous and sentimental. Audiences relive Tarzan’s journey of life in the jungle and his relationship with his ape family. His familiarity and connection with the wild animals shown throughout the film reveals Tarzan’s sensitive and down to earth personality. His iconic look and vine swinging ability resurfaces and shows the strong, enigmatic character fans met for the first time in 1999.
“The Legend of Tarzan” takes place after Tarzan leaves the jungle. Tarzan took his birth name, John Clayton III and married his beloved Jane, an American who also grew up in the African jungle. They live together in London during the late 1800s. The movie starts off slow when King Leopold of Belgium requests that John, played by Alexander Skarsgard, travel to Africa to oversee the development of the Congo. Initially refusing, he is swayed by George Washington Williams, portrayed by the talented Samuel L. Jackson, to go anyway so he may join him. Margot Robbie, one of Hollywood’s recent breakout stars, plays Jane Porter, a headstrong woman who is anything but a damsel in distress. She decides to go with him and Williams back to their home in Africa. The film picks up the pace when the three of them travel to the Congo and almost immediately encounter trouble by a rival tribe searching for Tarzan. It’s an exciting film that constantly keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. It’s an exhilarating manhunt that reels viewers in with humor, suspense and action.
“The Legend of Tarzan” is masterfully constructed and the story flows smoothly. Though it is well written, some would be disappointed that it wasn’t closer to the story in the 1999 Disney animated film. The original movie showed more of Tarzan’s young life and how he grew up. “The Legend of Tarzan” takes place after he moves out of the jungle with only a few flashbacks to his upbringing. This deprives those who haven’t seen the animated film of a more in-depth understanding of Tarzan’s relationship with his ape family, as well as how he met Jane. Moviegoers will still be entertained since the film retains Tarzan’s wild-like essence and adventurous storyline.
“The Legend of Tarzan” consists of an A-list cast with superb acting skills. The majority of the film was shot in London and in the Warner’s Bros. Studio, but is very convincing at creating the scenes in Africa. The film presents a visual masterpiece to movie goers, along with a well written plotline, strong acting and a nearly two-decade old love story that is retold in a unique and exciting way.
