Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: David Yates, Warner Bros, M 110 Minutes.
There have been many Tarzan movies made over the years but none as exciting as that directed by David Yates the fabulous fantasy filmmaker for the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise films.
In Yates’ insightful adaptation of the popular Edgar Rice Burroughs’ story, Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgard – ‘The Giver’) aka John Clayton is an aristocratic, sophisticated Englishman living with his beautiful wife Jane (Aussie actress Margot Robbie – ‘Focus’) and children in their stately home.
But it is the deadly conflict in the Congo with Belgian soldiers under the command of its calculating Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz – ‘Spectre’) and depicted in the opening scenes, that beckons Tarzan back to the jungle.
At first refusing the British Government’s pleas for his assistance, Tarzan is eventually convinced by American journalist George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson – ‘The Avengers’) to return to Africa to prevent any more clashes, including other atrocities such as slavery.
Tarzan also reluctantly agrees to Williams accompanying him on his difficult journey together with his insistent wife Jane, not aware of the real reason behind the invitation from Belgian King Leopold, especially the hidden trap being laid by Rom.
As the three of them reach the village in the jungle it is Tarzan’s childhood and his rearing by the apes that are featured in a succession of flashbacks in particular the jealousy exhibited by one ape.
After he has plundered Tarzan’s village, Rom then takes Jane as a hostage, in addition to countless numbers of tribesmen as prisoners which only further enrages Tarzan.
This sets the scene for Tarzan to call on his animal friends to help him do battle with the Belgian military and allows him to rescue Jane as well as deal with the revengeful Rom.
This latest rendition of the Tarzan legend is a thoroughly enjoyable experience with the added pleasure of Yates’ inclusion of his special effects, especially relating to the apes and the confrontation between Tarzan and the large embittered ape.
Insofar as the performances are concerned, Skarsgard provides a credible portrayal of the Lord of the Jungle as does Robbie in the role of Jane and complemented by Jackson as Williams and Waltz as Rom.
Although there are some similarities to the 1984 movie ‘Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes’ there is no denying ‘The Legend of Tarzan’ is far more captivating and entertaining.
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
The Legend Of Tarzan is being televised on 9GO at 9.30pm on Friday 23 July.
