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Movie Review: Legend of Tarzan

David Yates’ “The Legend of Tarzan” is a thrilling rendition of the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, though it’s not as memorable as Disney’s rendition. True, there’s no Phil Collins music, but hey, this one has Samuel L. Jackson.

 The movie follows Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) and his wife, Jane (Margot Robbie), as they travel back to Africa with historical figure George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson). There, they run into trouble with the nefarious Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz) scheming to gain control over the Congo.

Like “Mad Max: Fury Road”, a simple plot allows “TLOT” to surpass the predictability of an offshoot story. Yes, it’s full of unbelievables – eternally long vines, wounds that bleed but have no effect, and leaps, jumps, fights and stamina too great for man or beast  –  but this is Hollywood. Unfortunately the simplicity is the film’s major flaw. “TLOT” serves well as an idea, (perhaps the result of someone wondering “What if Tarzan went back to the jungle?”) but it doesn’t finish as the great untold story it could’ve been.  

Robbie’s character is striking and memorable as a strong character, often more determined and likeable than Tarzan. Waltz does an impressive job being dislikeable, and Jackson provides an entertaining secondary character and helps lighten the film.

Skarsgård’s Tarzan will be remembered for the constant apprehension in his eyes and his herculean muscles. But before you categorize Skarsgård’s Tarzan with Russell Crowe’s Javert from “Les Misérables”, watch the whole film; growing up in a jungle would be rough.

Most of the dialogue is suited for the film, though some pivotal moments flounder from cliché exchanges. The film’s biggest loss however, is an unfortunate overuse of CGI in a movie that could have been visually breathtaking had it used less.

 

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@mikeburnham31



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  1. bOb Owen

    A fair and balanced review. The movie is a rip-snortin’ action/adventure movie with enough drama to satisfy most everyone.


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