The Legend of Tarzan doesn’t attempt to
retell the origin story or a reinterpretation of the animation from 1999. Rather, Tarzan and Jane have already met, are
together and moved from the jungles into high society. The plot requires Tarzan to return to the
jungles in order to investigate whether slavery is happening but the plot
quickly degenerates into Jane being captured by the villain and Tarzan
travelling to save her. Tarzan is
supported by an American envoy George Washington Willaims but even their strong
performances isn’t enough to save the haphazard pacing and predictive plot
elements. All the animals seem to be
computer generated and there is a distinct lack of thrill even when the gorillas
emerge to help Tarzan. The concept of
the film starts out strong, weakening almost immediately especially when even
at the 30 minute mark, nothing significant has truly occurred. We don’t get to see much of Tarzan’s jungle
abilities. However, the short flashbacks
throughout the film to quickly run the viewers up to speed on Tarzan’s past was
well done and wasn’t intrusive at all.
Overall, The Legend of Tarzan is a flawed live-action interpretation of
the character that isn’t that much fun to watch.