Super late movie review! Missed the press screening due to the ever awkward work schedule. So just got the chance to see it over the weekend. A little research showed that there are over 200 movie titles with "Tarzan" in them. Indeed, Edgar Rice Burroughs' character from his 1914 book, which has spawned sequels in movies, books and comics is easily one of the most recognizable fictional personas in history.
I myself grew up to Disney's Phil Collins filled 1999 "Tarzan" and yes, even the hilarious 1997 parody "George of the Jungle". What I loved the most about director David Yates' take on Tarzan is that it was a period piece and took events from history to set the stage and build conflict in the film.
With the opening text introducing the Berlin Conference in 1884-85 as a cataclysm to which King Leopoldo II of Belgium begins to exploit the Congo for it's resources in the guise of diplomacy,
The audiences are then brought to England where they meet the man formerly known as Tarzan but now is John Clayton III, Viscount Greystoke. He has taken up his birthright, living in a mansion with his wife Jane Porter (Margot Robbie). We see John Clayton in a meeting with Parliament as he has been invited by King Leopold II to visit the schools and the churches that he built in the Congo and being "Africa's favorite son" the presence of John would surely bring the needed attention to the ongoing projects.
Tarzan/John dressed in a full suit ensemble while drinking tea (with pinky raised) declines the invitation.
He is approached by George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) a real life unsung hero from 19th Century American History who wants to investigate what's really happening in Congo, feeling that there is something amiss with a bankrupt King who can still "run" the state of Congo.
John reluctantly agrees and makes his way back to Africa with Jane and George, what the trio don't realize is that their very invitation is all part of a secret plot of Leon Rom, played by the villainous Christoph Waltz.
While Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie are both gorgeous on screen, their huge eyes looking at you in close up shots and their too-hot-to-handle chemistry palpable in the theatre. It was Samuel L. Jackson's Williams whom the audiences loved, Jackson took on a comedic approach to the role and audiences loved every time he came on screen.
I loved that the writers included a real life hero in the movie, he is relatively unknown but really did write an open letter to King Leopold in 1890 regarding the atrocities being committed in the Congo. As a history buff I really loved that realistic touch in the film. Aside from just historical and entertainment value, the movie also touches base on real life world issues, which are still relevant today such as slavery, poaching and even genocide.
Another character on screen worth mentioning in this review is Christoph Waltz's deliciously evil Leon Rom, who with his Madagascar Spider Web Rosary/Weapon seemed to be come right of a Japanese Anime.
Yates was a genious to make Greystoke manor, John's residence is London almost black and white devoid of color but the vast African plains to be bursting with color, just goes to show where Tarzan's heart belongs.
Stunning visuals, camera work and CGI, make the film worth it to see in cinemas!
My only nitpick about the movie was the little too over the top climax scene, the 'dancing with wildebeest' was a little too much for me but all in all a great film to see!
7.5 out of 10. "The Legend of Tarzan" is distributed in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and is still showing in cinemas.
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