The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Parental Rating: PG-13

Contains: Violence    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens July 1, 2016

Runs 109 minutes

Tarzan or John Clayton (Alexander Skarsgård) as he is now known, is married to Jane (Margot Robbie) and living in London. King Leopold of Belgium has laid claim to a large part of the Congo in Africa and he has summoned John back to the jungle to serve as an emissary between his people and the locals. John has no interest - been there, done that and it is too hot. However, George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) (an American with a cause) pleads with John to come with him because he fears that the Belgians are enslaving the Africans to build their railroads and mine their precious resources. John relents and Jane tags along. Of course, Leopold's man Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz) has ulterior motives and he hopes to trade John to Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou), John's mortal enemy, for a trunk of diamonds. Then, he plans to have his army take over the Congo. So, he kidnaps Jane and waits for Tarzan to walk into the trap. Does Tarzan still have his ability to commune with animals of the jungle? Can he summon his friends to rescue Jane and save the Congo from destruction?

I really liked this movie. Even the Husband liked it. I gave it an extra half star for Alexander Skarsgård's abs. They are that good. His accent, not so solid but his physicality in the jungle was off the charts. And, of course Margot Robbie looked good covered in mud. Christoph Waltz played the evil Rom to perfection. This movie was interesting in that parts of it are historical. The Belgians and the Congo and even the character of Rom are based on fact. That gave the movie a little more gravity. All that being said, it is a summer popcorn action movie. It moves along at a quick pace. The scenery is beautiful and the animals - wow! I'm a sucker for animals and they are gorgeous without being cheesy - no talking. So, even though Tarzan has been done again and again, this film was a little different. Tarzan's backstory is told in flashback, assuming the audience is fairly familiar with the story. This allows for more time for John to spend back in the jungle with his shirt off. But, I digress. I liked the movie and I would recommend it. Good for families but don't take the young kids because some of the animal scenes are pretty scary. Go see it.

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