Disney swings the right way in new animated film 'Tarzan'
Great cast, songs bring life to old Burroughs' tale
June 18, 1999 ~ By Jeff Vice Deseret News movie critic 

TARZAN -- *** 1/2 -- Animated feature starring the voices of Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Rosie O'Donnell, Brian Blessed, Glenn Close, Nigel Hawthorne and others; original songs by Phil Collins; based on characters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs; rated G (animated violence, mild vulgarity); Carmike 12, Plaza 5400, Ritz and Villa Theaters; Cinemark Sandy Movies 9; Gateway 8 Cinemas; Loews Cineplex South Towne Center and Trolley Square Mall Cinemas; Reel Theatres.

There's finally a big-screen version of "Tarzan" that the entire family can go "ape" over.Excuse the awful pun, but that's probably the most apt way to describe the newest animated feature from Walt Disney Studios. Not only is "Tarzan" one of the studio's best recent efforts, it's also certainly the best cinematic version of Edgar Rice Burroughs' ape-man tales since Johnny Weissmuller first put on the loincloth.

This animated musical/adventure is extremely exciting, even thrilling at times. It's also funny and more than a little bit touching. And its underlying message -- one about the nature of man and animal, as well as familial relationships -- is one deeper than you'd expect in animated fare.

Still, there are a few times when it succumbs to some overly Disney tendencies, such as adding cutesy animal sidekicks. And it is somewhat violent, at least compared to the studio's other works.

But those are minor quibbles at best. Besides, this is possibly the most faithful (in terms of spirit, if not subject matter) cinematic adaptation of Burroughs' first published Tarzan work, the novella "Tarzan of the Apes."

The story follows an orphaned human infant who grows up believing he is an ape. After his parents are killed, the youth is brought up by a kind gorilla, Kala (voiced by Glenn Close), who lost a gorilla-child of her own.

And in spite of his obvious physical handicaps, Tarzan is gradually accepted by members of the tribe -- all except for its disapproving chief, the silverback gorilla Kerchak (the voice of Lance Henriksen).

While the now-adult Tarzan (voiced by Tony Goldwyn) continues his efforts to impress his surrogate father, he also feels a familiar twinge when he spies humans in the jungle. He also finds himself attracted to the Jane (Minnie Driver), the beautiful but clumsy daughter of scientist Professor Porter (Nigel Hawthorne).

Even though Jane and her father are content to leave the gorillas in peace, their guide, an adventurer named Clayton (Brian Blessed), has a more sinister plan in mind for the gentle beasts and their ape-like protector.

The level of animation here is at least as good as that in other Disney animated features, but it's fleshed out considerably by use of "deep canvas," a new form of three-dimensional, digitally created background that helps make the jungle itself a character in the film.

Speaking of character, the talented voice cast has lots of it, especially Driver, who is surprisingly funny and Goldwyn, whose strong voice is extremely appropriate. (Though the shtick of Rosie O'Donnell, who voices Tarzan's closest friend, the gorilla Terk, gets a little annoying.)

Also, the movie moves along at a breathless pace and its musical interludes are well-placed, particularly a series of songs written and performed by Phil Collins. They help convey the characters' emotions and move the story along without exposition.

"Tarzan" is rated G, but does contain some animated violence (fighting and gunplay) and a few scenes that may be terrifying to younger audiences, as well as some mildly vulgar gags. 

© 2011 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

'Tarzan' soundtrack aces most other Disney scores 
Songs emit sense of mystery, nature freedom and joy June 18, 1999 ~ By Scott Iwasaki Deseret News music editor 
 
PHIL COLLINS and MARK MANCINA; " 'Tarzan': An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack" (Walt Disney Records). ****

At first listen, the opening track of Walt Disney's "Tarzan" -- called "Two Worlds" -- sounds like Phil Collins trying to be Peter Gabriel. Ironic, because Collins' vocals replaced Gabriel's voice in their earlier band Genesis.But, once the ears get past that, this album or soundtrack, as we should say, is excellent. There ain't a weak track on the lineup.

Even when boy group 'N Sync shows up to scat a bit with Collins on version 2 of "Trashin' the Camp," there isn't a lot to complain about. However, it should be noted that Rosie O'Donnell's version of the short jazz romp is much more fun and groovier.

Collins' version of the lullabye "You'll Be In My Heart," (actress Glenn Close does a duet with Collins, too) and "Son of Man" are the pop-single highlights. Both emit a sense of joy and freedom. But "Son of Man" is the heart-pumper.

The up-tempo rush and driving lyrics will make this tune, undoubtedly, a family workout anthem.

Also, Mancina, who recently worked on some additional music for the Broadway production of Disney's "Lion King," still had some nice world rhythms in his pocket.

The score sections of "Tarzan" are full of melody and musical insight.

"Moves Like an Ape, Looks Like a Man" and "A Wondrous Place" find mystery and wonder wrapped inside the arrangements.

Incidentally, Collins played all the percussion on the soundtrack.

The teaming of Collins and Mancina was nothing short of inspiration. And both arrangers and music writers complement each other's strengths.

This is one of the best Disney soundtracks since Elton John and Tim Rice's collaboration on "The Lion King." In fact, it's more musically creative. 

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