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.
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