Great Film: Tarzan
Mmmmmmm... Apey.
Animated Disney films always seem to be the same in hindsight. It's only
when
the directors get the inclination to try something bigger that the films
achieve a legendary
status. It's been ten years since this new Disney renaissance began with
"The Little
Mermaid", the new "Tarzan" represents exactly what is wrong and what is so
very right
with the Mouse House's approach to the animated features.
During these last ten years, the studio has learned what's worked, and
what
doesn't. Disney always plays it safe. The "Tarzan" opening is very
similar
to the
mega-successful "The Lion King". They compress the entire backstory into
a
10 minute
opening, and it works like a charm. We all have to admit that Phil
Collins
hasn't done
anything substantial in the last ten years as well, yet his songs for this
new film are spot
on. They narrate the film and guide the audience perfectly through this
loose adaptation
of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novel. Having been weaned on poor character
songs
throughout the years, it's deliciously blasphemous to not have to sit
through 5 or 6 god
awful musical numbers that even the composers don't seem to like. It
brings
an
unexpected freshness to this well-known material.
With "Tarzan", Disney is taking on a character and story that has gone
through
countless adaptations. This animated approach seems to fit just right.
By
not having to
rely on a physically impressive (but poorly expressive) actor, the
animators
have created
the most believable Tarzan yet. He glides through the jungle with ease,
dragging behind
his the well worn knuckles of an ape-man. It's probably one of Disney's
most impressive
creations, even though it is one so renowned. Tony Goldwyn brings the
voice
of Tarzan
to life with unexpected sweetness. While used sparingly, Goldwyn manages
to
capture
the character with ease. I also enjoyed Minnie Driver's spunky voice for
Jane, making
her the most palatable animated heroine since Lady. Rosie O'Donnell is
about as grating
as you might suspect and Glenn Close is perfect as Tarzan's ape
mother.
It's the villain that Disney needs to work on. While watching "Tarzan"
you
can
easily feel that the addition of the bad guy is superfluous. He's just
there because the
filmmakers think we can't go without it. They're dead wrong. The flick
is
filled with
lush visuals (courtesy of the more prominent GCI work), grand music, and a
strong story.
We don't need forced conflict. The conflict within is what "Tarzan" is
all
about. The
rogue brings the film down more than it should.
Coming out of "Tarzan" I had feelings I haven't felt from a Disney
production in
some time. I was moved by the material, shockingly filled with emotion.
I
came out of
the theater humming the music, not an easy thing in the years of "Mulan"
and
"Hunchback". I also came out impressed that Disney might be making baby
steps to a
new and brighter future of animated films. I look forward to it.
------------ 7
Cast
- Kala played by Glenn Close
- Young Terk played by Rosie O'donnell
- Kerchak, The Gorilla King played by Lance Henriksen
- Professor Archimedes Q. Porter played by Nigel Hawthorne
- Adult Tantor played by Wayne Knight
- Jane Porter played by Minnie Driver
- Young Tarzan played by Alex D. Linz
