The Legend of Tarzan
Alexander Skarsgård (True Blood) is chest-thumping icon Tarzan in this adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic tale from filmmaker David Yates (who directed the last four Harry Potter films). Co-stars Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, and Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street) as Jane.
It has been years since Tarzan left the jungles of Africa for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by Captain Leon Rom (Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.
- Director:
- David Yates ('Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince', 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix')
- Writer:
- Stuart BeattieCraig BrewerJohn ColleeAdam Cozad
- Cast:
- Alexander SkarsgårdMargot RobbieChristoph WaltzSamuel L. JacksonDjimon HounsouJohn Hurt
Reviews & comments
Swing like an Earl
Tarzan Everyone knows this story right? So why the next level reboot, again? Hmmm, who knows, but its dam good. So awesome to see that guy from ‘True Blood’ as Lord Greystoke and that awesome dude from bounty hunter from ‘Django Unchained’. The film itself was like a wonderful emotional mix of ‘King Kong’ (2005 Peter Jackson version), ‘Blood Diamond’ and...
GOOD... BUT NOT EPIC!
Which is what this Tarzan needed to be. A little more tension and pacing. A touch of Indiana Jones or the Mummy, just to kick it along. The problem with Tarzan - apart from his 104 year old pulp origins and less than PC attitudes on the part of his creator, Burroughs - is that it's hard to know what approach to take with him. Full on pulp craziness or...
Variety
pressSequel, origin story and racially sensitive revisionist history lesson all in one. What it isn't is much fun for anyone who's seen Edgar Rice Burroughs' "ape man" in any of his previous incarnations.
The New York Times
pressWhat makes it more enjoyable than other recycled stories of this type is that the filmmakers have given Tarzan a thoughtful, imperfect makeover.
The Guardian
pressCommitted performances aren’t enough to save this film from uncomfortable colonial optics, uninspiring CGI and tedious plotlines
Rolling Stone
pressIt's a heavy thematic load for a single movie to handle — especially this one, which nearly collapses from its burden.
New Zealand Herald
pressAlthough uneven at times, The Legend of Tarzan lends an important historical context to the notorious character, which makes it worth a look.
Los Angeles Times
pressWants to be both modern and traditional, hip and classic. It's a tough balance to strike, and this film can't manage it.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThis is certainly the best live-action Tarzan film in many a decade (which, admittedly, isn't saying much) and offers a well-judged balance of vigorous action and engaging-enough drama.
Empire Magazine
pressNot so much a ripping yarn, more of a dripping yarn, Yates' reinterpretation of the Lord Of The Jungle is a big disappointment.
Variety
pressSequel, origin story and racially sensitive revisionist history lesson all in one. What it isn't is much fun for anyone who's seen Edgar Rice Burroughs' "ape man" in any of his previous incarnations.
The New York Times
pressWhat makes it more enjoyable than other recycled stories of this type is that the filmmakers have given Tarzan a thoughtful, imperfect makeover.
The Guardian
pressCommitted performances aren’t enough to save this film from uncomfortable colonial optics, uninspiring CGI and tedious plotlines
Rolling Stone
pressIt's a heavy thematic load for a single movie to handle — especially this one, which nearly collapses from its burden.
New Zealand Herald
pressAlthough uneven at times, The Legend of Tarzan lends an important historical context to the notorious character, which makes it worth a look.
Los Angeles Times
pressWants to be both modern and traditional, hip and classic. It's a tough balance to strike, and this film can't manage it.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThis is certainly the best live-action Tarzan film in many a decade (which, admittedly, isn't saying much) and offers a well-judged balance of vigorous action and engaging-enough drama.
Empire Magazine
pressNot so much a ripping yarn, more of a dripping yarn, Yates' reinterpretation of the Lord Of The Jungle is a big disappointment.
Swing like an Earl
Tarzan Everyone knows this story right? So why the next level reboot, again? Hmmm, who knows, but its dam good. So awesome to see that guy from ‘True Blood’ as Lord Greystoke and that awesome dude from bounty hunter from ‘Django Unchained’. The film itself was like a wonderful emotional mix of ‘King Kong’ (2005 Peter Jackson version), ‘Blood Diamond’ and...
GOOD... BUT NOT EPIC!
Which is what this Tarzan needed to be. A little more tension and pacing. A touch of Indiana Jones or the Mummy, just to kick it along. The problem with Tarzan - apart from his 104 year old pulp origins and less than PC attitudes on the part of his creator, Burroughs - is that it's hard to know what approach to take with him. Full on pulp craziness or...
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