Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
From director David Yates (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows) and screenwriters Adam Cozard and Craig Brewer comes The Legend of Tarzan, which truly does feel like a Sequel to an original installment we haven’t seen in years. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because we do not need another origin story for Tarzan but maybe a few more minutes introducing us to the titular character would have benefitted the story. However, the performances by our leading characters are fantastic and carry The Legend of Tarzan.
The Movie starts off as we’re introduced to John Clayton/Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård ) as he is asked to return to the Congo to investigate what is happening with reference to the mining activities. Reluctant at first, an unlikely ally comes forth in the form of George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson) and resistance from his wife, Jane (Margot Robbie) who insists on coming with him. However unknown to Clayton, Captain Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz) teams-up with Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou) to lure Tarzan into the jungle for a battle, once Tarzan is defeated Rom can get what he wants and take control of the Congo. However, with Tarzan being essentially one with the jungle he is not about to go down without a fight, and the legend of Tarzan is put to test. Can Tarzan reign victorious or will Captain Leon Rom get his way?
What makes The Legend of Tarzan an incredibly-fun time at Movies, aside from some under-developed story aspects, are the dynamics and connection that the characters have with one another and the way they carry themselves. Alexander Skarsgård could not have been more perfectly cast as our hero as he embodies the character that has been conveyed in different adaptations and stories. Margot Robbie as Jane brings a refreshing approach to the character as she does not need Tarzan to save her as she manages fairly well on her own as she performs with a refreshing approach to the role. Christoph Waltz as Captain Leon Rom is tremendously-terrifying, channeling some of his best work for the role, Waltz manages to capture the audience and breathe fear into them. Moreover, Djimon Hounsou who is not in the Movie enough is excellent and also plays, essentially, the warlord to perfection.
Despite some of the stories and motivations of our characters not being fleshed-out, the performances and effects in The Legend of Tarzan make-up for it all. The Film is a fun adventure from start to finish, that makes you want more. Tarzan will be swinging into theatres this Friday!
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE LEGEND OF TARZAN on Friday, July 1, 2016.
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