Why didn't they make sequels?

Rating: 9/10 (20 October 2014)

Of all the animated movies Disney has done, the one with the richest source material and the most franchise potential didn't get sequels... theatrical sequels, that is. Go figure. Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of the Barsoom series, wrote over 20 novels about Tarzan - the filmmakers had tons of source material to choose from and adapt into movies. Not only that, but the movie was a hit at the box office. I may not have read the novels, but I'm pretty sure there are plenty of stories that will make great movies. Especially since animation is the only format that can do the character justice - this movie is living proof of that. The animation is just phenomenal - Tarzan's movements, the action scenes, the angles, the artwork - it's just a visual marvel. The performances and the characters are also great - Tony Goldwyn and Minnie Driver have great chemistry as Tarzan and Jane, Brian Blessed brings a lot of personality and awesomeness to an otherwise generic and clichéd villain and other supporting cast members such as Lance Henriksen, Glenn Close, Wayne Knight and even Rosie O'Donnell do fine in their roles as well. Is the movie perfect? No. While I do love the actors playing them, I don't think the apes should have talked (and sang) in the movie. But hey, it's an adaptation and a kids' movie, of course there are going to be changes. But that's just one nitpick in an otherwise great adventure film that was a nice starting point for a potential great franchise. Sadly, the filmmakers didn't take advantage of the plentiful source material and it's a shame.