"Tarzan" swings but doesn't soar

Rating: Null/10 (16 June 1999)

Walt Disney Pictures' summer animated film "Tarzan" is an exercise in déjà vu on many different levels. Although there are some impressive feats of animated derring-do on display here, the overwhelming question that may run through the filmgoer's mind is, "where have I seen this before?" The answer to that question is, "Everywhere!" The story of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Ape Man has been filmed to death from silent film days to the Johnny Weismuller series in the '30s, to at least two television series, to "Greystoke" in the '80s to the cartoon parody "George of the Jungle" and the live action film version of "George of the Jungle" (also by Disney). If there's a fresh angle or new depth to be plumbed from this simple tale of a baby boy raised by gorillas who grows up to be a major swinger with animal magnetism (and meets up with a civilized babe called Jane), the folks at Disney didn't come up with it on this go-around. The major accomplishments of this animated version are the fluid animation techniques that provide moments of graceful, often thrilling action. This Tarzan is all animal instinct and feral grace, not only swinging from vines but leaping, somersaulting, even surfing down the serpentine jungle trees. "Tarzan" is nearly all-action sequences with relatively little dialogue (or time dedicated to character development). While kids should get a big kick out of it (especially boys), there's not much of an interesting plot or conflict to hold the attention of anyone over 15. This is a surprising gaffe since Disney seemed to have perfected the strong (if cookie-cutter) story-telling technique for animated films. The non-stop action seems to serve two specific purposes: a) the film can play in foreign markets with very minimal dubbing, and b) it's a movie designed to sell video games.
The film is in fact reminiscent of a silent movie - with the lean, pointy-chinned Tarzan bearing an uncanny resemblance to silent film star William S. Hart. The freshest character is Jane, voiced with playful, flustered spontaneity by Minnie Driver. This Jane is no knockout, but has an endearingly British overbite and receding chin. Her blend of spinsterly British reserve and amorous appreciation of the hunky ape man provides some of the film's brightest moments. Glenn Close is all honeyed warmth as the voice of Tarzan's deep-hearted gorilla foster mom (one of the most visually expressive characters in the film) and Brian Blessed and Nigel Hawthorne voice the poaching British meanie and his sympathetic flunkie, respectively. The film's most ill-advised character is Tarzan's wisecracking gorilla friend, with Rosie O'Donnell providing a grating Brooklyn street-kid accent which is neither funny nor sensible in the jungles of Africa. This character is the Jar-Jar Binks of the film - trying way too hard and it just ain't funny. The role does however contribute a great deal to O'Donnell's increasing stature as America's most annoying celebrity. Another misfire is Disney's attempt to repeat the Elton John/"Lion King" triumph by hiring The King of Bland, Phil Collins to write and sing the unmemorable songs. Not exactly famous for his driving jungle rhythms, Collins is no Elton John - and "Tarzan" is no "Lion King." But school's out and since the kids have gotta do something, "Tarzan" should provide an entertaining diversion for at least 90 minutes. The rest of the summer you're on your own.