Doesn't Quite Swing.

Rating: 5/10 (2 July 2015)

Tarzan (1999): Dir: Chris Buck, Kevin Lima / Voices: Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Lance Henriksen, Glenn Close, Rosie O'Donnell: Gloriously animated Disney film told for the umpteenth time. Tarzan's parents are killed by a leopard but he is saved by gorillas and raised among them. The mother gorilla hopes to use Tarzan as a replacement for the young she lost to the leopard but the chief silverback objects. Eventually Jane enters the story along with her father and a deceitful poacher. Setup works but payoff is never surprising. What truly works against it is the use of violence. Tarzan faces off against the leopard with a gleaming machete leaving parents with much to discern their children about. Directed by Chris Buck and Kevin Lima with colourful animation. Many of the voice talents are subdued in stereotypes but Tony Goldwyn gives personality to Tarzan in a manner that works. Minnie Driver steals scenes as the hilarious voice of Jane in an otherwise predictable role. Other roles are mere Disney stereotypes that we have seen countless times. Lance Henriksen voices the strict silverback who wants nothing to do with Tarzan. Glenn Close voices the mother gorilla who wants everything to do with Tarzan. Rosie O'Donnell voices a junior gorilla who is friends with Tarzan because making friends within its own species makes too much sense. Faithful version does little more than animate the recycled. Score: 5 / 10