TARZAN
A Walt Disney release

review by Joe Mauceri

I discovered Burroughs' TARZAN novels in my early teens, and saw many cinematic adaptations at Saturday Matinees. Naturally, I was doubtful about a Disney animated feature. I was also cautious about their choice of Phil Collins for the songs. I went in not expecting much and was blown away! TARZAN is a Disney animated feature. However, it is an amazing blend of Burroughs' epic tale with modern themes, music and the most spectacular Disney animation yet. The writers smoothed out the tale's rougher edges for a "G" rating, but do not shy away from the serious elements required to tell this story. They are presented skillfully and tastefully. Collins' songs serve as wonderful backgrounds to the dramatic opening sequences, setting the stage for the struggle. The writers focus on the ideas of family, belonging and celebrating individuality. These themes are in Burroughs' novel. However, this is the first time they've been drawn to the forefront successfully, in a way that speaks to generations. An element in the TARZAN novels that has never been capture on film is Burroughs' descriptions of how the character moves. The animators focused on that and brought the character all the way out of the tales and to life on the screen. He moves with the grace and easy of an animal, and often walks on his knuckles like an ape. Anyone who's read the novels will look at the character and say, "Yes, that is Tarzan!" The filmmakers have taken it one step further by referring to Tarzan as a "safari surfer." He swings through the trees using his feet and hands to grab fines, and uses the moss on the trees to glide along branches like an extreme sports athlete. The combined effect is like the fearless exploits of Batman on a thrilling roller coaster ride. Not only is the character and movement animation amazing, the backgrounds are lush and vibrant. The artists have captured the organic feel of the jungle. There is such depth, dimension and detail that it becomes another character. TARZAN has the best voice casting for a Disney animated feature to date. Tony Goldwyn is perfect as the voice of Tarzan. Minnie Driver is Jane. Lance Henriksen is so right as Kerchak, the leader of the gorillas, and the legendry stage actor Brian Blessed is just so sleazy as the villainous Clayton. Rosie O'Donnell and Wayne Knight serve as comic relief. TARZAN is an extraordinary animated experience that dazzles the eyes and stirs the emotions. This epic adventure has the power to captivate generations. The proof is that there was not one child stirring in the audience at the screening I attended. An exceptional storytelling achievement that will have both young and old cheering. This is animation at its finest. The filmmakers have captured the breathtaking pageantry of the jungle in an animated spectacular that we can only fully appreciate on a big screen. This is a rare cinematic feast that we should savor again and again. Disney's TARZAN is the adaptation Edgar Rice Burroughs would have been proud of, and is guaranteed to spawn a new generation of readers.

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
www.tarzan.com

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