Tarzan

From AwardAnnals

Reviews

Amazon.com

After viewing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixtysome years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of its recent hits. Disney’s Tarzan doesn’t wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O’Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan’s initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment, Tarzan makes a pretty good treat. (Ages 5 and up) —Doug Thomas

Barnes and Noble

The world of this Tarzan pops as it never has before in this gazillionth film version, thanks to a groundbreaking “Deep Canvas” animation process that creates lush jungle environments. Add in the ape-man’s extreme surfing moves—inspired by veteran Disney animator Glen Keane’s skateboarding son—and Phil Collins’s muscular score, and Tarzan ranks among the best animated films of its age. Tarzan followed in the footsteps of Hercules and Mulan—its hero likewise trying to find his place in the world. Orphaned and raised by a gorilla family, Tarzan (voiced by Tony Goldwyn) is determined to be “the best ape ever,” but like Hercules, he suffers the pains of awkward adolescence. He initially does not quite fit in, and the other apes even call him “the hairless wonder.” But his adoptive mother, Kala (Glenn Close), reassures him, “Forget what you see—what do you feel?” The superb voice ensemble includes Minnie Driver as the spirited and independent Jane, Nigel Hawthorne as Jane’s scientist father, and Lance Henrikson as Kerchack, the silverback patriarch who does not accept Tarzan. Wayne Knight, as Tarzan’s pachyderm pal, Tantor, and Rosie O’Donnell as a wisecracking ape, Terk, delivers the comic relief. Terk’s “Trashing the Camp” is a scat-singing showstopper; and the power ballad “You’ll Be in My Heart” earned an Oscar on its way to pop ubiquity. The 2005 Special Edition contains a new-to-DVD music video of “Strangers Like Me” by Everlife, as well as an alternate opening and deleted scenes, “DisneyPedia” animal segments, and three games. Donald Liebenson