Tarzan Might Just Swing Into That Fun Place In Your Heart Perfect for Fantasy Movies

Can you believe the last live action Tarzan movie came out in 1984? That was Greystoke, and I loved it! Why did I love it? I was 9. I loved Gorillas, and the movie had a guy that could talk to Gorillas! I know, it was a pretty shallow reason to like a movie. That being said, there is something primal in the public’s mind to have been so fascinated by the Tarzan storyline for the last 100 years since its initial publication. I actually think this movie does a decent job of capturing this thing that we are instinctually and simultaneously terrified of and interested in: the wilds of Africa. And, it actually does it in a fun, romantic, historical, action movie kind of way.



This movie takes place long after Tarzan has left the jungle and has fallen in love with Jane while living in England. This was smart move on the filmmaker’s part as we have all probably heard the original tale of Tarzan. Instead, we get to find out what happens when Tarzan goes back to the jungle in order to save his home.

The filmmaker (director of the last 4 Harry Potter movies) does a good job of mixing in a true historical situation to give some credibility to the preposterous but fun story which is to come. This story involves Tarzan convincing all of his old animal friends that they should join his side once again to fight the bad guys. These one on one interactions with animals actual work. There is just something still interesting all of these years later about a strong but in no way strong enough man facing off with a gorilla or a lion. And then, it is just as interesting to watch those incredibly strong and unstoppable wild animals fight bad guys that are in no way strong enough to beat them. Like I said, being in that situation would be completely terrifying and is totally interesting to watch.





All in all, Tarzan is by no means a perfect or a great fantasy movie. However, there are enough interesting situations and action scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last scene. Isn’t that pretty decent for a night at the movies? In my book, a man coming face to face with wild animals is still a more interesting evening spent than another night of shootouts and car chases. You go Tarzan!