How Jaws set the standard for the summer blockbuster, and how Hollywood perfected a formula that has endured for decades.
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Title: The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Alexander Skarsgård | ... | John Clayton / Tarzan | |
| Rory J. Saper | ... | Young Tarzan (18 Years) | |
 |
Christian Stevens | ... | Young Tarzan (5 Years) |
| Christoph Waltz | ... | Leon Rom | |
| Samuel L. Jackson | ... | George Washington Williams | |
| Margot Robbie | ... | Jane Clayton | |
|
|
Sidney Ralitsoele | ... | Wasimbu |
| Osy Ikhile | ... | Kwete | |
| Mens-Sana Tamakloe | ... | Kolo | |
| Antony Acheampong | ... | Kanam | |
|
|
Edward Apeagyei | ... | Kimanga |
| Ashley Byam | ... | Kasai | |
| Casper Crump | ... | Major Kerckhover | |
|
|
Adam Ganne | ... | German Force Publique |
|
|
Aleksandar Mikic | ... | Muscular Force Publique |
Following his parents' death in Africa, John Clayton has been be raised by an ape, was known by the name Tarzan, but eventually left Africa and for his parents' home in England, along with the woman he fell in love with and married, Jane Porter. He is asked by Belgian King Leopold to go to Africa to see what he has done there to help the country. Initially, he refuses. But an American, George Washington Williams, wants him to accept so he can accompany him. He says that Leopold might be committing all sorts of atrocities to achieve his goal, like slavery. Clayton agrees and his wife insists that she accompany him because she misses Africa. When they arrive, a man named Rom, who works for Leopold, attacks their village and captures Tarzan and Jane. With Washington's help he escapes and sets out to rescue Jane by going across the jungle. Washington joins him despite being told that he might not make it. Written by ahmetkozan
The core Tarzan story is not only iconic, it speaks to something deep within us. It is at the same time the ultimate Romance and the ultimate Action tale. It is no coincidence that, almost a century ago, when young Hollywood looked to find a franchise for its new "talkie" motion pictures, they turned to the Tarzan tale, and spawned a franchise so successful that it literally outlived the shelf life of its star.
In my lifetime I have seen well over a dozen versions, retellings and re-imaginings of the Tarzan story. I have no doubt that after I am gone, producers and writers will continue to be attracted to it and continue to "make their bones" by bending it to their unique style.
That said, this one is not especially good. After a great opening scene, there is the filmic equivalent of "dead air" for about 35 minutes and when the script does finally get in gear it stumbles and falls, subject to a wildly disjointed narrative and equally bizarre editing.
Alexander Skarsgård has been impressive in other films (a race driver, a superhero) and I think with different material and a different director he could have connected. Christoph Waltz and Sam Jackson remain two of the most over-exposed stars in Hollywood and, good as they are, they are running out of clever ways to play the same character over and over. And over. And over.