The Legend of Tarzan Review: A Rushed Return to the Jungle

A New Roar, A Familiar Jungle

Anticipation for a fresh take on the classic jungle hero ran high, and David Yates's The Legend of Tarzan promised a grand return. This isn't the origin story you know; instead, it picks up a decade later. John Clayton III, formerly Tarzan, lives a refined life in England with his beloved Jane. But when the dark shadow of slavery and diamond exploitation falls over the Congo, the call of the wild pulls him back to his untamed roots. The stage is set for a sweeping adventure, but does this legend truly swing into action, or does it merely stumble through the vines?

The Leads, The Laughter, and The Leaps

Alexander Skarsgård embodies Tarzan with an undeniably impressive physique, looking every inch the king of the jungle. He's ripped, he's fit, and he certainly looks the part. However, his accent occasionally wanders, leaving you wondering if he's British or not. The real standout, though, is Margot Robbie as Jane. She's tough, snarky, and sarcastic, injecting every scene with a vibrant energy that elevates the film. Her performance is so compelling, it often feels like she carries the narrative weight more than Tarzan himself.

Joining the expedition is Samuel L. Jackson, providing comic relief. While some of his quips land perfectly, others unfortunately break the tension at crucial dramatic moments. You might find yourself wishing for a few more seconds of dramatic "marination" before a punchline. Visually, the film truly shines. The Congo is depicted as a lush, breathtaking landscape, and the moments where Tarzan truly embraces his wild side, swinging through the trees, are genuinely entertaining and visually spectacular.

Missed Origins and Menacing Villains

Christoph Waltz steps into the villainous role, and he's completely functional, delivering the calm, articulate menace we've come to expect. He's typecast, yes, but it's a role he plays with chilling effectiveness, even if it offers nothing groundbreaking. The film's pacing, however, feels relentlessly rushed. Important plot points and character beats rarely have time to settle, leaving the audience feeling like they're constantly being propelled to the next event without proper emotional investment.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the handling of the flashback sequences. These glimpses into Tarzan and Jane's earlier life are arguably the best parts of the movie, offering a tantalizing peek at the origin story we truly wanted to see. They don't just fill in gaps; they highlight the more interesting film that could have been made. The main plot, involving a tribal leader with a grudge, feels less engaging, its motivations only vaguely explained much later, leaving a sense of detachment.

A Wild Ride, Best Enjoyed Wildly

The Legend of Tarzan has its moments of genuine entertainment, particularly when it leans into its visual strengths and allows Margot Robbie to shine. Yet, overall, the film struggles to be as good or as entertaining as it clearly aspires to be. The constant rush, the inconsistent tone, and the feeling of missing out on a more compelling prequel ultimately detract from the experience. It's a film that might find a more appreciative audience if viewed with a less critical eye, perhaps even suggesting it's "probably a better time if you're drunk."

Ultimately, while the visuals are stunning and the performances have their bright spots, The Legend of Tarzan feels like a missed opportunity. It's a film that leaves you wanting more of the story it only hints at, rather than fully embracing the one it tells.