Just when you think you've had enough of 2016 summer blockbusters, you come across a film with a recognizable name, but no familiar...
Just when you think you've had enough of 2016 summer
blockbusters, you come across a film with a recognizable name, but no
familiarity with its source material. The Legend of Tarzan (2016) is a movie
which would've been better off unproduced.
The Plot: Tarzan and Jane are happily settled in London, but
when there's a sudden danger reported in Africa, our protagonist must visit his
homeland once more.
The Good and The Bad: I disliked this flick so much that it
was difficult for me to find any positivity from it. I reckon that the single
saving grace was Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of George Washington Williams.
Jackson showcased humor at the right time. And his sarcasm was spot on just
when you'd think there was no hint of versatility in the narrative.
The CGI was bearable, although given its $180 million
budget, it could've been better. The animals were sleekly designed and overall the
cinematography was average. I preferred the darkened scenes over the lit-up
ones. The venture in its 110 minutes duration, heavily relied on style over
substance, just like for the casting of the main role.
Alexander Skarsgard looks super awesome as Tarzan yet his
acting was like a muscular wax figure had been given the gift of life. Margot
Robbie was brilliant as Jane but maybe more so because she suited the role than
due to her talent. I was shocked that Christoph Waltz and Djimon Hounsou, both
Oscar-nodded actors, wasted their skills in this flick. Waltz looked more like
a Bond villain throughout the picture, and Hounsou seemed like he starred just to
pass the time as Chief Mbonga.
The script by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer was just bad.
There are too many small plotlines incorporated into the central narrative. And
not only is the movie's usage of flashbacks generic, but its predictability
level is quite high, with the conclusion becoming foreseeable just after the
initial hour has passed.
David Yates, the director, should have spent more time
adapting the screenplay properly than relying on Jackson and Waltz to shift
focus away from the clichés that this feature offered on a grand scale. The
characterization was good, the action was moderate, but without a unique take
on the story, the end-result was a failure.
The Verdict: To view The Legend of Tarzan as holiday
entertainment, and not on a serious note, is the only way it can be watched.
It's safe to declare that Hollywood has made Tarzan more of a brand name
instead of trying to revive a legacy long forgotten.
The Rating: 1 out of 4.
