Film Review: "The Legend of Tarzan" (2016).

"A new threat awaits" in The Legend of Tarzan. This adventure film directed by David Yates, written by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer, and based on the eponymous character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. When Jane is abducted by the Belgian envoy Leon Rom while investigating the government's activities in the Congo, John must revert to his former self as Tarzan if he is to save his beloved wife.

Since 2003, an updated version of Edgar Rice Burroughs' iconic character had been in development with John August penning a script. However, in 2008, a different version was in development, co-written by Stephen Sommers and Stuart Beatle. In 2011, Brewer wrote a new version, and was even set to direct. None of these versions came to fruition. In 2012, Cozard was set to rewrite Brewer's script, and Yates was hired to direct, after Susanna White and Gary Ross were considered. For the role of the Lord of the Apes, producer Jerry Weintraub initially wanted swimmer Michael Phelps to play the title role, like Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who had famously played Tarzan, and who was also a prominent competitive swimmer. Henry Cavill, Tom Hardy, and Charlie Hunnam were also considered. In mid November 14, 2012, Alexander Skarsgård was ultimately cast in the title role. In early March 2013, it was reported that Yates wanted Jessica Chastain to play the female lead role, Jane Porter. In April, due to budgetary concerns, the production was temporarily suspended. The studio eyed Emma Stone, Emma Watson (who worked with Yates on the last four Harry Potter films), Sarah Bolger, Georgina Haig, Lucy Hale, Lyndsy Fonseca, Eleanor Tomlinson, Gabriella Wilde, Lucy Boynton and Cressida Bonas were all considered for the part. In late January 2014, Margot Robbie was ultimately cast as Jane. By late June, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, Ben Chaplin, and Genevieve O'Reilly rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in early October. Filming took place at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, England.

The film stars Skarsgård, in the title role, Robbie, Waltz, Jackson, Hounsou, Broadbent, Chaplin, and O'Reilly. Despite the cast's best efforts, the characters don't do anything interesting and Tarzan is a jungle man who stays the same through the movie.

The Legend of Tarzan brings impressive special effects to bear on the darker side of its classic source material, but loses track of the story's heart along the way. Too dark for kids, too tame for adults. Stunning effects, occasionally wretched motion-capture. The technology may be there, but that doesn't mean it's been utilized to its full, feeling powers. It's a coming-of-age story unable to push forward in all the ways that really matter. It's not exactly an original take on Edgar Rice Burrough's stories any more than the Disney version was, but it's a refreshing change for anyone hungry for a change of pace from Disney's monopoly. In the end, Serkis and company somewhat failed to see the jungle for the trees.

Simon says The Legend of Tarzan receives:

Also, see my review for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.