Review of Tarzan (1999) by Luke P — 23 Aug 2009

Disney's take on the classic Tarzan story ranks as one of the better Disney films of a slightly iffy period (1998-2004, when Disney made their final 2D animated feature Home on the Range). It feels like they've made a deliberate effort to move away from the "Disney formula", with Tarzan eschewing the cutesy comedic characters and big musical set-pieces (Phil Collins provides the soundtrack here) for a more realistic and adult approach, almost to the extent of isolating their younger audience.

Themes like death and identity are explored, with only the occasional talking elephant pratfall to amuse the kids. The film looks beautiful, the animators creating an incredible 3D environment for the 2D characters to roam in, actually making the jungle look a vast expansive entity.

This creates a kinetic feel, with Tarzan swinging and sliding down trees like a computer game character. Without a doubt the best thing Disney did during that sad final period of traditional 2D animation, Tarzan is odd in that I can't see how it will appeal to children, with it's weighty issues and severe tone (plus how many kids do you know that enjoy the music of Phil Collins?), but as a film, Tarzan is well worth a watch.