Tarzan (1999)

Written by Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker, & Noni White
Directed by Kevin Lima & Chris Buck

Do you like Phil Collins? Like...really like Phil Collins? Like, ever seen a movie and said to yourself, “all this is missing is Phil Collins”? THEN I HAVE THE MOVIE FOR YOU.

Tarzan marks the end of the Disney Renaissance (which is weird, because the best of all the Animated Classics is next), and I was surprised by how much I liked it, Phil Collins aside. I’ve seen the movie only once before (and I honestly didn’t pay much attention to it).

Look at how breathtaking this is

The animation here is really stellar, and this is the perfect story to showcase it. Tarzan surfing the branches is a thrilling idea, and it carries through the film remarkably well; it never feels gratuitous. A great example of this is the sequence in which Tarzan saves Jane from the baboons. It’s a thrilling sequence that displays drama, action, humor, and some breathtaking animation.

The oft-cited song from Tarzan…featuring Phil Collins

My biggest issue with the film is, probably not surprisingly, Phil Collins. His voice is CONSTANTLY in the film; before we even reach 30 minutes into the film, there’s no fewer than three songs (and one reprise!). I’m just not really the biggest Phil Collins fan, so I just wish there was a different artist performing the songs.

I liked this film a lot more than I thought I would. It has a great message, wonderful animation, and lots of emotion. Just...less Phil Collins, please.

FINAL GRADE: B+