The Legend of Tarzan

In The Legend of Tarzan, directed by David Yates, Alexander Skarsgård takes on the iconic role of Tarzan, who has traded his wild life in the jungle for a refined existence as John Clayton III, the Lord Greystoke, living in Victorian England with his wife, Jane Porter (Margot Robbie). However, when he is invited back to the Congo by an envoy of the British Parliament, Tarzan’s new life is dramatically interrupted. Tasked to investigate the activities of a ruthless Belgian mining company, he soon realizes that his visit is a ploy to lure him back to the jungle and into a deadly trap. Joined by George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), Tarzan must confront both the dangers of the brutal natural world he came from and the dark remnants of colonialism as he attempts to rescue his people. The film explores themes of identity, humanity, and the bond between man and nature, all while delivering thrilling action sequences and lush cinematography that bring the heart of the jungle to life.

The Legend of Tarzan has drawn mixed reactions from critics since its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating of 35%, indicating a general consensus that it failed to resonate with audiences. Critics like Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal noted that the film is 'visually stunning but narratively uninspired', highlighting that despite its impressive visuals, the storyline feels lackluster and unoriginal. Conversely, some reviews appreciated the performances, with Alexander Skarsgård's physical portrayal of the titular character receiving acclaim. The New York Times praised the film's 'daring action sequences', allowing the lead actor to shine, while also stating, 'the supporting cast bravely rises to the challenge of a weak screenplay'. The film boasts a Metacritic score of 44/100, suggesting generally unfavorable reviews from the critical community. Overall, while the film presents a fresh visual take on the classic character and includes moments of excitement, it struggles with pacing and plot development, leaving audiences divided on its overall impact. Fans might appreciate the action and the lush cinematography, but detractors often cite a failure to engage emotionally.