The Legend of Tarzan is a 2016 action adventure film directed by David Yates, based on the fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.  The film stars Alexander Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent, and Christoph Waltz; and follows Tarzan (Skarsgard) and Jane (Robbie) nearly a decade since they left Africa, but must return when a Jane becomes a pawn in a devious plot set by Leon Rom (Waltz), Tarzan must return to the jungle to save the woman he loves.

Positives:

• Good performances
• Good cast
• Good humor
• Interesting premise
• Good action
• Good score
• Likable characters

Negatives:

• Mishandles characters
• Cliche story
• Overuse of cgi

Plot: Pretty interesting story that goes at a decent pace although it is a bit of a troupe with little deviation.  It reveals the characters’ backstories through flashbacks and they’re handled well.  It does a good job of balancing humor, romance, and action. Also, the story does allow Tarzan to get use to being in the jungle again.  Mbonga’s subplot is horribly mishandled and could’ve easily been removed from the film.  (3 out of 5)

Characters: Tarzan (Skarsgard) is the main protagonist and is a strong male role.  Jane (Robbie) is Tarzan’s wife and a pretty likable character who’s a strong female lead and definitely trumps the damsel-in-distress troupe. Good chemistry between Tarzan and Jane. George (Jackson) assist Tarzan with his mission in Africa and is a hilarious character.  Great humor between Tarzan and George. Akut is Tarzan’s Mangani brother and despite they’re initial tension does come out as a pretty standout character. Leon (Waltz) is the main antagonist and is an alright character; he’s smart, he’s deadly, he has personality but he is just cliche.  Mbonga (Hounsou) is the secondary antagonist and the leader of the leopard men who wants revenge against Tarzan. (4 out of 5)

Cast:  Great performances by a really good cast.  This also includes Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz, and Djimon Hounsou. Pretty good chemistry between Skarsgard and Robbie. (4 out of 5)

Visuals: Visually the effects are pretty impressive.  The animal effects are just phenomenal although there are moments where the is a little to much cgi.  The landscapes look great and the cinematography is done really well. (4 out of 5)

Score: The score is pretty good, especially when it comes to the fast paced action and its emphasis on the emotional moments. Rupert Gregson-Williams does a pretty good job. (3 out of 5)

Writing: The film is handled pretty well and Yates does show a pretty good story.  There are elements of the story that don’t feel necessary.  Despite the focus of the film being on the tribes but at the same time they don’t play a prominent role.  During the final conflict Tarzan was assisted by the animals but not by the people he helped saved.  Great, well-timed humorous dialogue. (3 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, The Legend of Tarzan is a great film and a pretty interesting adaptation of the King of the Jungle.  Despite some aspects of the story not being done as well as it could’ve been and mishandling of certain characters, the film has a great cast, good performances, great action, good visuals, good score, and an entertaining story.  The Legend of Tarzan gets 3 out of 5.