The Legend of Tarzan

As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I loved Tarzan movies when I was young.  So, I knew I'd go to see this latest film in the Tarzan saga even though my hopes for it were not high.

I'm very glad I did.  I enjoyed the movie quite a bit.  It never bored me, I liked much of the storytelling, and from start to finish I had a good time.

That said, I have to warn you that the movie requires you to suspend your disbelief in so many ways I stopped counting them, though the real history of the Belgian Congo is certainly one of the key areas you must not think about as you watch.  You also have to accept the overuse of Margot Robbie as the damsel in distress, though it does at least make token nods toward her having her own agency.  In addition, as pretty and as cut as Alexander Skarsgard is--I sure hope he got to eat some ice cream after this one--he utterly lacks charisma.

None of the film's many weaknesses stopped me from having a good time.  The others who went with me also agreed they had enjoyed it--despite its flaws.

This new Tarzan is not going to win any awards, and it does not cry out for a sequel, but it is a fun summer film.  Check it out if you're in the mood for such a light treat.

A bit of trivia about Tarzan and me

My depression and rage over the Orlando shooting are still with me, but I thought it was time for something different here.



Saturday night, I saw a long preview for the upcoming Tarzan movie.  It reminded me of this bit of trivia, which I've never shared publicly.

When I was a kid, I would get up early on Saturday morning, turn on the TV, tune to our UHF channel, and hope to catch a Tarzan movie.  They played many Saturdays between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  When I was lucky, one would be on before I had to go outside to start mowing lawns.  I loved those movies and watched them over and over.

Johnny Weismuller was my favorite Tarzan.  I particularly loved his Tarzan yell.



I've always wanted to be able to make that sound, but I've never even come close.  Some film lore claims that the call was an artificial one that a sound department made, but a lot of folks insist Weismuller could make the yell himself--and that he did so at random times for many years to come.

I expect I will never be able to make that yell, but I will always dream of doing so, and I will always love it.