Publisher: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Ages: five and up
Parental
Advisory:
None
While we witnessed the very beginning and end to the Tarzan saga in the original animated movie, Disney's direct-to-video TARZAN II tells the in-between story. While it's mostly a retread that rides on the considerable coattails of the original movie, it offers good family fare. And the new songs by Phil Collins rock.
Before he was King of the Jungle, Tarzan was an awkward young kid who was just trying to fit in. When one of his missteps puts his family in jeopardy, Tarzan decides they would be better off without him. His journey brings him face to face with the mysterious Zugor, the most powerful force in the land. And together, Tarzan and Zugor learn that being different is not a weakness and that friends and family offer the greatest strength of all.
The film features the voice talent of Glenn Close, George Carlin, and Emmy Award winner Brad Garrett. And the new songs by Phil Collins are enjoyable. The film follows the usual Disney formula down to the funny sidekicks and offers great family fare that's more for kids than grown-ups. The animation is not as detailed as that in the original Tarzan movie, but it's good.
DVD extras include a decent featurette that covers the making of the movie. For the youngsters, there are a couple of adequate games, and the requisite music video that features the current pop star of the moment.
In all, Tarzan II offers an entertaining diversion that pales to its predecessor. But it is a direct-to-video release. And with this in mind, it's actually quite good. Definitely a rental for a family movie night.
7/1/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
