Film review: 'The Legend of Tarzan'

"The Legend of Tarzan" gets seriously political this time around, unlike any of its predecessors. But most importantly, the film points out that the behavior of humans isn't much different than that of wild animals.

This story begins in the 1880s, after Tarzan (a very pumped Alexander Skarsgard) has married Jane (Margot Robbie) and is living a quiet, aristocratic life in England. Enter George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), an American diplomat who persuades Tarzan into going back to the jungle. Seems King Leopold II is up to no good in the Congo. His henchman in the exploited area is the diabolical Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz, the best bad guy in the business). He's hoping to make a name for himself.

So Tarzan swings back into action, accompanied by Jane and George. Leon has arranged to have Tarzan killed but underestimates the pull that he still has in the jungle, man and beast alike. As the action plays out, Tarzan's backstory is revealed via flashbacks, starting  in his infancy after being adopted by a motherly ape. Their bond is beyond special and beautiful to behold. 

Edgar Rice Burroughs' adventure tale comes alive, as no other, in the hands of director David Yates ( Four "Harry Potter" films). It's a visually astounding and touching piece of filmmaking. In an interview, Yates observes that "the film has all of the values we should be celebrating in this century ... community, family and preserving the environment." He manages to convey that message in a subtle, yet effective manner in this wonderful movie.

"The Legend of Tarzan" deals with the enslavement and annihilation of the Congolese people for profit. But bottom line, it's an adventurous and dazzling ride that you wish would never stop. In the parting shot, Tarzan jumps off a cliff, grabs a vine and swings through the glorious jungle as his simian friends join in, one by one.

It's pure joy to watch and worthy of applause.