Watch CBS News

"The Legend of Tarzan" Combines Action, Adventure And Romance With Fantastic Special Effects

DETROIT (WWJ) - If the previews for "The Legend of Tarzan" have you excited about going to the theater to check it out, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

I have to admit that I did have mixed feelings about seeing this film. On the one hand, I've always been a fan of Tarzan, so I wanted to see it. But on the other hand, I didn't think casting Skarsgard " as the legendary character was the best move. But, boy was I wrong! And, I'm really glad I was because I absolutely loved the movie.

Skarsgard does a wonderful job portraying John Clayton, also known as Lord Greystoke, a member of England's House of Lords. And when Greystoke agrees to return to Africa, where he was raised, Skarsgard is equally convincing in the role of Tarzan, when he goes to battle against animals many times his size and, of course, swings from the trees as only Tarzan can.

This movie does a phenomenal job combining action and adventure with fantastic special effects – and it all looks so real. But, none of that would be worth watching without an interesting storyline. As pointed out by Director David Yates, "The story plays out within the historical context of what was happening in the Congo at that time." So, the writers had to find a way to combine fact with fiction, something they accomplished admirably.

Joining Skarsgard is one of my favorite actresses, Margot Robbie as Tarzan's wife, Jane; Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams; Christoph Waltz as Leon Rom; and Djimon Hounsou, as a tribal leader bent on revenge.

If your 4th of July holiday plans include checking out a new flick, and action, adventure and romance are your thing, you won't go wrong with "The Legend of Tarzan." Rated PG-13.

See you at the movies!

Be sure to tune in to WWJ Newsradio 950 every Friday for my weekly look at the movies with Midday Anchor Jackie Paige.

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.