Tarzan

Just the facts (courtesy of the Internet Movie Database).

Once again, the only credits you need to know are that the Minnie Driver is Jane, Rosie O'Donnell is the best-friend monkey and Wayne Knight (Newman of Seinfeld) is the elephant. You want more facts? Click on the IMDB link.

Another crisp 90-minute film, like all major Disney full-length animated features. Once again pushing the envelope of animation technology. The music is snappy but forgettable. It may, as predicted, win the Oscar, but it is no Little Mermaid. You won't leave the theater humming it. Your kids won't be playing a medley of Tarzan music in band next year.

It has everything you expect from a Disney feature. Well-developed characters, a story that works for the kids and the adults they bring with them, and a few changes in the plot to give it a more Disney ending. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tarzan go back to England in the original Edgar Rice Burroughs story? Oh well, if the Little Mermaid can get to the ship on time, then Jane can decide to stay in the jungle with Tarzan.

It is funny and breathtaking. Never a dull moment (Am I the only one who thinks the bad guy's voice sounds exactly like Captain Hook from Disney's animated Peter Pan?).

I won't insult you by repeating the Tarzan story. You all know it. We're not talking about subtle nuance here. I doubt anyone over the age of 6 will want to see it twice. But even if you don't have kids, if you'd like to be entertained without being insulted or assaulted, you could do a lot worse than Tarzan. If you don't believe me, go rent the videotape of Little Nemo In Slumberland (a family joke).