Television Review: The Legend of Tarzan
Rate This Article
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this jungle-set cartoon is based
on the Disney film
Tarzan
-- which, in turn, was based on the classic 1914 novel
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The series,
which has very little objectionable content, continues where
the film left off, focusing on themes such as growing up,
responsibility, and leadership.
Families can talk about how Tarzan deals with his many
responsibilities. As he adjusts to his new roles as husband and
ape leader, families can discuss the challenges and
frustrations of his new life. Have kids ever felt overwhelmed
by the responsibilities that growing up demands? How did they
learn to adjust? Why do responsibilities change as you grow up?
What are some rewards and challenges that go along with growing
up?
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN picks up where Disney's animated feature film Tarzan left off, following Tarzan (voiced by Michael T. Weiss) and Jane (Olivia d'Abo) as they build their new life together among Tarzan's ape family and community. Of course, the honeymoon doesn't last very long, as Jane and Tarzan have to learn to understand each other's ways: Tarzan encourages Jane to loosen up her sensibilities, while Jane, in turn, teaches her husband to act like a civilized human and adult. Marital challenges aside, Tarzan has a few real enemies to deal with, including greedy importer Renard Dumont (Rene Auberjonois) and Tublat ( Keith David), a devious gorilla intent on bringing Tarzan down. But no matter what challenges Tarzan has to face, with the support of his friends and family, he successfully solves both problems large and small, reinforcing the idea that it really does take a village sometimes.
Despite the show's charms, it doesn't quite live up to the original film. But it does teach viewers about the responsibilities of growing up -- the good, the bad, and, of course, the funny -- and it's definitely something that families can watch together, especially as it spends a lot of time focusing on family dynamics.
Legends of the Hidden TempleCorwin's Quest
Tarzan II
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
