Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie includes a very tame relationship between George and Ursula. There's also some sexual innuendo (Coffee, Tea, or Me, mating rituals of apes, female excitement over George's physique, etc.). The film also includes poop jokes, flatulence, wedgies, and similar potty humor.
Families can talk about respect for other cultures and feelings of pride. Why are Ursula's parents hesitant about letting George into San Francisco high society? How is the ape's treatment similar to the ways in which George is treated? Why does Ursula accept George? Why does Lyle reject him?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler
The live-action GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE has George (Brendan Fraser) being whisked from the jungle to San Francisco. Abandoned as a baby in the wilds of the jungle, George, with the help of his talking ape mentor (John Cleese), grows to up swinging on (or into) trees, cavorting with monkeys, and remains ignorant of the existence of other humans, especially girls. A chance meeting with Ursula (Leslie Mann) leads to a series of misadventures -- the arrest of Ursula's nasty fiancé (Thomas Hayden Church), a trip for George to the urban jungle of San Francisco, and the capture of the talking ape. Can George capture Ursula's heart? Will the ape become a Vegas sideshow? Can George save the day?
GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE is, in fact, a charming and entertaining film. With a buff Frasier, a gaggle of frolicking and high-fiving monkeys, nasty society folks, and various silly/charming jungle animals, the film provides good, clean silliness. Lovers of the cartoon may not find their sensibilities offended, either, as the film stays relatively true to its feel. The movie includes charming performances by Mann (Big Daddy), Church (Wings, Sideways), Holland Taylor (It's a Living, The L-Word) as Ursula's nasty mother, and Richard Roundtree (Shaft) as the jungle guide.
If the family enjoyed watching George fly and fall his way through the jungle, they might want to check out other films that revel in people's falls, such as Fraser's Dudley Do-Right or George of the Jungle 2 (without Fraser).
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentGeorge only wears a loincloth. Romantic relationship between George and Ursula. Humorous scene that explains the behaviors of monkey mating. Funny reference to Coffee, Tea, and Me. Implied nudity. |
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ViolenceSlapstick violence (falling, running into trees, racking one's self on a tree branch), professional wrestling-style fight with a lion, threat of a lion attack. The film jokingly states that no one dies in this film; they just get really big boo boos. Poaching of a friendly ape. |
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Social BehaviorThe good and bad guys are clearly marked. Lyle treats the natives in a terribly condescending manner, but the "primitives" are actually more advanced and intelligent than the ignorant white "civilized" men. Max and Thor travel to the jungle to exploit the people and animals; however, the film clearly marks George, Ursula, the natives, and the animals as kinder, more open-minded, and more advanced. |
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CommercialismNike is shown onscreen. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA character drinks coffee and experiences a major caffeine high. |
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