George of the Jungle (PG, 1997)

common sense media says

Live-action take on popular tale is family fun.


parents & educators say
  • 67% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: The 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.
Positive role models: George, Ursula, the natives, and the animals are  kind,open-minded, and more advanced.
Violence & scariness: Slapstick 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.
Sexy stuff: George 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.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Nike is shown onscreen.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A character drinks coffee and experiences a major caffeine high.

More on George of the Jungle

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This is 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Sam Weisman
Cast: Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, Thomas Haden Church
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release: July 18, 1997
DVD release: December 2, 1997
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: crude humor and mild violence, language and sensuality

This review was written by Kelly Kessler
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 67% say language is an issue

Most useful reviews by all members

allietron
kid, 13 years old
 
Watch out for that tree!
I like the movie a lot. It is funny. I love the parts when they say watch out for that tree. That is hysterical. Very cool

naomii
adult
 
My nephew loves it
This movie is full of poop jokes, wedgies, crashing into trees, and other jokes that would make a seven year old laugh out loud, or a husband indulging his inner kid. It doesn't take itself too seriously, ever--one character points out that "bad guy falls in poop, classic element of physical comedy. Now comes the part where we throw our heads back and laugh". The kids will laugh, and it's not so kid-oriented that parents will be bored.

 
Very Fun!
I think this is a great movie! When my sister was a toddler she loved this movie. She called her diaper a "butt flap" and would yell "George!", then run into the wall and say "Treeeeeeee!". It was pretty awesome! On a negative note, my little brother did quote the one bad word in the movie to my grandmother...


kid, 12 years old
 
to much crude and suggestive humor.
this movie was pretty bad.it had some content to it too.


teen, 14 years old
 
to much crude and suggestive humor.
this movie was pretty bad.it had some content to it too.


kid, 11 years old
 
to much crude and suggestive humor.
this movie was pretty bad.it had some content to it too.

Mammarino
parent of 8 and 10 year old
 
Very funny and cute, but a few swear words
I loved this movie, but disagree with CSM's saying that language is "not an issue" with this movie. One character calls another "a pain in the a**" and God's name is taken in vain 2-3 times.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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