Common Sense Note
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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Andrea Graham
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 Tarzan soon realizes that his new roles as husband and leader of the apes come along with many challenges and tests of both courage and patience. Jane and Tarzan have to learn to understand each other's ways (a good message for kids): Tarzan encourages Jane to loosen up her sensibilities, while Jane, in turn, teaches her husband to act like a civilized human and adult. Their contrasting natures provide lots of laughs.
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.
All of that said, 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.
Other wild shows full of jungle fun include Legends of the Hidden Temple and Corwin's Quest. On the DVD side, be sure to check out Tarzan II.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTarzan and Jane learn to live as a happily (and, since it's Disney, chastely) married couple. Tarzan never wears much in the way of clothes. |
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ViolenceSome hunters/poachers cary guns. |
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Social BehaviorResponsibilites are often both challenging and rewarding. |
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CommercialismDisney is always tied to merchandise. |
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