George of the Jungle

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, Thomas Haden Church, Richard Roundtree, John Cleese (voice)
Directed by: Sam Weisman
Rating: PG
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: George (Brendan Fraser) was raised in the jungle by wild animals. He meets and falls in love with a beautiful American (Leslie Mann) who gets lost in his jungle.

Review:

Tim: I still retain a few memories of watching the 1960s "George of the Jungle" cartoon as a child. I remember thinking it was okay, but it was certainly not my favorite show. Adult Tim feels very similar about the feature film as child Tim felt about the cartoon series. This movie is okay, but it's also deeply flawed and often cringe-worthy. And yet, like the animated series, there's a certain dimwitted yet earnest charm to the whole thing that makes it difficult to outright dislike the film.

What's amazing to me is how faithful this live action adaptation is to the original animated film. It's oftentimes shocking to see the lengths this movie goes to in order to align with the tone, feel, and approach of the cartoon. In many ways, that's the film's greatest achievement. This is a live action movie that feels very much like a cartoon. I've never seen anything quite like it. Director Sam Weisman accurately captures the zany 1960s vibe of the cartoon and translates it to a 1990s live action format. It's quite impressive. And yet, it also begs the question, "Why?" Why was this movie so faithful to a substandard animated television series? Maybe there's people who loved the original cartoon, but it always felt like a lesser show to me. Why would anyone go to this much trouble, time, and focus on replicating a lackluster series? There was so much opportunity here- take the original concept and make it better, update it- make it so that it appeals to discerning children as well as adults. It boggles my mind a bit that this opportunity was so thoroughly missed.

I have to admit, it's shocking the physical state Brendan Fraser got into for this role. He's absolutely ripped and incredibly lean. It's impressive the physical work he did to truly LOOK like George of the Jungle. It's surprising that he would spend this much effort on what had to feel like a bit of a throwaway movie. Fraser takes it seriously, though. You kind of have to appreciate his performance. It's too goofy and over-the-top, but man, he puts everything he has into it. It's a ridiculous role and he has to do ridiculous things, but there's never a sense of cynicism from Fraser. He appeals gleefully all in and I think you have to respect that. I like Leslie Mann and she was probably a good choice for Ursula, but she's a bit forgettable in the role. She's a talented actress, but that isn't really able to show up here. I thought she was fine, but I wish was given more to do. Thomas Haden Church felt too over-the-top in a role that ultimately came across as forced. Church is talented, but he wasn't able to match Fraser's goofiness. He has a one-dimensional, unlikable role. I didn't have big issues with his role, but it wasn't superb. It was fun seeing Richard Roundtree in a small role and John Cleese did some decent voice work.

I really think the best and worst things you can say about George of the Jungle is that it's a surprisingly faithful adaptation of the cartoon series. I personally think that approach doomed the movie from the start. This could have been legitimately funny and entertaining. As is, it's only mildly so. You can certainly do far worse than this movie, but it's frustrating to see all the ways this really could have been better.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Inspector Gadget, The Flintstones, Flubber