The animation in "Tarzan" was absolutely phenomenal. It seems as though Disney takes animation up another notch every summer when they release their big animated film, and "Tarzan" is no exception. The way they combine cell animation with CG is unmatched, and with "Tarzan," they did this new thing I don't really understand the process of called "Deep Canvas" which makes the background look... well, deeper. Whatever the hell it is, it helps to make the picture look incredible.
As usual, Disney used big name actors and actresses for the voice talent. Glen Close, Nigel Hawthorne, Lance Henrikson, Wayne Knight ("Newman" in "Seinfeld"), and Rosie O' Donnell all lent their voices to the supporting characters. They all did really good, but Rosie O' Donnell's was kinda annoying (but not as much as I expected). As for the main characters, Minnie Driver was "Jane" and Tony Goldwyn (you may remember him as Patrick Swayze's "friend" in "Ghost") was "Tarzan."
I read somewhere that Edgar Rice Burroughs (the writer of the original "Tarzan of the Apes") always wanted to see his creation as an animated film. Well, he's been dead for a while now, but at least he got his animated film. Unfortunately, it's so far off from his original story that he may be rolling in his grave. Disney took HUGE liberties with Victor Hugo's classic "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," but it's still an excellent movie.
"Tarzan" was written by Tab Murphy, Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White, all of whom wrote Disney's superior "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White also collaborated on "Anastasia"). It was directed by Chris Buck (who directed the short-lived "Family Dog" animated series) and Kevin Lima (who directed "A Goofy Movie"). Although this review is probably sounding mostly negative, I think all of these people did a good job, especially when you consider all the work involved and the deadlines that need to be met when making an animated Disney movie. I guess it's just that I'm tired of the formula, ya know? Still, I DID enjoy "Tarzan," and the animation was absolutely amazing.
Year after
year, Disney animation impresses me with a good story and incredible animation
both combining to make a great movie. I liked "Tarzan," but it's time for
Disney to take a few chances. Maybe a dark, gothic, atmospheric animated
version of "Phantom of the Opera," or an animated science-fiction film.
Then again, maybe that's the LAST thing they should do. Their movies generate
quite a bit of money every year, and the last thing they should do is fix
what isn't broken. Besides, the kids don't care about crap like formula,
plot development, and characterization. It's all about the kids, ya know?
Maybe I just need to lighten up.