Flawed ‘Tarzan’ still the best one in years

Starring Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie and Christoph Waltz. Directed by David Yates.

Rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, some sensuality and brief rude dialogue. Check listings for theaters. 1 hour, 49 minutes.

Bottom line: Modern version that's very good though a bit uninspiring

One of the exciting things about seeing trailers for “The Legend of Tarzan” was how much of an update it looked like compared to past efforts over the last 40 years.

This was supposed to be a modern Tarzan, with quality actors with appropriate accents, CGI finally making the apes terrifying, and a well-constructed, original story that manages to pay enough tribute to the original Edgar Rice Burroughs books.

And “The Legend of Tarzan” delivers on all of those general expectations.

So why does it feel uninspiring?

The story of Tarzan is one of the greatest adventures ever told and, doubtless, it’s difficult to duplicate on the big screen and keep things believable (apes speaking their own language with a man who can kill anything with a small knife and whose best friend is an elephant). That said, it wasn’t a bad try. Alexander Skarsgard is a solid actor, and certainly physically trained enough to look like a guy who swings from trees and battles apes. But he approached the role as if Tarzan was a stoic and unfeeling character, without a sense of humor, which isn’t the same thing as being a strong character.

The story takes place in the late 19th century, after Tarzan has already transitioned into his role of John Clayton, the Earl of Greystoke. He and the former Jane Porter (Margot Robbie, in a role that doesn’t entirely fit her) are married and settled in London. Belgium has colonized the Congo, and Britain has dispatched Clayton as an envoy to the colony. It’s no coincidence that this also happens to be where the former Tarzan grew up with a tribe of local apes.

While John and Jane renew acquaintances at the village in which she spent part of her life with her scientist father, Capt. Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz) unleashes his scheme to further enslave the locals, capturing Jane and sending Clayton back into Tarzan mode.

Perhaps to make up for the lack of warmth elsewhere, Samuel Jackson is enlisted to play George Washington Williams, an American envoy who accompanies Clayton to Africa. Jackson’s role is clearly to not only offer some comic relief, but also to make his co-stars more relatable.

Tarzan and Williams pursue Rom, encounter Tarzan’s old troop, then deal with his human enemies. All this leads to the climactic scene involving many animals rampaging through a port city, which is difficult not to enjoy (as long as you’re rooting for the animals). The CGI isn’t seamless, but it’s believable. And, to director David Yates’ credit, the story arc is solid, without too many holes (there are holes in the story that only serious fans of the books might complain about, but they’re minor).

On one hand, “The Legend of Tarzan” is likely the best version of Burroughs’ Tarzan we’ve seen. On the other, it seems like there’s still room for another try. Which might be a blessing for fans, after all.