Netflix has been refreshing its catalog, not only incorporating new original titles but also adding great classics. One of them has become the most-watched movie on the platform in the United States, surpassing other productions like Lift with Kevin Hart and Úrsula Corberó.
The new trend is The Legend of Tarzan, the latest version of the iconic story directed by David Yates (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) from a screenplay written by Craig Brewer and Adam Cozad (Underwater). Alexander Skarsgård brings the main character, John Clayton III, to life.
The Emmy-winning Swedish star was accompanied by great actors such as Margot Robbie, Samuel L. Jackson, Christoph Waltz and Djimon Hounsou. The chemistry between the actress and the eldest of the Skarsgård brothers was one of the factors that made the movie a success.
The Legend of Tarzan is the number 1 movie on Netflix US
As happens every week, Netflix not only updates its catalog but also refreshes its top 10, both globally and in the United States. This morning, the specialized site Flix Patrol confirmed that the adventure story managed to secure the first place.
Samuel L. Jackson, Alexander Skarsgård and Margot Robbie in The Legend of Tarzan. (Source: IMDb)
Fans of the iconic wild character were familiar with the typical story where we see him and Jane meet and begin to intertwine their lives and paths. However, the 2016 film explores the origins of Tarzan, his struggle to protect the jungle and its inhabitants, the conflicting feelings he has about his new home, and what he is willing to do for his family.
This time, the plot follows Tarzan, also known as John Clayton III, who has left the African jungle to live a civilized life in London with his wife Jane. However, he is persuaded to return to the jungle on a commercial expedition, unaware that he is being manipulated by a Belgian villain named Captain Léon Rom.
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Each of the main characters was played by some of the most popular actors in the industry, making the cast undoubtedly filled with top-tier stars. Alexander Skarsgård brings Tarzan to life, Margot Robbie portrays his wife, Jane Porter and Samuel L. Jackson is George Washington Williams. The villain is played by Christoph Waltz (of course!), while another nemesis, Chief Mbonga, is portrayed by Djimon Hounsou.
What did the critics say about The Legend of Tarzan?
Despite The Legend of Tarzan being a commercial success, grossing over $356 million worldwide, the critical reception was mixed, with some positive reviews and others less favorable. While some praised the performances and visual effects, others felt that the plot could be predictable.
Several critics pointed out that the film could have delved more deeply into issues related to colonialism and racial relations, especially considering the historical context in which the story is set. The plot attempts to combine elements of adventure, action, and explore more serious themes, leading to opinions about tonal coherence and how these elements were integrated into the narrative.
Rendy Jones was one of those who wasn’t entirely pleased with the story. On his official site, Rendy Reviews, he wrote, “This film is too intense and a bit inappropriate to be an introduction to Tarzan for children and too dull for adults to be invested, so it’s hard to figure out the demographic for this film“.
However, he also acknowledged some positive aspects, stating, “What is good about this Tarzan film is its heart. There is not much genuine emotion to it, but it does have a good heart. There is a good message about animal preservation and human enslavement throughout the film“.
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On the other hand, Jordan Hoffman from The Guardian also didn’t hesitate to give his opinion. The critic gave it two out of five stars and wrote, “It comes at the end of the third act, emerging from the screen, launched like a desperate and auditory Hail Mary, a final reminder that maybe this story about a man with superhero ape powers should be a bit fun. But it’s too little too late. The Legend of Tarzan ends up being a confusing and clumsy production“.
