Movies-TV

Good slap-stick comedy in overlong Disnay film

This is a light-hearted Disney film quite suitable for family viewing. While the film is too long and some slapstick sequences are tiresome to watch, there are some hilarious segments. Brenden Fraser is fine in a comic role that requires athleticism. John Cleese is good fun as the ape called Ape. Keith Scott is hilarious as the sardonic narrator. Poor Thomas Haden Church plays the villain and endures endless pratfalls and jungle gags. The CGI is obviously fake but this adds to the sense of fun. Not all the jokes work though, and even at ninety minutes the film feels padded. Watchable.Overall 6/10

where is the widescreen version???

I love this movie - the wit is funny, the sight gags are funny and the characters are endearing - very hard to do when you are creating a movie from cartoon characters. But where is the widescreen version?? The whole reason for buying a DVD is having the chance to see the movie as it was originally envisioned. If I want to watch full frame, I'll watch television.

"Run Shep! Run for your life!"

Big screen adaptation of the much beloved cartoon character recounts how George (admirably played with affable density by Brendan Fraser) met his wife Ursula (played by the adorable Leslie Mann). The only thing standing between them being Ursula's mom (played by Holland Taylor), Ursula's obnoxious fiance Lyle (Thomas Haden Church) and poacher duo. Helping George is his loyal elephant/dog Shep, the toucan, and the Ape Named Ape (voiced with biting cynicism by John Cleese).Yeah it's not great cinema but hey, it's not a misfire either. It's funny most of the time and it shows that Fraser has cornered the affable stranger in a strange land market. Very few actors can play characters who are essentially idiots without losing audience sympathy or credibility, but somehow Fraser manages to do it.Best gags include include the smart ass narrator, George getting hyped up on coffee, the women at Ursula's party fawning over George's deep spiritual connection with animals, George swinging into various objects (most notably the San Francisco bridge sequence) and George's climatic battle with the poachers."My noble kinsmen, thou has served me well. Now stand aside while Shep doth dispatch these villains." - George speaking ape

Good movie for everyone who isn't to "mature" for they're own good

I love this movie. Sure, the jungle's fake as all get out and some jokes are repeated a little more than they probably should have been but we all need some good old fashion slap-stick. So long as your not to stuck up on your own maturity, you can get a laugh out of this movie. I personally, this coming from someone whose 17 (almost 18), think it's a great movie for laughs. Sure it's not a Oscar winning earthshaking artistic masterpiece but it's not supposed to be. It's made to be fun and goofy with a silly plot that kids can follow. For it's genre and the audience it's aimed at, it's awesome! Even for those who aren't in the intended audience group. 10 out of 10 in my opinion!

HILARIOUS & OUCH!

If I am going to sum the movie up, it will be in 2 words --- Hilarious & OUCH! 2 thumbs up to Brendan Fraser aka George who was ssssoooo hilarious. However, he is somewhat typecasted into these silly comedy roles but I've seen him act in With Honors, & I'd say he's GREAT! Ouch, becaue George, despite the long years he has spent in the jungle, still has not mastered the art of swinging from one vine to another, & often bump head-on to trees. Really a big OUCH!

Oh, before I forget,I love that smart talking ape! Such a shame, George did not take after the ape's agility :-)

dumb and awful and solely for kids or those with very low standards

I was very surprised when this movie debuted, as the reviews were generally quite good. And, since I had kids who were seven and three at the time, I took them to see this film. Unfortunately, while they liked it, I thoroughly hated it and felt that the film was designed almost exclusively for kids or those with very low standards. The problem was that Brandon Frasier was NOT enough to carry the film--even with the assistance of John Cleese as his best friend. And to make matters worse, the writing was just stupid and awful. The original George of the Jungle cartoons were pretty bad and it's a shame that this film didn't do much to improve on this. This film is strictly for young kids, as even teens will most likely think that this is a hokey mess.

It is so stupid....IT'S FUNNY

How can someone possibly criticize the funniest movie in history? OK... I admit it sure is corny and definitly not for the intellectual group, but hey everyone needs a good laugh...and George sure makes you smile! This movie is unique, how often do you hear an actor arguing with the narrator or see a man fall 10,000 feet into a river and only get a "really big Booboo?" (my favorite line.) This movie, I admit, does not stimulate thought but certainly provides a component we all lack, a sense of humor and a good laugh. Buy this movie for all ages... for all species.* Also, remember to buy the wonderful,spectacular, uplifting, CD...George, George, George of the Jungle...WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE!!! :)*

Absolutely positive:)

I've seen this film for about 5 times and I still laugh every time I see it. It's not the usual Cake-in-the-face humor, but it's somewhat more sophisticated, and with a bit of sarcasm, I pretty much does the trick. From the beginning to the end, it was a very enjoyable bit, and if it comes again, then I'll probably watch it. The actors were quite nice in their parts, and the animals fitted into the picture, too. If I had to find anything not-so-good about the movie, it would probably be the computer graphics, but otherwise the scenery was beautiful. The whole film was positive. It was quite naive, but in a sweet kind of way:)

Great family movie

Okay, so have you ever noticed that the movies you want to see are not necessarily the movies you want your kids to watch? And anyone who sat through the Thomas the Tank Engine movie knows that the movies your kids are able to see are either unbelievably boring or bordering on socially unacceptable. George of the Jungle is a very light comedy which is enjoyable for everyone. This is the first movie during which I heard my daughter laugh out loud... even after the 500th viewing. Yes it is silly... but, Brendan Fraser is at his hottest in this film. It is worth watching just to see the bod!

A great movie

This movie is very entertaining. It is a great friday night family movie! The only part that isnt so good is that george has hardly any vocabulary and it drives you crazylistening to him talk in tottleler language.But in other words it is a very good movie

Laugh of the Jungle

Brilliant smashing comedy movie! The characters are original and fun. As if you're seeing a big family in a movie, everyone's interacting perfectly.The animals are definitely the best. The ape, especially the elephant. Very funny and spectacular!Just watch it with the whole family. It's really fun. I promise.

BLATANT HOGWASH

This film should not be confused with the immortal classic television series which bears the same name. The original historical rendition, altho animated, thoughtfully dealt with the emotional difficulties of a young man raised by apes who jad to deal with the colonial invasions of his his own race. The real George was not only faced with his step parents ostracism but he saw his bigamous marriages broken up by advancing civilization and a jealous television producer. George with the aid of his faithful companion and spiritual advisor Ape, originally played by Ronald Colman in a marvelous uncredited performance, perservered and lived to conquer evil in the jungle. This caricature is unabashedly inaccurate, quite silly and suitable only for illiterate children under the age of 5 and emotionally challenged adults who watched "The Flintstones or Jetsons" in their ill spent youth.

WATCH OUT FOR THAT TREE

Taking an animated cartoon and bringing it to the big screen live action can be a risky and oftentimes disastrous venture (Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dudley Do Right, e.g.). But with GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE, director Sam Weisman and screenwriters Dana Oldsen and Aubrey Wells bring the loony jungle hero to life and make it as much fun as a cartoon. Brendan Fraser brings his physical and thespian assets to the role of George, a loveable lunk who manages to survive hitting hundreds of trees, and other assorted obstacles. It's in the true spirit of the cartoons, indeed. I also liked the narrator whose occasional forays into the action itself were fun and reminiscent of Fractured Fairy Tales, also a Jay Ward creation. Lovely Leslie Mann (Last Man Standing) is a good Ursula, her prim socialite a perfect foil for the loveable George. John Cleese adds his vocals to the role of Ape, the Ape, and it's a great addition. Oscar hopeful Thomas Haden Church (Sideways) plays the snooty fiance of Mann, giving an effective snooty performance. Catch Holland Taylor, Richard Roundtree and John Bennett Perry in key supporting roles. Of course, the monkeys, elephant, toucan and assorted creatures steal most of their scenes, too.
GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE is goofy, silly fun, and I found myself enjoying it immensely.

Swinging Disney Film

This film was made in the great tradition of Walt Disney's live action films aimed at the adolescent audience that his studio produced in the 60s and continued into the 70s. It works beautifully tweaking the formula for the 90's audiences. Brendan Fraser is perfect as George in his own likeable but not very bright way. You really feel for this guy because he wants to do what is right and get the job done. The special effects are excellent because they not only look good but they add to the effect of the storytelling and create an innovative world for the audience to immerse themselves into. The casting is also good. Thomas Hayden Church as an equally not-very-bright cad is perfect. You almost feel sorry for this guy. John Cleese doing the voice of Ape is a riot. He has several funny scenes, especially near the very end. This is film is excellent no matter what age you are. I highly recommend this one.

Fun family film

This movie is one of my kids' favorites. In fact, it was the first live-action movie my older daughter could sit through, probably because it's pretty cartoonish live-action. The nice thing is that grownups can stand to watch it, too. It's very silly, of course, but there are lots of funny gags, many of which go right over the heads of children. There's a little bathroom humor, but what else would you expect in a movie with talking gorillas and an elephant that plays fetch? Best of all, from my point of view, is the fact that perfectly-cast Brendan Fraser spends a good portion of the movie wearing only a loincloth.

I agree with other reviewers, however, that it would be nice if the DVD were in widescreen and came with some extras. But I'll settle for 90 minutes of happy children plus Brendan Fraser in a loincloth.

I hope there isn't a sequel!

Edgar Rice Burroughs who wrote about Tarzan and his animal friends would have a fit if he could see this movie - then again, with a very special sense of humour, he might just have a good laugh. Myself I gave a chuckle or two, but I didn't shake with uncontrollable mirth. Brendon Fraser has the difficult task of translating the cartoon character George of the Jungle into a flesh and blood man who has an intelligence somewhat lower than the apes who reared him. There is plenty of "Bang!", Crash!" and "Wham!" as George swings among the treetops colliding frequently with a sturdy trunk.
Maybe it was funny the first time, but it goes on and on and ends up like a stale joke. The idea of apes sending messages on the drums when danger approaches is a cute idea and the playful elephant who behaves like a dog is quite original too. Even the toucan has his moments. One of the funniest scenes is the "kissing" lesson where naive George is taught how to shape his lips for an ensuing kiss. When Ursula finds George in his tree-house, she is much attracted by his physique and handsome face. She decides to take him home to San Francisco. The outcome is obvious. He embarrasses the civilized population with his jungle antics. A shower bath becomes an unusual waterfall for George, and the cranes, bridges, lamp posts etc are irresistible objects to swing on. Ursula, the daffy blond defends George to the end and they ride off into the sunset on an elephant with "Just married" painted on its rear end. Funny? It's a whole lot of nonsense, of course and the actors probably had a great time bringing the cartoon characters to the silver screen. I sincerely hope they don't make a sequel. Once is quite enough!!

What a Pathetic Film!

This film was a total waste of time. I almost walked out of the movie theater since the film seemed to go on forever. The humor, if you can call it that, was hard to endure. Brendan Fraser was ridiculous, he has NO acting ability. Good looks can not compensate for intelligence. The rest of the cast only made things worse. Don't waste your time or money on this video- it's dreadful!

Too funny and Hilarius and I love that movie

I have seen this film. that film is very funny. The John Cleese did a great voice of an Ape named Ape. Shep the elephant is very interesting. Whats funny that Shep has peed on the tree. Whats also Hilarius that George hits the tree then he falls down on the trampoline then fly in the air then he land on the tree. The apes are very interesting too so does the lion. My favorite part is that Shep got the log then he drop it on the rose. Whats terrible that Lyle shots George. And now he was in jail in this movie but not anymore when George helps an Ape named Ape but not right now because George has to talk to Ursula. You will love this movie it is to funny.

What a body

The story is too silly for words. I turn the volume down and drool over a half naked Brendan Fraser. What a HOTTIE!

great ;-))

Whenever I watch this film, I laugh with tears... George, Ape and Narrator' explanations suits well. Highly recomendable ....