George of the Jungle (1997)

 Pure delight in movie form, George of the Jungle is a blast from start to finish. Perfectly cast and smartly written this is easily one of the best cartoon to film adaptations of all time. Steady direction that knows exactly what is required and fantastic cinematography make for a classic family movie that still holds up nearly 25 years later. 

The Basic plot follows a wealthy heiress on safari into the African jungle who is followed by her self centered egotistical fiancé who's also a coward. Thanks to misadventures along the way, George saves Ursula and winds up in the big city where he experiences comedic culture clash. And a domineering mother from hell.

The plot can best be summed up as a comedic spin on the 1932 Tarzan the Ape Man and 1942's Tarzan's New York Adventure.

The comedy is hysterical all the way through, no joke falls flat, all of them land beautifully.  

The CGI of course is cartoonish, but intentionally so. It fits the movie and does not detract or distract. Some of the animatronic animals come off a little too stiff and unnatural at times, but that's a minor quibble. 

Marc Shaiman, who also performed the same duties on the 90's Addams Family movies, provides the delightful score here. Not a wrong note to be heard. 

The entire cast plays well off of each other, their chemistry is clearly evident. It's not often that a cast gels as well as this one. 

Brendan Fraser plays the lovable goof with a heart of gold George of the Jungle to delightful perfection

Leslie Mann plays his love interest Ursula, with a ditzy and innocent charm. her comedic timing can't be overstated. She is quite good with comedy and her energy melds well with Brendan. With anyone else the movie could fall apart.

Thomas Haden Church as the obligatory egotistical villain/romantic rival, Lyle. I'll say this about the entire cast, but he threw himself into the role with gusto and had a blast

Greg Cruttwell and Abraham Benrubi as the necessary comedic henchman duo Max and Thor. it's a shame they didn't team up more for comedies. They work well together

 Then you have the trio that brought an Ape named Ape to life, John Cleese (Voice), Nicholas Kadi (Suit), and the puppeteer who controlled the face.

The polar opposite parents of Ursula played by Holland Taylor and John Bennett Perry. Whom you love to hate and love to love. 

And last but not least you have the Tour guide and his men

Kwame played by the always awesome Richard Roundtree in a rather thankless role as the guide, but he brings a steady presence to the role.

And his  men played by Michael Chinyamurindi, Abdoulaye NGom and Lydell M. Cheshier

Among the other notable faces that deserve a shout out are Spencer Garrett and Sven Ole Thorsen

And I can't forget Keith Scott as the narrator who does an excellent job of keeping things moving. 

I give it a 10/10 for sheer enjoyment.