Tarzan ~ 2005
Although this is called Tarzan II, it is actually the third enstallment in the franchise. With this story, we are taken back to when Tarzan was a child. So, it is kind of mid~quel. Tarzan is still trying to fit in with his new family and discover who/what he is. After an accident, Tarzan is presumed dead by the apes. Upon his return, he overhears others apes stating that the family will be better off without him, so he disappears into the jungle. Tarzan flees to Dark Mountain where the legendary monster, Zugor, lives. There, he meets another family of apes and discovers the truth of Zugor. Tarzan also discovers the truth of who and what he is himself.
This sequel isn't that bad. It seems the folks at Disney are attempting to put some thought into their recent sequels. The animation is excellent, almost as good as the original. It is consistent and comparable to a theatrical release.
Glenn Close returns to lend her voice for Kala, Tarzan's ape mother. Brad Garrett, Estelle Harris, and George Carlin lend their voices to some new characters. For the other returning characters, voices were matched very nicely. Again, this attention to detail is another sign that Disney took the film more seriously than previous sequels.
The only thing that bothered me about the film is that it mimicks The Lion King storyline. Although Scar was not around to banish Tarzan, he still flees the family feeling he is an embarrassment. The accident in which he is presumed dead, almost takes Kala's life too. When he flees to Dark Mountain, I could not help but think of the Elephant Graveyard. There he meets Uto and Kago, two ape brothers, that are comic relief like Timon and Pumbaa. When Tarzan is discovered to be alive by Terk and Tantor, Tarzan tells them he will not be going home with them and that his family is in the past ~ very Hakuna Matata. I don't think the two storylines were meant to mimick eack other, but it was still there.
All in all, this sequel will definitey entertain the kids. It's not a keeper for the DVD library, but it would be worth a rental. It has an okay story with a good lesson that we all belong to something. To me, this sequel is a sign that Disney is trying.