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Director Hugh Hudson (Chariots of Fire) delivers an emotionally compelling adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ vine-swinging legend. The first half of the movie, depicting Tarzan’s childhood up through his discovery by an Austrian explorer (Ian Holm), outshines the last, but the movie still works well overall. Christopher Lambert (Highlander) does a good job bringing out the extreme pathos of a character caught between two worlds, and Sir Ralph Richardson brings tremendous warmth and affection as Tarzan’s grandfather, one of the great actor’s final film roles. Andie MacDowell makes her film debut as Jane Porter, but her voice was dubbed by Glenn Close — a jarring experience for viewers familiar with either actress’ work. The behind-the-scenes craftsmanship is all top-notch here, including Oscar-nominated makeup effects by Rick Baker, gorgeous cinematography by John Alcott (Oscar-winner for Barry Lyndon), and a moving orchestral score by John Scott.

Oscar Nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Sir Ralph Richardson), Best Makeup Effects (Rick Baker), Best Adapted Screenplay (Robert Towne, Michael Austin)