Opened: June 16, 1999

Directed by: Kevin Lima & Chris Buck

Starring: Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Lance Henriksen, Brian Blessed, Nigel Hawthorne, Rosie O’Donnell, Wayne Knight, Erik von Detten, Jason Marsden, Taylor Dempsey & Alex D. Linz

The final film of the Disney Renaissance, Tarzan is a much-needed reminder of learning about and understanding others.

When his parents are killed, Tarzan (Tony Goldwyn) is raised by gorilla Kala (Glenn Close). Though he knows he’s different, he doesn’t understand how different until het meets scientist Professor Porter (Nigel Hawthorne) and his daughter Jane (Minnie Driver). He must decide if he stays with what he knows of joins the people who look like him.

There are some great vocal performances within this film, including Goldwyn as well as Rosie O’Donnell and Wayne Knight as comedic reliefs Terk and Tantor.

Important lessons are brought to children here about taking the time to understand others. While this comes in the form of different species, it can ring true to different races, genders, sexualities, religions, etc.

Final say: A great diversity lesson. ★★★★☆