Watch George of the Jungle

George of the Jungle is a classic 1997 comedy film directed by Sam Weisman and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It stars Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, and Thomas Haden Church, and is based on the 1960s animated television show of the same name. The film follows the story of George (Brendan Fraser), a man who was raised by apes in the African jungle. He swings from trees, communicates with the animals, and lives a happy, carefree life with his family of gorillas. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when Ursula (Leslie Mann), a wealthy American woman, and her entourage, including her fiancé Lyle (Thomas Haden Church), arrive in the jungle on an expedition. While Ursula and Lyle are in the jungle, they encounter George, and Ursula is instantly smitten with him. She brings him back to San Francisco with her, hoping to introduce him to modern society and teach him how to behave like a civilized man. However, Lyle sees George as a threat to his own relationship with Ursula, and attempts to sabotage George’s efforts to adapt to city life. The film is filled with humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. Brendan Fraser delivers a standout performance as George, perfectly capturing the character’s childlike innocence and love for his jungle home. Leslie Mann also shines as Ursula, bringing charm and chemistry to her scenes with Fraser. The movie also features a colorful cast of supporting characters, including George’s animal friends – a smart-alecky talking gorilla named Ape (voiced by John Cleese), a Tucan named Tookie, and a resident geeky narrator named Max (voiced by Keith Scott). Additionally, the film features a great soundtrack that includes memorable songs like “Ursula’s Wimp” and “George of the Jungle,” which gains an upbeat remix iteration during the end credits. The humor in the film is slapstick and cartoon-like, which is in keeping with the original animated series upon which the movie is based. There are numerous scenes where George gets into physical hijinks, such as hitting his head on a branch or swinging into a tree. The script is also filled with puns and references to classic literature such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Despite its humorous tone, the film also explores serious themes such as cultural differences and the impact of greed and materialism on society. Ursula is a character who starts as an entitled, superficial woman but ends up learning valuable life lessons from George about the importance of appreciating nature and the simple things in life. Overall, George of the Jungle is an enjoyable, lighthearted film that is perfect for family viewing. Its humor and themes are suitable for both children and adults, and it delivers an uplifting message about the importance of staying true to oneself and the environment. Fraser’s performance and the movie's upbeat soundtrack make it a fun and memorable viewing experience even over two decades later.