Movies / George of the Jungle (1997)

5/10

Runtime: 92 min

Genres: Action Adventure Comedy Family Romance

Languages: English Spanish

Countries: USA


Not even the executives at Disney could have predicted the runaway success of this live-action movie inspired by Jay Ward's goofy 1960s cartoon character. Not only did George make a killing at the box office, but Disney's marketing wizards turned it into one of their best-selling videos. It's hard to begrudge the movie's success, even if this is the kind of mindless entertainment that caters to the lowest common denominator. In any case, it's obvious that kids love this movie, in which the idiotic George (Brendan Fraser) repeatedly swings into trees and attracts the attention of a lovely jungle explorer (Leslie Mann) who decides to call off her engagement to a wealthy snob (Thomas Hayden Church) in favor of the vine-swinging hunk with an elephant named Shep (that thinks it's a dog) and an ape named Ape (with a proper Brit voice provided by John Cleese). Filled with slapstick gags and some funny special effects, the movie can be a bit of a trial for adults, but it's a hilarious treat for its intended audience. --Jeff Shannon


Directors (1) Credit
Sam Weisman ...
Writers (3) Credit
Audrey Wells (screenplay)
Dana Olsen (screenplay) and
Jay Ward (characters)
Composers (1) Credit
Marc Shaiman ...
Editors (3) Credit
Kent Beyda ...
Roger Bondelli ...
Stuart H. Pappé (as Stuart Pappé)
Cinematographers (1) Credit
Thomas E. Ackerman (director of photography) (as Thomas Ackerman)
Actors (43) Credit
Abdoulaye NGom Kip
Abraham Benrubi Thor, van de Groot's Sidekick Thug
Afton Smith Ursula's Friend
Alexander Denk Mercenary
Benjamin John Cardoza George, Jr.
Bob Quinn Party Attendant (uncredited)
Brendan Fraser George of the Jungle
Carrie Zanoline Perfume Lady
Garrett Griffin Fireboat Captain
Greg Cruttwell Max, van de Groot's Sidekick Thug
Hans Schoeber Mercenary
Harve Cook Bongo Drummer at Dance Club
Holland Taylor Beatrice Stanhope, Ursula's Mom
Jake Gentry Caterer with Tray (uncredited)
Jeannette Kerner (uncredited)
Jewel McDonald Shop Owner (uncredited)
John Bennett Perry Arthur Stanhope, Ursula's Dad
John Cleese An Ape Named 'Ape' (voice)
Jon Pennell Male Guest at Party
Juan Canopii Stand In for Lydell M. Cheshier (uncredited)
Keith Scott Narrator (voice)
Kelly Miller Betsy
Lauren Bowles Ursula's Friend
Leslie Mann Ursula Stanhope
Lydell M. Cheshier Baleto (as Lydell Cheshier)
Margo Blas Caterer (uncredited)
Mary Ann Schmidt Customer at Department Store (uncredited)
Michael Chinyamurindi N'Dugo
Michel Camus Cameraman
Nicholas Kadi An Ape Named 'Ape' (as Nameer El-Kadi)
Noah John Cardoza George, Jr.
Peter F. Giddings TV Weatherman
Richard Elfman Bongo Dancer at Dance Club (as Aristide Sumatra)
Richard Roundtree Kwame, Traveling Sidekick
Rodney Louis Johnson Jailer (as Rodney Johnson)
Samantha Harris Ursula's Friend
Spencer Garrett Male Guest at Party
Sven-Ole Thorsen Mercenary (Gunther) (as Sven-Ole-Thorsen)
Terilyn Joe Terilyn, TV Anchor
Thomas Haden Church Lyle van de Groot
Tim Glenn Waiter (uncredited)
Valerie Perri TV Reporter
Willie Brown Himself (as Willie L. Brown Jr.)