Throughout the years multiple films have been based around Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan character, although it must be said that the character has certainly decreased in popularity since the Johnny Weissmuller days. The failure of the more recent Legend of Tarzan (2016) is proof of that.
Still, during the eighties, there were a few movies that brought the character back to the silver screen. Tarzan the Ape Man (1981) and Greystoke Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), both took a traditional approach to the character.
However, the makers of Wild Thing (1987) took an altogether different approach, taking only the bare bones of the story and updating it to the modern day.
Our Tarzan stand in is Wild Thing, a young boy who witnesses the death of his parents at the hands of drug dealer Chopper (Robert Davi) and corrupt cop Trask (Maury Chaykin). Wild Thing manages to escape by throwing himself in the river, going on to grow up in the city slums.
Unlike Tarzan who was found by apes, Wild Thing is found by crazed homeless woman Leah (Betty Buckley) who takes him under her wing. Although she cares for him, she fills his head with nonsense and conspiracy theories, teaching him to look out for the blue coats (cops) and the company (society).
After Leah passes away, the film fast forwards to present day 1987, where the now adult Wild Thing (Robert Knepper) has become somewhat of an urban legend. He helps the poor people of the slums by bringing them food as well as fighting the gangs that are terrorizing the neighbourhood, which is now ran by Chopper.
After rescuing social worker Jane (Kathleen Quinlan) from two of Choppers gang, Wild Thing finds him more involved with society than ever before. Jane is clearly intrigued by her mysterious saviour, with her being the first person that he actually shows feelings towards.
As Chopper escalates his criminal activity, Wild Thing finally decides to bring the fight to him, not only cleaning up the neighbourhood but getting revenge on who killed his parents.
For a modern take on the Tarzan legend, Wild Thing really should be more fun. While an interesting idea, the story is told in an overly serious manner, being mostly devoid of humour. While other revenge movies of the 1980's may have this tone, they don't have the ridiculous notion of a modern day Tarzan growing up in the slums who is now swinging amongst buildings, robbing from the rich to give to the poor.
In addition, it is sorely lacking in decent action scenes. Other than a few brief skirmishes, the majority of the action comes during the finale. While there are some imaginative skills, the action is disappointing.
Director Max Reid does at least keep things moving at a fair pace and gets mostly decent performances from his cast. In addition, he and cinematographer René Verzier do a good job of utilising real life locations, covering up quite well that the film was actually shot in Canada. Verzier ‘s night time photography is especially noteworthy. The only drawback from them using real locations is that it becomes apparent when they switch to a set. This is most notable whenever the film switches to Chopper's gaudy apartment.
Wild Thing marked one of Robert Knepper's earliest roles. Probably best known for his role as the sleazy Teabag in television show Prison Break (2005), Knepper makes a decent stab at playing the hero. He doesn't get to say a great deal, but it is quite a physical part. The only embarrassing part is when he does an impression of people having sex, which is unintentionally hilarious.
Kathleen Quinlan does fine as Jane, even though her character comes across as incredibly naive, especially a scene when someone mentions crack and she asks "what is crack". I don't think a social worker would really be this misinformed. Her attraction to Wild Thing also doesn't exactly ring true, although Knepper and Quinlan just about manage to make it work.
Robert Davi can always be relied on to enliven any film and it's no different here. Davi probably has the most fun as the charismatic Chopper, with some of his one liners being the closest the film has to real humour.
Some may be surprised to find that Wild Thing was written by future Oscar nominee John Sayles, but when you look through his filmography as writer it becomes less so.
His screenplay for Lone Star (1996) may have been nominated for an Oscar, but let's not forget that before this he wrote Piranha (1977), Alligator (1980) and Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). Like those earlier scripts, Sayles does manage to get some social commentary through that you wouldn't find in films of this ilk, but it's safe to say that Wild Thing will never be regarded among his finest work.
Wild Thing may not be the thrill ride I was expecting, but there are enough interesting elements to at least make it worthwhile. Perhaps those with lowered expectations may get more enjoyment from it.
Rating: 2.5/5
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