George of the Jungle (1997), directed by Sam Weisman, is a live-action slapstick comedy based on the 1960s animated TV show. The film stars Brendan Fraser as George, a lovable, muscle-bound man who was raised in the African jungle by animals after surviving a plane crash as a baby.
George swings from vines (often into trees) and lives a carefree life with his talking ape friend Ape (voiced by John Cleese), a playful elephant named Shep, and other jungle pals. His peaceful world is turned upside down when he rescues Ursula Stanhope (Leslie Mann), a San Francisco socialite on safari, from a lion attack.
George follows Ursula back to the city, where he struggles to adapt to modern life while clashing with her snobby fiancé, Lyle Van de Groot (Thomas Haden Church). Chaos and laughs ensue as George tries to find his place—and love—in a very different jungle.
Full of physical comedy, fourth-wall breaks, and a big heart, George of the Jungle is a fun, family-friendly adventure that celebrates being true to yourself.
