The lost city is Opar, sacred to the native tribesmen and rich with gold. Ruthless Europeans are planning to loot the place, and the tribe's chief sorcerer sends an emergency call to Tarzan, on the eve of his marriage, for help.
Casper Van Dien stars. You saw him last as Johnny Rico, in Starship Troopers. He looks good in a loincloth, and does most of his own stunts. Jane March is a spirited Jane, who follows her fiancee to Africa with a revolver in her luggage. She is, of course, kidnapped by the bad guys.
The film is handsome to look at. It was filmed in the South African bush, with lots of scenic scenery. The costumes and sets are outstanding, too.
The film's main problem is its script. It is unsure of its focus. Early on, Tarzan is busy releasing wild animals that had been captured for sale by the villains. Then the head villain, Ravens, seems to be an archeologist intent on the glory of rediscovering what he describes as the oldest civilization in the world. But by the time they get to Opar, all he wants is the gold.
And I'm almost certain that in 1913, grown men did not address each other as "you guys."
This Tarzan film has a strong sorcerous or fantasy element. The climax of the film reminded me strongly of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Then I realized, no, Raiders was made as an homage to adventure films like this one.
So, thumbs up from me. Relax, sit back and enjoy the show. *** stars