Common Sense Media Review
By Kelly Kessler , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Live-action take on popular tale is family fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
George of the Jungle
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
What's the Story?
The live-action GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE has George (Brendan Fraser) being whisked from the jungle to San Francisco. Abandoned as a baby in the wilds of the jungle, George, with the help of his talking ape mentor (John Cleese), grows to up swinging on (or into) trees, cavorting with monkeys, and remains ignorant of the existence of other humans, especially girls. A chance meeting with Ursula (Leslie Mann) leads to a series of misadventures -- the arrest of Ursula's nasty fiancé (Thomas Hayden Church), a trip for George to the urban jungle of San Francisco, and the capture of the talking ape. Can George capture Ursula's heart? Will the ape become a Vegas sideshow? Can George save the day?
Is It Any Good?
This is a charming and entertaining film. With a buff Frasier, a gaggle of frolicking and high-fiving monkeys, nasty society folks, and various silly/charming jungle animals, the film provides good, clean silliness. Lovers of the cartoon may not find their sensibilities offended, either, as the film stays relatively true to its feel.
The movie includes charming performances by Mann (Big Daddy), Church (Wings, Sideways), Holland Taylor (It's a Living, The L-Word) as Ursula's nasty mother, and Richard Roundtree (Shaft) as the jungle guide.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about respect for other cultures and feelings of pride. Why are Ursula's parents hesitant about letting George into San Francisco high society?
How is the ape's treatment similar to the ways in which George is treated?
Why does Ursula accept George?
Why does Lyle reject him?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 18, 1997
- On DVD or streaming: December 2, 1997
- Cast: Brendan Fraser , Leslie Mann , Thomas Haden Church
- Director: Sam Weisman
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Buena Vista
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures , Wild Animals
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: crude humor and mild violence, language and sensuality
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Watch Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate