They managed to squeeze a lot of skin into that skimpy PG rating.
Sheena was one of the first female comic book heroes to headline her own solo series—beating Wonder Woman to the punch by a few months back in 1942. By the time of the movie’s release in 1984, Sheena hadn’t graced comic book pages for decades, but the jungle queen archetype she helped define never really left the public imagination. And Tanya Roberts looks every bit the classic, buxom blonde jungle goddess.
Why This Campy ’80s Fantasy Is Worth a Rewind:
- Breathtaking Location Shooting: Filmed on location in Kenya, the production delivers gorgeous, sweeping landscapes, genuine wildlife, and an amazingly rich backdrop that gives the film a surprisingly grand scale.
- Tanya Roberts in Peak Form: Roberts brings total commitment to the role of the orphaned girl raised by a noble tribe, capable of communicating telepathically with animals and fighting off corporate greed.
- Unapologetic B-Movie Fun: Packed with wild animal stunts, zebra riding, helicopter clashes, and the kind of striking visual moments that had every teenage boy in the ’80s trying to time the pause button on their VCR just right.
Sadly, Sheena didn’t tame critics or box office audiences at the time. But beneath the camp and the cheesecake lies a wholly watchable, fun attempt to deliver epic pulp adventure and high-flying empowerment.
It’s definitely worthy of a rewind (and maybe a pause or two).
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