Would that all animated television series could make the transition from the small screen to the big one with the style and wit of "The Wild Thornberrys," featuring the popular characters from the Nickelodeon animated series.
The film, which has been unimaginatively titled "The Wild Thornberrys Movie," joins "The Rugrats" as one of only a handful of TV 'toons that have made that transition successfully. If anything, the cinematic version may be better than the tube-bound one.
For one thing, it's got a stronger story — one that sustains an 80-minutes-plus movie. And the addition of such
celebrity voices as Rupert Everett, Marisa Tomei and Lynn Redgrave only adds to the fun.
Then there's the score, which includes one of best songs Paul Simon has done in a long time ("Father and Daughter," one of several musical interludes in the film).
It's a kids' movie that won't cause parents extreme pain; they may even enjoy it.
Twelve-year-old Eliza Thornberry (voiced by Lacey Chabert) has been sent to a boarding school in England — after she runs afoul of some poachers in Africa and her adventurer parents barely manage to save her life. But Eliza's folks are unaware of her magical ability to talk to animals and that her best friend, a chimpanzee named Darwin (the voice of Tom Kane), has joined her in merry old England.
Together, the two sneak out and head back to Africa to save a cheetah cub that's been kidnapped. When they receive word about Eliza's disappearance, her family gets worried — especially her usually pouty older sister, Debbie (Danielle Harris), who heads off into the jungle in search of her.
Co-directors Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian are both "Thornberrys" veterans, having worked on episodes and the original pilot, resulting in assured, confident material.
And as funny as some of the one-liners are, the voice cast make them even better — especially Everett, who seems to relish the opportunity to be the story's heavy.
"The Wild Thornberrys Movie" is rated PG for scenes of animated violence (animal abuse) and peril, as well as some vulgar humor relating to bodily functions. Running time: 86 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com