Critic Reviews

• Bill Stamets, Chicago Reader

  Screenwriter Kate Boutilier provides plenty of sharp patter.

• Derek Adams, Time Out

  A decent soundtrack rounds off a surprisingly engaging and energetic little-kids' adventure.

• Charles Passy, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

  An entertaining feature-length version of the Nickelodeon TV cartoon.

• Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

  Thumbs up for The Wild Thornberrys Movie.

• Desson Thomson, Washington Post

  Doesn't do more than expand a TV show to movie length. However, it's pleasant enough and its ecological, pro-wildlife sentiments are certainly welcome.

• Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

  Outstanding entertainment for little ones but just as rewarding for their adult companions.

• Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

  Wholesome but also has kid appeal.

• Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile

  Splendid entertainment for the 8-12 age group and good fun for just about everyone else.

• Mark Halverson, Sacramento News & Review

  Nickelodeon's animated explorer family runs into poachers in Africa in a sometimes-fun adventure that occasionally collapses into flat, savanna-like stretches.

• Philip French, Observer [UK]

  The film's draughtsmanship is more than adequate, the voicing of the characters excellent, and the songs are way above average for such fare.

• , Empire Magazine

  Better-than-average.

• Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com

  Great fun for animal lovers.

• James O'Ehley, Movie Gurus

  Amenable parents can watch this with the little ones instead of just using the DVD or VHS tape as a virtual nanny . . .

• Josh Bell, Las Vegas Weekly

  Adults will be bored into slumber, and even kids deserve something with a little more bite.

• Tom Meek, Boston Phoenix

  It's a fun family safari chock full of environmental lessoning.

• Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central

  Evokes a little of the fear that parents have for the possible futures of their children--and the sometimes bad choices mothers and fathers make in the interests of doing them good.

• Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]

  Pretty good half-term holiday fare.

• Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

  The Game Demo alone is a notable ROM feature, but even then hardcore fans of the Nickelodeon show may already have the full version on their computers.

• , FilmFour.com

  It may not pull off any state-of-the art animation coups, but The Wild Thornberrys Movie understands that strong characters and involving storytelling are still the bottom line in a quality kids' film.

• Neil Smith, BBC

  The animation may not be in the same class as The Lion King, but co-directors Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian deserve praise for their attempts to render Africa's wildlife as authentically as possible.

Read all 21 critic reviews