Os Thornberrys: O Filme

...I'm simply too old to be loving stuff like this and yet every day at seven o'clock in the morning, fresh from the shower with a cup of tea in hand I watch EliZa, Darwin, Donnie et. al.

Let's get something straight right now -- I'm 42. I love the series, the whole concept behind this young girl who can talk to animals. I love the green perspective the entire show possess. And most of all I love Tim Curry. The amount of creative engery he brings to Nigel blows me away.

All of the actors -- especially Lacy and Tom are wonderful. It is the closest thing we have to the adventures of Jules Vern and Haggard. And that's just it -- The Wild Thornberries are Adventure!! And thanks to Nikki for getting the movie for my birthday.

This is a great film for kids and parents alike. It teaches valuable lessons in a fun, action packed setting. THe people who make these movies and shows about the Thornberrys obviously love nature, and it shows in the quality of the films/shows, and hopefully translates into the viewing audience. THis is not some mindless cartton, but a great example of how education about our natural world can be fun and entertaining.

We took my two daughters to this film and had a delightful time. I was worried about seeing it since I am not a big fan of the television show, but the voice acting was superb and the soundtrack was incredible. After the film, we immediately needed to pick up a copy of the soundtrack if only to get the Paul Simon song. Since this Christmas didn't have too much for families with very young kids, we were extremely happy we saw this film. Our girls (3 and 1.5) adored it and their folks had fun too!

As we all know, Eliza was blessed with the gift of talking to animals when she freed an injured animal who turned out to be a shaman. On safari with her family, she goes out to play with her lion friends when poachers pounce and steal one of the cubs. Eliza is determined to get her friend back but first has to escape from the English boarding school that her Grandmother has insisted she attend to make her more ladylike.

In my defence it is my inability to sleep on airplanes during the day that led me to watch this film – not just my desire to see a cartoon. I am vaguely aware of the series but have never cared enough to actually ever watch an episode – nor will I ever be likely to! However, as a way of passing 90 minutes, I was happy to have it and quite surprised to find that, although not aimed at adults, I was not put to sleep by it. The plot is very simple but has enough going on to keep the interest and keep the screen busy. It is rarely funny but it is quite amusing all the way through. It is simple stuff but I did enjoy it.

The animation is not that impressive but it is professional and colourful and I never felt that corners had been cut – it all looked big and fun. The cast and characters are good – hardly difficult or complex but still good enough to do the job. The main family are funny enough with their mix of accents (love that monkey!) from Curry, Chabert, Kane etc and the support cast is good with enjoyable little roles for Woodard, Redgrave, Tomei and Everett- who takes to the role with a bit of relish and his tongue in his cheek.

Overall, hardly a great film but one that I'm sure many parents will have to watch due to their kids watching the series. As such it is actually OK. The plot is simple but not simplistic or dull, the film is busy with a good amusing tone and the whole thing works well throughout. Young children will enjoy it and, while there is not much for adults in the way that Pixar delivers the goods, parents will not be bored senseless by it and may, if they are in the mood find it enjoyable if childish.

I remember watching 'The Wild Thornberrys' TV show as a kid and always enjoyed it. I saw the movie when it first came out in 2002 and watched it again recently when I came across it on Prime. I'm really surprised at how relatively unknown the movie is, and the TV show has even fewer votes. I always assumed it was well-known and popular, but the measly 12000 votes and handful of reviews suggests otherwise.

'The Wild Thornberrys Movie' is identical to the TV show but with a more movie-appropriate story and added adventure. I always enjoyed the characters, especially Eliza's father who always made me laugh as a kid. I'm surprised and a bit disheartened to see how relatively unknown this movie is. It's nothing special but it definitely deserves more recognition, and a more fairer rating.