MPAA Rating: PG
Distributor: Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies
Directors: Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian
Actors: Tim Curry as the voice of Nigel Thornberry, Jodi Carlisle as Marianne Thornberry, Lacey Chabert as Eliza, Danielle Harris as Debbie, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea as Donnie, Lynn Redgrave as Cordelia Thornberry, Rupert Everett as Sloan Blackburn and Marisa Tomei as Bree Blackburn.

World-traveling documentary filmmakers Nigel and Marianne Thornberry have brought their family to Africa to record an amazing elephant migration. Legend says that during a solar eclipse, thousands of elephants emerge from the forest to watch in a hidden valley deep inside the Congo. There’s just one problem: Poachers plan to trap and kill the elephants for their valuable ivory tusks.

Eliza, the Thornberrys’ exuberant 12-year-old, first finds out about the poachers after sneaking away from camp at night to play with her cheetah cub friend, Tally. (Eliza was given the ability to talk with animals when she freed a warthog that turned out to be the magical Shaman Mnyambo.) When poachers capture Tally by helicopter, Eliza tries to rescue him and is nearly injured in a high-flying, high-speed chase. Eliza ends up in boarding school as a result, but escapes with her monkey friend Darwin, hops a plane, finds her parents in Africa, rescues Tally and generally saves the day.

The Thornberrys are a loving, supportive family whose members risk to save one another. The movie also gives a lesson in geography, different animals and cultures. Unfortunately this film glorifies science and nature without mentioning God. And, some high-action scenes may frighten younger brothers and sisters. Also, the movie includes bathroom humor and some name-calling.

The Wild Thornberrys certainly get in some sticky situations. But families who want to go on a safari with them will find quality things to enjoy as well. Humor and action are mixed in with strong family bonds and moral life lessons. That’s sure to make this animated adventure an instant hit with a whole lot of kids and their parents.

NOTE: Our comments are not meant to endorse or discredit any particular film; they're just a way for you and your parents to make informed decisions about what enters your eyes and ears (Philippians 4:8).

	Q: What do you get when an antelope and a caribou collide? A: A cantaloupe. Jacy and Joe C., 8 and 6, North Carolina Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe