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The dawn of the new millennium was a golden age for Nickelodeon. The iconic children’s entertainment giant has always produced good content, but its turn-of-the-century output was truly some of its best. These years established some of the brand’s most iconic titles, including The Fairly OddParents, Rugrats, and SpongeBob SquarePants. Of course, there were also plenty of “forgotten gems.” These shows may not be as outlandishly lucrative as their more esteemed cousins, but that’s rarely a condemnation of their inherent quality. Shows like Chalk Zone and Rocket Power may not be likely targets for tomorrow’s “brand new” reboot, but they’re still legendary examples of animated brilliance.

Amidst these dusty, overlooked relics of the world’s millennial optimism is Klasky-Csupo’s quirky and colorful The Wild Thornberrys. Like its compatriots, this unique cartoon isn’t often considered part of Nickelodeon’s diamond-tier lineup; most lump it into that iffy “good,...

Darwin from The Wild Thornberrys is an endearing animal companion with human-like habits and helps Eliza in daring adventures. SpongeBob SquarePants may have side characters like Granny that add humor and snarkiness, but are often overlooked and underrated. Unexpected allies like Charlie the Mouse in Courage the Cowardly Dog often play crucial roles in assisting the main characters but don't get enough attention.

The '90s was a revolutionary time for cartoons, changing the way audiences viewed animated series. Popular shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Rugrats are still beloved by old and new audiences today. There are many aspects that made these shows icons, from the amazing animation to the funny, intriguing, or thought-provoking plots. Arguably, the best part of these shows is the lovable and entertaining characters.

Characters like SpongeBob and the titular roles in The Powerpuff Girls are memorable icons from the '90s. However, these popular...

Kid-savvy producers Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo bring The Wild Thornberrys to the big screen in a big, satisfying way. A magical blend of wit (a hallmark of the Klasky Csupo imprint) and a big-hearted view of the world and all its creatures makes the film more than a good bet to bring in family audiences during the holidays and beyond. Sequels loom large.

Kate Boutilier's screenplay retains the characters' original charm while giving them a large canvas for a big, bouncy adventure. In their first movie, the venerable Thornberrys take on important (sometimes disturbing) issues involving the evils of animal poaching that are nevertheless carefully tempered with humor and optimism to keep them manageable for young audiences. Along the way, directors Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian enliven the story with a sprightly pace that never lags.

For audiences unfamiliar with the family, some explaining is apparently in order: The producers wisely attach the television series' familiar preface instead of sullying the film's enchanting dialogue with awkward explanations of the family business.

Nigel Thornberry (the voice of Tim Curry) and wife Marianne (Jodi Carlisle) produce a television nature show from the wilds of Africa, traveling around that continent with two daughters, the bratty teenager Debbie (Danielle Harris) and the younger, sweet-natured Eliza (Lacey Chabert). The family comes to the aid of endangered animals and generally takes up an array of other good causes. The hook, of course, is that young Eliza has a secret only the audience shares: She can converse with animals.

One day, as Eliza plays with cheetah cubs, one is snatched by two poachers. Eliza believes she is to blame and vows to rescue the cub, no matter what it takes. From here the movie turns into her official rite of passage as she confronts not only the poachers but also a crucial decision involving her magical powers with the animals.

The film has a fundamentally feminist view of the world. Eliza is a tough cookie. Both her humor and deeply felt convictions about animal rights and conservation grow organically from the story's center without so much as a whiff of tacked-on political correctness.

The film's optimism and intelligence are heightened by its buoyant animation, an uplifting score by Drew Neumann and especially by Paul Simon's touching song "Father and Daughter". The voices of Lynn Redgrave, Brenda Blethyn, Alfre Woodard, Brock Peters, Rupert Everett and Marisa Tomei add even more charm.

THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE

Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies present a Klasky Csupo production

Credits:

Directors: Jeff McGrath, Cathy Malkasian

Screenwriter: Kate Boutilier

Producers: Arlene Klasky, Gabor Csupo

Executive producers: Albie Hecht, Julia Pistor, Eryk Casemiro, Hal Waite

Co-producers: Tracy Kramer, Terry Thoren, Norton Virgien, Sean Lurie

Music: Drew Neumann

Additional music: Randy Kerber

Production designer: Dima Malanitchev

Editor: John Bryant

Voices:

Eliza Thornberry: Lacey Chabert

Darwin: Tom Kane

Nigel Thornberry: Tim Curry

Marianne Thornberry: Jodi Carlisle

Donnie: Michael Balzary (aka Flea)

Debbie: Danielle Harris

Cordelia Thornberry: Lynn Redgrave

Sloan Blackburn: Rupert Everett

Bree Blackburn: Marisa Tomei

Mrs. Fairgood: Brenda Blethyn

Running time -- 88 minutes

MPAA rating: PG...