By: debbie lynn elias
The summer’s second big “family” film to hit the big screens “Rugrats go Wild!” brings a new and exciting (okay, maybe not so exciting) concept to movie viewing. Not merely the poorly scripted and unfunny cartoonish tale of the Rugrats-Meet-the-Thornberrys, “Wild” is being presented in Odorama. Yes folks, sad to say it, but scratch-n-sniff has been taken to new lows here as periodically during the film, moviegoers are prompted to scratch-n-sniff the special cards provided.
Based on the highly successful Nickelodeon franchises, the Rugrats and the Wild Thornberrys, “Wild” is a merger of the Pickles and Thornberry families. Now, I admit, I can tolerate the Rugrats and I like the Thornberrys but put the two together and unfortunately, you’ve nothing but a lot of noise, shouting and more noise.
Our story begins with Drew Pickles taking the “Rugrats”, including their beloved dog Spike, on the cruise of a lifetime and one which could literally end their lives. Instead of a fancy schmancy ocean liner, Drew’s dream boat is nothing more than a rusted out bucket of bolts. When hit by the “Perfect Storm,” after imagining themselves on the Titanic, they find themselves shipwrecked, washed up and marooned on the shore of a “deserted island.” (Was Sherwood Schwartz the creator of this three hour tour, I wonder?)
As the Pickles family, led by the adventurous little Tommy, embark on a scouting expedition of the island (too bad Gilligan wasn’t on board the ship – at least there would be some comic relief), they quickly discover the island is not deserted! No, it seems they have some co-residents – the Thornberry family, who are making yet another one of their adventuresome documentaries…well, some are making a documentary, Debbie Thornberry is working on her tan.
As luck would have it, the Thornberry’s more or less serve as Rugrat rescuers, but not without a lot of mishaps, misadventures and noise along the way — Sir Nigel Thornberry suffers a whack on the head and reverts to his two year old self (so much for mature leadership); thanks to Eliza Thornberry’s ability to talk to the animals, we hear the Pickles’ pooch Spike talk for the first time and he sounds and sings surprisingly like Bruce Willis; angst-filled, spoiled brat Debbie Thornberry finds a soul-mate in the overly bossy Angelica Pickles (and the two of them put together are enough to warrant ear plugs being sold at the concession stand); a malfunctioning bathysphere traps both families – together – at the bottom of the ocean; incessant baby songs and more poopy diaper jokes than you can shake a can of talcum at. By the end of it all, the adults in the audience will find themselves begging for a Willis rendering of his old Seagram’s commercial – not to mention the alcoholic product advertised!
Directed by Rugrat and Thonberry veterans John Eng and Norton Virgien, and penned by Kate Boutilier, I for one had much higher hopes for what one would think is a winning combination of families. Unfortunately, I think the dichotomy between the two presented too many differences to create a smooth mix and too many opportunities to run afoul with the story. And unfortunately, in light of the new standards of excellence created in ‘Finding Nemo”, even the animation in “Wild” seems amateurish.
Adding insult to injury is the soundtrack. Okay, Bruce Willis can sing, but a duet with Chrissie Hynde? And what about those sing-alongs to tunes from The Clash, Aerosmith, and George Clinton? Obviously former Devo member, Mark Mothersbaugh, sniffed one too many poopy diapers before putting this track together!
Yes, there is some humor. Yes, there is some small amount of charm; most of it emanating from Eliza Thornberry. Very young kids will undoubtedly love the film simply because it’s noisy, has recognizable characters and its something to look at (although I’m certain not even my 11 month old nephew will survive it). But for the rest of us, I think this Odorama experience should be reclassified as “Stinkarama.” – big time!
Drew Pickles/ Chaz Finster: Michael Bell
Marianne Thornberry: Jodi Carlisle
Chuckie Finster: Nancy Cartwright
Eliza Thornberry: Lacey Chabert
Didi Pickles: Melanie Chartoff
Angelica C. Pickles: Cheryl Chase
Sir Nigel Thornberry: Tim Curry
Tommy Pickles: Elizabeth Daily Spike: Bruce Willis
Paramount Pictures presents a film directed by John Eng and Norton Virgien. Written by Kate Boutilier. Running time: 81 minutes. Rated PG (for mild crude humor).
