Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. 75
    An energetic and eccentric animated cartoon.
  2. 75
    Smart, funny and good-looking animation.
  3. So well intentioned that its flaws may be generously overlooked by parents desperately planning activities for school breaks.
  5. Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    Fans of the animated wildlife adventure show will be in warthog heaven; others need not necessarily apply.
  6. Reviewed by: Claudia Puig
    The movie features a musical score aimed more at boomer parents than their tykes.
  7. 67
    Isn't going to make anyone's head explode with joy, but it is sweet and sporadically funny in its own loopy way.
  8. Pleasant enough and its ecological, pro-wildlife sentiments are certainly welcome.
  9. Production values are acceptable in the Klasky Csupo vein. If you know that company, you're prepared for animation that isn't conventionally attractive: flat backgrounds, characters with big heads, pushed-in faces and beanpole limbs.
  10. A witty and delightful Christmas present for the entire family.
  11. 90
    Outstanding entertainment for little ones but just as rewarding for their adult companions.
  12. Moderately witty children's entertainment.
  13. A clever feature-length cartoon just as entertaining as the hit Nickelodeon series on which it is based.
  14. There's no denying bespectacled, brace-ridden, homely wild child Eliza (Lacey Chabert), who can speak to animals and emerges as one of the most stirring heroines in contemporary media.
  15. 67
    Provides adventure and humor in sufficient spoonfuls to make its pro-environment medicine go down smoothly for the target audience of grade-schoolers.
  16. Reviewed by: Robert Koehler
    Balances intelligent humor, slapstick, Blighty reserve and Yank spunk along with environmentalism.
  17. 50
    The Wild Thornberrys Movie's heart is clearly in the right place -- but the Thornberry family's grotesquely huge heads, jutting teeth, stick limbs, and mismatched bodies look even more improbable and unpleasant on the big screen than they do on their TV show.
  18. Reviewed by: Angel Cohn
    The soundtrack, thick with catchy tunes by artists ranging from P.Diddy to Paul Simon, is a fine counterpoint to the story and visuals.
  19. 88
    With braces on her teeth and preteen gawkiness, Eliza's a nerdy girl on the surface, but her backbone and chutzpah manage to save human and animal family alike. Move over Bond; this girl deserves a sequel.
  20. 80
    Screenwriter Kate Boutilier provides plenty of sharp patter, and Paul Simon contributed the catchy song "Father and Daughter."
  21. 80
    Surprisingly engaging, as is the Paul Simon theme song, and the film is enlivened by flashes of humor just rude enough to delight older children.
  22. It all adds up to a cheekier "Lion King" on a lower budget. But what you miss in spectacle you will make up in laughs.
  23. Reviewed by: Scott Brown
    An average kid-empowerment fantasy with slightly above-average brains.
  24. Reviewed by: Paul West
    Never more than an extended TV episode, the originality of its heroine and messages merit a recommendation for families seeking slightly more thoughtful animated fare.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Oct 26, 2010
    animated TV shows rock. animated movies based on TV shows also rock including The Wild Thornberrys Movie. its the right movie for kids.
  2. SophieB
    Oct 7, 2007
    I saw this in the cinema when I was 10. :) While it's not Oscar worthy by any means, it was a cute, well-animated and well-thought out I saw this in the cinema when I was 10. :) While it's not Oscar worthy by any means, it was a cute, well-animated and well-thought out film that my friend and I really enjoyed. Full Review »