The Wild Thornberrys Movie

Wholesome but also has kid appeal.

Screenwriter Kate Boutilier provides plenty of sharp patter.

Better-than-average.

A decent soundtrack rounds off a surprisingly engaging and energetic little-kids' adventure.

empowerment stories are nothing new, but to find one that uses restraint and nuance to get its point across is beyond refreshing.

Splendid entertainment for the 8-12 age group and good fun for just about everyone else.

Nickelodeon's animated explorer family runs into poachers in Africa in a sometimes-fun adventure that occasionally collapses into flat, savanna-like stretches.

The film's draughtsmanship is more than adequate, the voicing of the characters excellent, and the songs are way above average for such fare.

Amenable parents can watch this with the little ones instead of just using the DVD or VHS tape as a virtual nanny . . .