Parents will go wild for Rugrats' latest venture

By Kathy Cano Murillo
The Arizona Republic

RUGRATS GO WILD! (Rated PG-13) Three Stars (Good) Even if your former toddlers have outgrown the pint-size cartoon tots, chances are they (and you) will still get a grin out of the diaper gang's latest big screen adventure, "Rugrats Go Wild!" The film meshes the casts of Nickelodeon's "Rugrats" and "The Wild Thornberrys." Starring the voices of E.G. Daily, Nancy Cartwright, Danielle Harris, Cheryl Chase, Tim Curry, Cree Summer, and Bruce Willis. Directed by Norton Virgien and John Eng. Paramount Pictures, 81 minutes.

Even if your former toddlers have outgrown the pint-size cartoon tots, chances are they (and you) will still get a grin out of the diaper gang's latest big screen adventure, "Rugrats Go Wild!"

Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil and Lil kick off the summer flick in high action with an imaginative jungle safari topped with a snarling "crocogator."

But the real trouble follows when the entire Pickles family sets off on a fancy cruise vacation but winds up lost at sea in a tiny, capsized boat.

It sounds serious, but in true Rugrats style, the quest features plenty of inside jokes for adults (campy tributes to "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Titanic") and giggles for the kiddies.

The crew winds up on a deserted island that happens to be visited by Nickelodeon's other 'toon franchise, "The Wild Thornberrys." The two oddball clans hook up into teams: the bratty Angelica (voiced by Cheryl Chase) unites with navel-gazing teen Debbie (voiced by Danielle Harris), while Chuckie (Nancy Cartwright) and wild boy Donnie (Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) complicate each other's lives.

The gold bone here goes to Spike the Dog (Bruce Willis), who, thanks to Eliza Thornberry's (Lacey Chabert) ability to talk to animals, is able to have his day and show off his charming personality. And that's only halfway through the movie — there are plenty of other goofy treats to enjoy.

One of the film's gimmicks is its "Odorama" feature. Those who bring in their scratch-and-sniff cards (available at Burger King) are treated to various aromas ranging from stinky feet to flowers. The scents are hit and miss; some smell strong, while others are quite weak.

At only 81 minutes, "Rugrats Go Wild!" plays more like an extended Nickelodeon special than a theatrical feature. Aside from its clever premise, it doesn't offer much more than what we've seen on TV. Still, for the kids, it's fast and fun.

Rated PG-13 for mild, crude humor.