AGW Entertainment reporter Lynn B. saw a new animated family adventure film. Here are her thoughts on....

THE WILD THORNBERRYS MOVIE

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon

The Wild Thornberrys is finally a movie. This popular "Toon" on Nickelodeon travels throughout Africa and now moves on to the big screen. For those not familiar with the t.v. series, dad Thornberry hosts a nature show on the road and his cinematographer wife shoots it. The family travels from country to country in their Winnebago that can become a boat, plane or..you name it. Their daughter,12-year-old Eliza, once freed a powerful Shaman who granted her the power to talk to animals as long as she keeps her power a secret. Her eccentric "pet" chimp Darwin is actually her best pal.

In this new film, Eliza is indirectly responsible for a cheetah cub being stolen by poachers. When her parents decide her life with the African animals is too dangerous, they ship her off to boarding school in London where she is, at first, ridiculed for being different and then becomes very popular when she talks of her many animal adventures. After having a dream telling her that it is her destiny to rescue the stolen cheetah cub, Eliza makes her way back to Africa where she tracks down the poachers and finds the cub but learns of their plan to kill a whole herd of elephants after trapping them. When the poachers grab Eliza's pesky teen sister, she has to tell them the truth about her power in order to save sis. Since her secret is out, she loses her power! It is up to Eliza, with the aid of her sister Debbie and parents, to stop the poachers and warn the elephants without the ability to talk to them.

This is a very colorful adventure film with real heart and an important message about protecting endangered animals. There are a lot of well-animated action sequences and the animal poachers are truly evil but you don't actually see animals being injured...besides Eliza saves them. The music is really upbeat, especially a song called "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon. Eliza's ditzy teen sister is a pain but she's meant to be and she provides some funny moments as she ineptly treks after her younger sis. The movie is empowering for girls since the female characters are take charge types throughout and you'll root for them to succeed.

Check out the official website. It's really cute. There are games and interview clips with Eliza and her family, e-cards, etc.

You can enjoy this animal-friendly adventure with your friends or whole family.

Rated: PG

Official website