Rugrats Go Wild

Whether you think that Nickelodeon's animated Rugrats characters are cute (as many apparently do) or slightly creepy (as some of us admit), you're not likely to be entranced by this feature film that joins them with another of the network's mainstays, The Wild Thornberrys, in an aimless, soggy affair that--despite the effervescent title--lacks both energy and charm. The threadbare plot finds the talking urchins and their parents shipwrecked on a supposedly deserted island where the Thornberrys just happen to be involved in wildlife study; together, they must all pitch in to insure everybody's safety. Younger children may be amused by the fact that the Rugrats' dog Spike speaks for the first time (thanks to one of the Thornberry daughters, who can converse with animals)--in the voice of Bruce Willis, no less; unfortunately, he hasn't much of interest to say. The songs are instantly forgettable, too. Overall, Rugrats Go Wild seems a dutiful project rather than an inspired one, and a scratch-and-sniff gimmick (happily, the ickiest odor included is called “stinky feet”) is a woeful substitute for genuine creativity and heart. Not recommended, except for diehard fans--particularly those younger than six. [Note: DVD extras include both widescreen and full screen versions, five minutes worth of rough deleted scenes (including three songs and a “Fish Hunting” outtake), a brief alternate ending, a two-minute behind-the-scenes featurette with Bruce Willis and Chrissie Hynde for the song “All About Cats,” an exclusive interactive trivia game (with a segment on “Darwin” voice actor Tom Kane as a prize), a demo for the Rugrats Go Wild video game, trailers, and DVD-ROM features. Bottom line: always nice to have both viewing formats on one disc, although the actual extras here are relatively skimpy for this so-so kids' flick.] (F. Swietek)