by Frank Wilkins
The joining of two separate cartoon families is usually an act of programming desperation that signals the coming of the end of a franchise. I remember in the '70s when the Harlem Globetrotters joined Scooby-Doo & Friends and when Superman joined the Dynamic Duo. Neither series was ever the same. It seems a bit early in the Klasky-Csupo cinematic run to resort to such desperate measures, but in today's world of 24-hour cartoon programming, it's ever so crucial to strike while the iron is hot.
I'm sure the recent critical success of The Wild Thornberrys Movie and the nearly unsurpassed 12-year run of the Rugrats television series convinced Nickelodeon that the time was now to join the two families in Rugrats Go Wild! But while the actual idea of the Pickles meeting the Thornberrys has serious intrigue, it's the storytelling that actually goes wild! Not even the gimmicky re-introduction of "odorama" scratch-and-sniff cards that allow viewers to smell stinky feet and a variety of other odors, could save this kids' summer fare from its rambling, potty-humor filled plot and frenetic pacing.
The Pickles family sets out for an exotic ocean cruise on what is believed to be a luxurious cruise liner but later reveals to be a rickety fishing boat. After capsizing, they find themselves stranded on what is, at first glance, to be a deserted island, but later turns out to be the latest filming location for Nigel Thornberry and his dysfunctional family. Hijinx and mayhem ensue as the two quirky families hook up and the grown-ups find themselves in power struggles or baby-talking blackouts, leaving the toddlers to their own far-fetched and dangerous romp through the jungle. Save for hearing Spike speak (voiced by Bruce Willis), Rugrats Go Wild! has no real classic moments and is nothing more than an extended Rugrats special episode that should air on Saturday morning TV.
Young children will probably like the film's fast pace and the constant barrage of sounds, voices, noises, movement and yes, smells. But what made the earlier Klasky-Csupo efforts so magical is missing. The little tidbits about the trials of parenting and the funny little child "mis-speaks" are replaced by booger gags, diaper humor, and childish chase scenes. We adults are supposed to be entertained by the clever but overused missives and references to other shipwreck movies like Poseidon Adventure, and Titanic, but I think co-directors John Eng and Norton Virgien and writer Kate Boutilier even miss target with their intended audience, the kids. They sell childrens' minds a bit short and assume that loud noises and constant motion is what kids want. Recent Disney efforts Holes and Finding Nemo display a magical spark that pours on loads of smart entertainment for children and adults alike. Nickelodeon pictures toyed with brilliance in last year's Wild Thornberrys Movie, but with Rugrats Go Wild! they take the low road, selling their soul to poopy-diapers and cheap gimmicks.
Like when The Great Gazoo joined The Flintstones, I declare that The Pickles meeting the Thornberrys is the moment that both popular Nickelodeon series jumped the shark. Young children will find it mildly entertaining, but kids older than 7 will be bored and adults will find themselves a bit sad at the beginning of the end of a once great franchise.
Frank Wilkins
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Rugrats Go Wild! (2003)
