Movie Review | Rugrats Go Wild
Reviewed by: Brian Orndorf

Sad is the time when any children’s show begins its descent into cultural obscurity, and I think “The Rugrats” are at that very precipice. A once landmark kids show with an agenda to deal with the human element as seen by both babies and adults (in both fluids and emotions), “The Rugrats” have now been pushed aside for shows featuring the likes of a sponge named Bob who likes to wear square pants. So, in an effort to boost a fledgling franchise, we now have “Rugrats Gone Wild” (the third “Rugrats” feature film), which teams those kooky babies up with another series under attack from oncoming disinterest, “The Wild Thornberrys.”

Hoping to bring a little adventure into their lives, Stu Pickles commandeers a dilapidated boat and takes the entire “Rugrats” gang onto the high seas for a vacation. Trouble arrives when the boat falls apart during a raging storm, and shipwrecks Dil, Lil, Tommy, Angelica, Chuckie, and their respective families on a deserted island. As the group tries to find a way off the island, they run across Sir Nigel Thornberry and his clan filming an episode of their acclaimed nature show. Together, the families battle the elements and each other as they try to get themselves back to civilization.

Not since “The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones” has there been such a powerhouse crossover feature peopled with cartoon characters. While the premise might sound alluring, and seem to promise more opportunities for ingenuity than either “Rugrats” or “Wild Thornberrys” have previously come up with, their dual feature is simply a mild rehashing of what each franchise is known for. The “Rugrats” side has the precocious babies and poo humor, while the “Thornberrys” have the eco messages and teen troubles. Writer Kate Boutiler doesn’t tax either side too much, which makes this film a minor disappointment after the sweet and charming “Thornberrys” film from last holiday season.

To shine up the dull edges, the film does have some surprises in store. Bruce Willis shows up as the voice of Spike, the “Rugrats” dog. While generally finding great joy in saying “butt” over and over again, Willis does get the chance to resurrect his “Bruno” persona from the late 80s. He belts out a couple of new tunes, one being a duet with Chrissie Hynde, cameoing here as a beast of the wilderness. Also of note is the film’s use of “Odorama,” as smelled through scratch-n-sniff cards provided with admission. Not seen since John Waters’s 1981 trash epic “Polyester,” the cards employ scratch-n-sniff items with corresponding numbers onscreen to provide notice to unleash this true sensory event. It’s a gimmick, but a rarely used one, and features less unappetizing smells than one might think walking into a “Rugrats” movie.

For all the surprises and mild charms, “Rugrats Go Wild” doesn’t quite ignite the screen as one hopes. Sensing the end of an era, it’s bittersweet to see the “Rugrats” ride off into the sunset like this, but this sequel doesn’t embarrass the franchise as much as it could have.

Grade: 6/10