Like most kids TV cartoon spin-offs, this latest offering from Nickelodeon pushes quirky characters into the foreground at the expense of visual depth in the animated background. That said, The Wild Thornberrys Movie is a funnier, faster-moving adventure than its Hey Arnold/Rugrats/Powerpuff Girls peers.
After a mistake on her part causes a cheetah cub to be kidnapped, Eliza Thornberry (Chabert) a wildlife documentary filmmakers daughter who can talk to animals goes on the trail of the poachers.
A time-consuming trip to a posh London boarding school aside, Elizas journey is packed with incidents and, at times, even parents will find it genuinely exciting.
Despite the African safari vistas, this is no Lion King; but a strong guest star vocal line-up (Brenda Blethyn, Rupert Everett, Marisa Tomei) increases its better-than-average status.