Rugrats Go Wild
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this feature-length version of the 1990s Nickelodeon animated series Rugrats does not shy away from gross-out sight gags. On two occasions, birds poop on characters' heads. Characters burp, make reference to "cutting the cheese." Every time the dog sneezes, mucous either hangs out of his nose or the mucous hits another character. This same dog is seen trying to "do its business" with its hind leg raised. Babies pick their noses; they try to eat millipedes. There is also some cartoonish violence -- a character is hit on the head with a coconut, a tiny ship is overturned during a raging storm in the middle of the ocean, sending the characters swimming for their lives.
Community Reviews
bad movie
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Potty humor galore!
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What's the Story?
The two worlds of the popular Klasky/Csupo Nickelodeon series come together when the Rugrats get shipwrecked on a deserted island and meet up with the Wild Thornberrys in what turns into a mildly pleasant mix of malapropisms and pop culture references, diaper humor, snippets of rock classics, a little adventure, and a message about cooperation, taking care of each other, and the importance of family.
Is It Any Good?
This animated tale is pleasant for the kids and not too painful for their parents. The voice of Bruce Willis adds enormous charm and energy to the story, and as soon as he is on board, we know that any day-saving that needs to be done will be in good hands.
The story shows the different ways people react when things go badly. At first, the adults blame one another, but then they select a leader and begin to cooperate, which prompts a question about how we choose our heroes. In another worthwhile plotline, Debbie Thornberry lets her parents know that she wants to spend more time with them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Angelica wants so badly to be able to boss people around and why it's so hard for her to be kind or generous.
How do you think this Rugrats movie compares with the Rugrats TV show?
Why is it fun to see the world through babies' eyes?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 13, 2003
- On DVD or streaming: December 16, 2003
- Cast: Bruce Willis, Jodi Carlisle, Nancy Cartwright
- Director: Kate Boutilier
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Run time: 81 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild crude humor.
- Last updated: April 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Wild Thornberrys Movie
Exciting adventure in Africa for animal-loving TV family.
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The Rugrats Movie
'90s animated tale has some cartoon violence, peril.
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Rugrats in Paris
Eighty minutes of visual surprises, clever comedy.
For kids who love animation and comedy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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