Common Sense Media Review
Unoriginal, sometimes scary animated animal movie for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say that the animation and voice acting in the movie are subpar, leading to many viewers finding it disappointing or even frightening, especially for younger audiences. Despite the negative comments regarding its storyline and comparisons to another popular movie, some fans appreciate the humor and messages about family, with a few even declaring it a good film overall.
- voice acting issues
- comparison to other film
- humor and messages
- mixed audience reactions
- parental guidance needed
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE WILD, Samson (Kiefer Sutherland) and son Ryan (Greg Cipes) live in a NYC zoo, fed every day and surrounded by friends -- a squirrel named Benny (James Belushi), sensible giraffe Bridget (Janeane Garofalo), a koala called Nigel "from the streets of London" (Eddie Izzard), and goofy snake Larry (Richard Kind). By day they perform for human visitors; by night they leave their cages and head to the ice rink. Ryan brings on a life-changing crisis when he hides out in a container used to ship animals. Arriving at the gate just in time to see his son being hauled off and screaming "Help me!", Sam decides to find out where the truck is headed, threatening a pigeon, the jittery and heavily accented Hamir: "Just tell me where the green boxes go!" he hisses. The friends make their way to an island jungle, where they are threatened by a tribe of real wildebeests, led by the ambitious Kazar (William Shatner in full-on bluster).
Is It Any Good?
Been there, done that; this movie recycles trite story lines seen in hit kids' movies, and doesn't nearly do them justice. The Wild follows yet another animated father and son, both wanting earnestly to win over the other. In fact, every element of the movie is recognizable from another, better one: The father must rescue his missing son (Finding Nemo). A group of city zoo animals travel to a jungle (Madagascar, not exactly better, just first). The bad characters perform "tribal" rituals and threaten violence (take your pick, including The Lion King and King Kong).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways that both father and son learn from one another. How do the friends each contribute a talent or specific energy to the adventure, so the movie can offer lessons in diversity and generosity?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 14, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2006
- Cast : James Belushi , Janeane Garofalo , Kiefer Sutherland
- Director : Steve Spaz Williams
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : all audiences
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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