The animation here impresses more than in the equally defunct Madagascar, but everything else smacks of an easy money-making exercise of such dimwitted inanity even the youngest kids will see through it.

| Jun 24, 2006

The Wild roars back from a rocky opening act to a storming last reel, just managing to claw its way above comparisons with Madagascar.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 26, 2006

What's so aggravating here is the grievous lack of wit, imagination and plain old story.

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 23, 2006

For the adult who may very well have to experience this film, and who may have experienced Madagascar, The Wild is better.

| Original Score: 3/4 | May 6, 2006

There's little to recommend of The Wild, which, despite its title, is about as pedestrian as you can get.

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 6, 2006

The animation is exquisitely detailed, down to the lions' individually moving whiskers -- but when's the last time you enjoyed a cartoon for its realism?

Full Review | Apr 18, 2006

Another animated film from 2006 that's right in that average category.

Full Review | Apr 17, 2006

As a movie that kids will enjoy with a few adult-oriented gags to keep parents from going completely insane with boredom, The Wild accomplishes its unambitious mission.

| Original Score: 1/4 | Apr 14, 2006

A bulky, uneven script with too many narrative cul de sacs (including a pointlessly lengthy curling match at the zoo) makes it hard to stay interested in The Wild.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 14, 2006

Technically, The Wild is impressive. Until you realize that the lifelike animated fur is the product of more professional care than the script.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Apr 14, 2006

The Wild may just be the most wildly derivative animated movie in ages.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 14, 2006

Kids under 6 will dig it -- though the alligators and wildebeests might scare them. Certainly they scared this groan-up.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 14, 2006

These films take years to produce, so The Wild isn't exactly a ripoff -- but it isn't exactly fun, either.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Apr 14, 2006

The Wild isn't stuffed with pop references for bored parents, as Madagascar was, but its juvenile spirit is truly infectious.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 14, 2006

Storywise, The Wild is the most disappointing studio-level entry so far.

| Original Score: 1/4 | Apr 14, 2006

The Wild pops out of the pack with its animation. Its visuals are fluid and detailed, and its backgrounds are better than those of recent rivals.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 14, 2006

As far as story is concerned, the whole thing feels like a rerun of a raucous Saturday-morning television show aimed at hell-raising five-year-olds.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 14, 2006

There's nothing all that wild about The Wild, a tame but entertaining-enough computer-animated film from Disney.

| Original Score: C | Apr 14, 2006

With Pixar now effectively partnered with Disney, one can hope that family entertainment as bland as The Wild will be taken off the menu.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 14, 2006

Younger children will enjoy The Wild. For them, this is a three-star outing or better.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 14, 2006