Nickelodeon's decision to combine Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys on screen probably looked like financial genius on paper. After all, both franchises have enjoyed success in feature-length form, and the similarities between their larger-than-life characters will also be blatantly obvious to regular viewers. To some extent, the pairing proves a justified success - the cartoon romp is a fast-moving carnival of primary colours, in which the vacationing Rugrats are stranded on an apparently deserted island, unaware that the Thornberry clan are shooting a nature documentary there. Such an exotic setting initially works well, as the babies toddle through richly created rainforests teeming with beautifully animated wildlife. Unfortunately, the absence of a strong plot weakens the visual confection, exposing the film's lame humour and nauseating songs. Even guest voice talent Bruce Willis and Chrissie Hynde lack the necessary panache, while the interactive "odorama" gimmick becomes exhausted almost immediately.

When the Rugrats find themselves stranded on a deserted island, they meet the Thornberrys, a family who agrees to help them escape.