Wild America (1997)

New York Times
"...It has a slick storybook charm that should appeal to children who like animals and enjoy the great outdoors. Some of the city is quite pretty..." 07/02/1997 p.C22

ReelViews 6 of 10
Supposedly, Wild America is a family film, but I can't figure out which members of the family it's intended for. Children will likely be bored by this adventure that doesn't really go anywhere, and adults will have their patience tried by the bad dialogue and juvenile plot twists. I could equate this with the kind of program that used to be shown on the old Wonderful World of Disney TV series, except I think those one hour shows, as plodding as they often were, offered more enjoyment...Parts of the film -- primarily those dealing with photographing wildlife -- are moderately engrossing, which leads me to wonder if there might have been an interesting story to tell here, had the film not ventured into the realm of half-baked melodrama...One wonders if there should have been some sort of "don't try this at home" warning attached to Wild America. After all, the kids in the film seem to be having fun (certainly more fun than those of us sitting in the audience are having), and they're never really in danger. Then again, where in real life is anyone going to find an alligator who likes chewing on flashlights, a belligerent rubber rattlesnake, or a bear that is stupid enough to hibernate in the middle of the summer? I guess the only real warning that should accompany Wild America is the one about avoiding dogs like this movie. - James Berardinelli
 
Variety 8 of 10
The antic coming of age of three Arkansas brothers centers the amusing and entertaining "Wild America." A yarn about pursuing one's dream, the film mostly sidesteps the serious stuff, making its points with levity...Director William Dear enjoys the ramble, emphasizing the tall-tale elements. There's an abiding sense of fun to the piece, and an exhilarating sweep to its vistas. A handsome production lovingly filmed by David Burr, "Wild America" moves at a clip that allows some clunky animatronic animal effects to be glossed over. The underlying sentiment is disarming, and begins to cloy only toward the end...The film largely rests on the shoulders of its young cast, and the central three are both charismatic and effective. Though the script favors Thomas, Bairstow and Sawa's characters register with strength and distinction, and the three actors work well as an ensemble. The supporting cast is very effective, though Sheridan tends to overplay the crustier aspects of his role. Danny Glover crops up in a lively, uncredited cameo as a grizzled mountain man who befriends the lads...Though pic stumbles a few times, using unnecessary contrivances to make points and elicit emotional responses, finally it's the filmmakers' ability to place us at the center of the action that makes "Wild America" such an enjoyable romp. - Leonard Klady