Bespectacled, brace-wearing Eliza Thornberry and her eccentric nature documentary-making family are given the feature-length treatment in this animated spin-off from Nickelodeon. Sadly, the vibrant Doctor Dolittle-style fun of The Wild Thornberrys that is more palatable in bite-sized servings, rapidly loses its verve when stretched over 85 minutes. It's not that the film's premise isn't appealing (after all, what child wouldn't be thrilled by a globetrotting little girl who can converse with animals?), the problem is that beyond this remarkable skill, there's not enough plot, or indeed action, to engage young minds for the movie's duration. The storyline, concerning 12-year-old Eliza's struggle against poachers in the Serengeti National Park, effectively hammers home positive messages of environmental awareness and multicultural friendship, which is an admirable achievement. However, when this is accompanied by flat animation, stereotypical characters and an intrusive soundtrack, it all gets a bit tedious.

Eliza and Debbie are two sisters who don't always get along. But their relationship is put to the test when Debbie's life is in danger, and Eliza might have to give up her power to talk to animals....