The Film:

With its narrative resemblance to last year's "Madagascar," the latest zoo-animals-gone-native adventure, "The Wild," makes you suspect that both projects benefited from the same uncredited script doctor. The animation, however, is a different matter: where "Madagascar" was all sharp edges and blocky slabs of uniform color, "The Wild" is filled with softness and texture. When a breeze stirs the coat of Samson the lion, the hairs lift and separate just like the real thing.

The plot is at once familiar and unexpectedly original as Samson (voiced by Kiefer Sutherland,) along with a gaggle of noisy friends, escapes from the fictitious New York Zoo in pursuit of his cub, who has stowed away on a ship bound for Africa. The rescue mission allows a domesticated Samson to finally get his beast on; it also allows for inspired voice work from Eddie Izzard as a snooty koala bear and William Shatner as a menacing wildebeest with plans to reverse the predator- prey dynamic. Some of the film's images, in fact — like a pair of sewer-dwelling alligators with hideously pockmarked hides — are shivery enough to inspire night terrors in all but the most precocious toddlers.

But while the kids are giggling at gambling pigeons and psychedelic chameleons, parents can enjoy a screenplay sensitive to the travails of single fatherhood and the evils of oppression. In "The Wild," the most valuable weapons are honesty, tolerance and the ability to be oneself.

I wasn't overly keen on this film plot the first time it was pushed into the Blu-ray player (I just wasn't in the mood for another Madagascar, I think), but I was surprised at how attentive my children were during viewing. What happens with The Wild is that it grows on you - immensely. NY zoo lion Samson (with the un-expectantly effective deep voice of Kiefer Sutherland) is a father and he has a secret. He is not from the wild although all the other zoo inhabitants believe he is... including his son Ryan. Samson's embellished tales of encouragement to the fruit of his loins (in the context of battles with Water Buffalo - their Relentless Enemies, as it were) becomes a tall order for young Ryan to live up to (he has a weak roar). With support voices of James Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane Garofalo and William Shatner as giraffe's, a smitten squirrel, a python and a gregarious koala we are taken on an adventure of self-discovery and parental bonding - going back to The Wild (akin to Madagascar but much better in my eyes). It is one of my boys most requested discs to play (and they have a lot to choose from). Really, the more I watch this with its subtle humor and vintage Hollywood references ('Top of the World Ma!') - the more I like it. Take pause - this may also grow on you quickly... but it's a fun, warm ride that achieves through projections of belief and persistence. It's a lovely children's film that adults can also enjoy through repeat viewings.