Wild America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three brothers ditch responsibility to annoy wild animals with a camera, leading to surprisingly mild consequences and lukewarm family bonding.

🍿 Wild America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Stouffer Brothers’ Dream

Set in the late 1960s, ‘Wild America’ introduces the Stouffer brothers: Marty, Mark, and Marshall, living in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Marty, the eldest, dreams of filming wildlife, inspired by nature documentaries. The brothers are keen to capture the untamed beauty of America, aspiring to be renowned naturalists.

Embarking on a Wild Adventure

Marty acquires a movie camera, convincing his initially reluctant father to loan him the money. With their mother’s support, the brothers are granted permission to travel across America for the summer. Marshall, the youngest, stows away, eager to join his brothers’ adventure, despite the potential dangers.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

The brothers encounter various wildlife, including alligators, wild horses, and even a cave of grizzly bears. These encounters test their courage and brotherly bond. They face perilous situations, showcasing both the beauty and the dangers of the American wilderness. One memorable and harrowing scene involves the brothers attempting to film bears in a cave.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Marshall (Jonathan Taylor Thomas): The youngest Stouffer brother, who narrates the story and learns about the world while documenting wildlife with his older brothers.
• Marty (Scott Bairstow): The eldest Stouffer brother, driven by his passion for filming wildlife, who initiates the adventurous journey across America.
• Mark (Devon Sawa): The middle Stouffer brother, who joins Marty on the trip and participates in the filming, adding to the adventure and brotherhood.
• Agnes (Frances Fisher): The mother of the Stouffer brothers, who initially shows some resistance but ultimately supports her sons’ dreams.
• Marty Sr. (Jamey Sheridan): The strict father of the Stouffer brothers, who eventually learns to accept and encourage their passion for wildlife filmmaking.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Marty Stouffer: “No, Mom, he’s fine, he just fell down a mountain.” – Marty casually explains Marshall’s accident to their mother, highlighting their adventurous and somewhat reckless nature.
• Marshall: “I can’t believe that worked” – After Marshall manages to start a plane

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14000000
• Domestic Gross: $7,342,923
• Worldwide Gross: $7,342,923

💥 Wild America Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this movie as a kid and I loved Jonathan Taylor Thomas! The whole movie made me dream of going on my own wild adventures, although maybe not involving angry bears. It was a fun, feel-good film, but rewatching it now, it’s definitely a little cheesy. The moose scene is still hilarious though!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for an adventurous movie”
  • “Fans of Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Devon Sawa”
  • “People interested in nature and wildlife documentaries”
  • “Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes with dangerous animal encounters might be intense for very young children.”
  • “Mild language.”

Professional Reviews

• MovieFanatic: “”Wild America” captures the spirit of adventure with decent wildlife shots but suffers from a predictable plot and some questionable animal encounters. The young cast is charming, but the film often feels more like a Disney movie than a genuine exploration of nature. A nostalgic family film, but not groundbreaking.
• FilmBuff.com: “While “Wild America” is based on a true story, it often strays into the realm of unbelievable scenarios. The acting is earnest, and the cinematography is passable, but the film never quite manages to capture the raw excitement it aims for. If you can suspend your disbelief, it’s an okay family movie.

Audience Reactions

The animal footage was surprisingly good and kept me interested.: Many viewers appreciated the focus on family and the inspiring message of pursuing dreams.

The child actors are cute, but the plot and stunts are silly.: Some viewers found that the movie wasn’t believable.

Overall Consensus: “Wild America” is generally seen as a lighthearted family film with good intentions, but its over-the-top scenarios and predictable plot prevent it from being a truly memorable adventure.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life story of Marty Stouffer and his brothers, who went on to create the acclaimed ‘Wild America’ television series.”
• “Several locations were used to represent different parts of America, including Fort Smith, Arkansas, and areas in Canada.”
• “The film includes wildlife footage, blending staged scenes with actual animal shots to create a sense of authenticity.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wild America?

As of today, viewing options for Wild America include purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these platforms for current availability as options can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wild America, you might like these similar films:

• Fly Away Home (1996): Shares the theme of a family-oriented adventure focused on nature and wildlife, emphasizing conservation and heartwarming relationships.
• The Great Outdoors (1988): Features a family vacation gone awry with humorous encounters with wildlife and the great outdoors, appealing to a similar audience seeking light-hearted adventure.
• Free Willy (1993): Involves a child connecting with an animal and going on a journey to protect it, resonating with similar themes of adventure and compassion.

🛒 Wild America Related Products

• Wild America: An Adventure in Nature: A companion book that delve deeper into the real Stouffer brothers’ adventures and feature additional wildlife photography, perfect for expanding your knowledge of nature. Educational and inspiring for younger nature enthusiasts.
• Marty Stouffer’s Wild America DVD Set: Experience Marty Stouffer’s original “Wild America” TV series, where it all began. Episodes are available for digital streaming. The classic nature show by the real-life Marty Stouffer is a must-have for fans.
• Wild Animal Action Figure Set: A collection of realistic wild animal figurines, including bears, moose, alligators, and wolves. Great for inspiring kids’ imagination and bringing the movie’s wildlife encounters to life. High-quality, durable figures perfect for play or display.
• Vintage Wild America Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster for “Wild America”, perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to any room. Printed on premium paper, this poster captures the classic aesthetic of the movie. A must-have for collectors and fans alike.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wild America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Susie Q” – performed by Dale Hawkins

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jonathan Taylor Thomas promotes his movie “Wild America” in 1997

Ever wonder how movies were promoted back in the 90s? Check out Jonathan Taylor Thomas on Conan and Regis and Kathy Lee talking about ‘Wild America’. It’s pretty cool to see him in these old interviews!

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