ELIZA THORNBERRY IS one lucky little girl. Instead of doing chores or homework, she spends her days gallivanting around the jungles of Africa with her nature-loving parents, who host and direct a wildlife show. The Wild Thornberrys Movie, an extension of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon by the same name, follows Eliza and her unconventional family (skydiving grandparents, gibberish-speaking Tarzan-like brother, etc.) on a haphazard crusade to stop a highly elusive gang of poachers. Despite the slightly clichéd plot, this is not your average kids' movie. It's packed with politically correct messages (be kind to animals, tread lightly in nature, try to learn from other cultures) but never preachy or condescending to its young audience. With voices by Tim Curry, Brenda Blethyn, Rupert Everett, Flea (of the Red Hot Chili Peppers), and others, and an eclectic soundtrack featuring Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, and P. Diddy, The Wild Thornberrys Movie is a refreshing reprieve from the sappy holiday fare traditionally made for tykes. (Meryl Cohen)