When the boys seized on nature photography as their dream, a family crisis ensued. For example, the boys are seen trapped in a cave with a dozen hibernating grizzly bears. In the same sequence, the intrepid lads also subdue rattlesnakes by dumping snow on their bodies to cool them into a torpor. One jumps up, in horror-movie mode, during the escape. The whole setup is absolute nonsense.
Credit goes to the trio of young actors in the lead roles.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, as young Marshall, is rapidly becoming one of Hollywood's most dependable youthful stars. He brings humor and intelligence to his roles. Wild America may be a fictionalized account of these young men's lives, but it is funny, engrossing and entertaining.