June 2002 Hey Arnold! : The Movie

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Reviewed by Wilson Morales Hey Arnold! - The Movie   Distributor: Paramount Pictures   Director: Tuck Tucker   Producers: Albie Hecht & Craig Bartlett   Screenwriter Craig Bartlett & Steve Viksten   Voices: Spencer Klein, Francesca Marie Smith, Jamil Smith, Dan Castellaneta, Paul Sorvino, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Christpher Lloyd   The creation of animated films nowadays has reached higher depth since Disney’s films were profitable and every other studio was challenging them. In the last few years, hits have been made out “The Rugrats”, “Shrek” and “Jimmy Neutron”. Except for “Shrek”, the other two films were products of series from the Nickelodeon Channel. Now comes another film from the cable channel that will be a pleasure to its hard core fans as well as bring in a new audience. “Hey Arnold” is filled with wit, suspense, and a little bit of romance that should delight fans of all ages. The title character is a teenage kid with a blonde hairdo shaped like a football that always believes in the greater good. His attitude towards everything is forever positive even when hopes are down for everyone else. Everyone in the community is quite content with each other until Future Tech Industries arrives on the scene. Apparently they want to build a mall in town but to do so they have to tear apart the neighborhood. Due to some underhand maneuvering, families are losing their homes to Mr. Scheck (voiced by Sorvino). Arnold with his best friend Gerald in tow set out to do whatever is necessary to save the town from demolition. Also aiding Arnold is Helga, the girl who publicly hates him but hides her true feelings inside. The beautiful Bridget is nearby to give Arnold some technical assistance. The fun is this film is that the story comes with a well-developed plot. It’s the rich against the poor, David against Goliath, and other similarities. Although the film features some well-known voices, the actors do not take over the film as in other films. The characters are funny especially Helga, who dual feelings for Arnold adds to the cliffhanger. Will Arnold figure her out? Will he save the day? There’s a lot going on in this short film that one wonders as to what will be solve. But with all animated film, the conclusion comes with happiness and smiles all around. The film also offers references to other films such as “Men in Black”, “Mission Impossible”, that adds to the humor. Hey Arnold is a film that kids and adults will enjoy.