Alright, yes, this is a movie for children. But if you're smart, by the cover poster alone you can tell it's biased, portraying the "corrupt, polluting, sleazy businessman" as he reaches town to grab the head of the funny-looking kid on the front. Basically a man is planning on bulldozing down the town (that's right, the whole town, what is this, the Love Canal? That explains the kid's funny-shaped mutated head). Environmentalist hippie propaganda showing up in kid's films was popular at the time (I.E. Toxic Crusaders, The Secret World of Alex Mack, etc.) It makes me very depressed to see all the beautiful industrialism and pollution being given a bad rep, and having these annoying environmental ideologies shoved at children without letting them decide for themselves whether or not to care about the earth. Now, for me to say I hated the film based on that alone would be a pointless reason, but the soundtrack was annoying, as was the voice acting, it was incredibly dorky even for a children's film, overall just annoying and weird. If you want a movie to show your kids, try The Brave Little Toaster (1987) or Coraline (2009). It's honestly your decision, I'm just providing my own opinion.

i haven't see the show that this cartoon is based on,so i can't compare it to that.as a standalone movie,though,i thought it was pretty good.i liked the characters and their quirks.the story was full of intrigue and suspense.yes,i said it suspense,even though it's a cartoon.the movie also moves along at a decent clip.there are a lot of pop cultural references,some modern,some older,but many adults will get them.of course there's also some references only kids will get,but there is enough for everybody.the movie isn't particularly hilarious,but it does have some amusing moments,and even one or two quite funny parts.there are some fairly dark and mature themes in this movie,so it might be too much for young kids.i'd say it would be OK for anyone over 10,depending on maturity level,of course.for me,Hey Arnold!The Movie is about a 7/10

I used to like the TV series when I was younger, so I thought if I watched The Rugrats Movie (also from Nikelodeon), then I might as well try this movie. Basically Arnold (Spencer Klein), the football headed fourth grade kid and his many neighbourhood friends and family find out that their town is going to be flattened to make way for a new mega-mall to be run by Mr. Scheck (Goodfellas' Paul Sorvino). The only way they can save the town is to prove from a story that Arnold's Grandpa (The Simpsons' Dan Castellaneta) told that there was a historic event that makes the town a landmark. With all the TV show characters, including Helga, who pretty much tells her secret love to Arnold, best friend Gerald, Grandma, Stinky, Eugene and Mayor Dixie. With guest voices including Jennifer Jason Leigh as Bridget, Christopher Lloyd as Coroner and Tomorrow Never Dies' Vincent Schiavelli as Mr. Bailey. Worth watching!

It's true: "Hey Arnold! The Movie" is contrived, generic, lazy, and sloppy. But do not let that deter you from taking a peep. Many other users have recommended looking upon this movie as "an extra-long tv episode", which is probably the best approach. I bought this movie without ever having seen it. Though I feel it was overpriced, I will likely watch it several times over. As a 26 year-old I don't make a practice of watching children's shows, preferring hard-hitting news and political commentary shows to predictable themes and fart jokes. That's just it, though: "Hey Arnold!" caters to a more mature audience by delivering wisdom, practicality, originality, and nostalgic humor [sometimes]. Fans of the show were likely tempted to see the movie by the promise of Helga's love confession. Incidentally, that's the main reason I bought my copy. The lukewarm response to the film (rightfully so) may lead to cancellation of the series, which is why I am determined to acquire every bit of "Hey Arnold!" memorabilia that I can. Long live the adorable "football head"!