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Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius

As far as state-of-the-art computer animation has taken us, "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" isn't first rate, but who said it needed to be, anyway? Here is a movie whose animation reminds us that capturing reality through technology isn't always appealing; for me, this delightful children's movie is a true triumph of comedy and spirited fun, and will no doubt please children as well as adults. ***

The story is based on the Nickelodeon cartoon featuring Jimmy Neutron, a highly intelligent elementary school student whose knowledge of all things scientific wows his father and displeases his mother ("How many times have we told you not to play with rockets?"). He is teased at school for his height and his creativeness, which sometimes carries mixed results, though none of it seems to bother him. His inventive nature drives him to do things like creating a girl-eating plant, burp soda, and launching a satellite made from a household toaster into space. ***

When phlegm-like space aliens retrieve the satellite and discover Earth's coordinates, they descend on Jimmy's town and kidnap all adults as a meal for their ruler, a cross between a chicken and Godzilla. At this point, it's up to Jimmy to save the day. ***

This is a very simple yet entertaining story, devoid of the in-jokes and satirical whimsy of "Shrek," or the slightly more realistic appearance of Disney's "Toy Story" movies, yet it still manages to please with its childlike innocence and its wonderful humor. Jimmy's creative mind provides for some very wacky shenanigans, including a completely robotic dog named Goddard who is Jimmy's friend for life. He is also supplied with two best friends, a nerdy, timid chub named Carl, and a cartoon fanatic named Sheen, both of whom bring a great deal of laughs to the material. ***

The comedy supplied here reminds us that a movie need not be a satire or parody, or possess abundant bodily function jokes or crude humor to be amusing. As for the computer animation, there's no reason I can think of for which "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" should have been supplied with a completely realistic animation process; in fact, when working with the movie's unrealistic story, it adds to the sense of whimsy and fantasy that makes it such a terrific movie. ***

I expected no more or no less than fun from this latest family feature, and came out with a big smile on my face. Like many of the year's family films, from "Cats and Dogs" and "Spy Kids," to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," this film is pleasing for the kiddies while reminding adults of the pleasures of childhood, and that alone is worth it. That, and the chance to see a Ferris Wheel and an octopus flying through space.

The computer animation of "Jimmy Neutron" has been transferred to the DVD format with excellent clarity, resounding, vibrant colors, and vivid details. The sound design is mostly reserved towards the front channels, but the music swells into the surrounds with enough presence to make itself known.

While this DVD is certainly no "Shrek," the special features for "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" fit right at home with the movie, and should provide loads of enjoyment for those in its target audience. "The Making of Jimmy Neutron" is the standard behind-the-scenes look at the film's conception and creation, and features interviews with the cast and crew. Things like capturing an upbeat feeling during the audio sessions, and the use of everyday objects to create the unique sound effects, are discussed, though I would have liked to see a little more about the use of computer animation for the movie. Nevertheless, the cast seems happy to be a part of the making of this film, and the filmmakers choose not to demean the movie by referring to it in the context of a children's film. And that about does it for the adult-oriented material: the music videos by Aaron Carter and No Secrets, as well as the trailers, promotional spots, and DVD-ROM gaming adventures, are pretty much aimed at the younger set. But that's not to say that this DVD isn't a lot of fun, even if it's just for the movie itself.