Cinema Review (From Barry And District News)

Cinema Review

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (U) ***

EVER since the success of Toy Story, computer animated films have been coming thick and fast. From the turkeys like Rudolf to the masterpieces like Monsters, Inc. it seems to be the end of traditional cell drawing. Next up is Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

Jimmy Neutron is a 5th Grade genius. His inventions are mind-blowing and he is intent on making contact with intelligent alien life. One day, he does, only to find they are evil and they eat mature people. Jimmy must save his parents!

The most surprising thing about Jimmy Neutron is the fact that it received an Oscar nomination against the likes of Shrek and Monsters, Inc.

because compared to the two, it's basically straight-to-video stuff. But if you dismiss the other two films, this isn't bad for kids below 13.

While the characters can get a bit annoying and there are too many cliches, it is still a perfect to take your children to.

However for the over 15s this could be a living nightmare. Neutron's childish figure and Aaron Carter's babyish theme song makes this film daft, but the younger children will be enthralled by its silliness and crazy jokes.

Written by Ace Ventura 2 director Steve Oedekerk, the script doesn't sound too promising but he has followed a simple formula and has successfully pulled it off. Patrick Stewart and Martin Short are unrecognisable but their characters do show realistic features at times.

At the end of the day, if you want a daft, fun and short animated film to take the kids to, then look no further than Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.