"Hey Arnold" Heroic Analysis of Arnold

"Hey Arnold: The Jungle" movie is everything I wanted in a 14-year-late conclusion to my all-time favorite cartoon series. It has the characters that I love, told in a story that is true to the original material that I grew up loving. And the best thing of all - a classic form heroic journey for Arnold! I'm going to go out on a limb and say that NO ONE else on the internet is going to be talking about this movie as it is relates to the Campbellian Monomyth, so (cracks knuckle) I would like to give it a shot.

SEPARATION / DEPARTURE

When Arnold Shortman (Mason Vale Cotton, not one of the original voice actors) is presented with an opportunity to win a trip to San Lorenzo, the same place where his parents were last seen, he is Called to Adventure. I spent so much time theorizing what Arnold's last name was, and this movie finally confirmed it. It was hilariously timed and reminded me of the musicality of the original series.Working with his best friend Gerald (Benjamin Flores Jr.), Arnold initially fails his entry in the contest, and so he gives up, ultimately having his moment of Refusal. When the rest of the kids from P.S. 118, and other characters who Arnold has helped throughout the years, pitch in and submit a video about why Arnold is the perfect humanitarian, the class wins the trip and Arnold Accepts the Call and ventures to San Lorenzo.

Once Arnold Crosses the First Threshold and travels to San Lorenzo, he leaves behind his Mentor figures, Grandpa (Dan Castellaneta) and Grandma (Tress MacNeille). Arnold finds his Supernaturnal Aid through the magic of the Green Eyed People. Their pendant allows him to not only find his parents, but to find the cure for all of the adults, including his parents. Once Arnold arrives in San Lorenzo, he can begin his Trials, and he enters the Belly of the Whale whilst in the jungle.

INITIATION

Arnold has a lot of Tests in the film. He must get to San Lorenzo, first off. Then, he must solve the mystery of what happened to Eduardo's house. Though this is "Resolved" early on, it is not truly resolved until the ultimate villain reveal. He must escape Lasombra (Alfred Molina) and explore the forest to find the Green Eyed People. And, he must help the GE people while searching for his parents. It is so much for a kid to face.

It is a good thing that most of the kids from P.S. 118 return as Arnold's Allies. Gerald, Helga (Francesca Marie Smith), and Phoebe (Anndi McAfee) are his core group. Gerald is his faithful companion, his metaphorical ride or die. Helga is not only Arnold's Ally, but she also can serve as Arnold's Goddess figure in the way that her assistance is crucial to his heroic success. All of Arnold's classmates come to play in the movie, in ways that are true to each character from the original series.

And of course, Arnold has his Enemies. Lasombra and his crew of pirates serve as the primary enemies. However, Arnold also can be his own enemy at times - his secrecy and urge to rescue his parents above everything hurt his relationship with his companions. In addition to this, Arnold must face the sleeping sickness, the greatest enemy to him.

There are some moments in this phase of his journey that Arnold, as a hero, lacks. He does not really have a Woman as Temptress. Moments of the movie can point to Helga, however nothing in her assistance would detract from him completing his journey. In facet, realizing Helga's feeling for him acts more so as an ultimate Reward for him. This, rescuing the GE People, and finding his parents are all Arnold's rewards, his Boons. If you watched the original series, Arnold is certainly a character with women as temptresses, namely Ruth and Lila. Unfortunately, they don't have huge roles in this film.

After defeating Lasombra and returning to the Secret Village, Arnold reaches Apotheosis. Feeling that he has no way to rescue the people or his parents, he is at his lowest point and does not see a way out. However, realizing that Helga has been there for him the entire time, he is able to ascend his low point and reach a new understanding - one where he can finally see that Helga loves him and accept, completely, her needed help.

Finally, after rescuing his parents, Arnold his able to reach an Atonement with the Father, metaphorically, because he saves both of his parents and completes the journey that they fail to in the original series.

RETURN

Arnold is able to return home, no Refusal, Magic Flight, or Rescue from Without needed, though debatebly his Grandma, Grandpa, and Helga's parents all came to the rescue. The real Eduardo (Carlos Alazraqui) does rescue Arnold, Helga, and Gerald in the end and helps them to ultimately defeat Lasombra.

Once Arnold wakes all of the people in the Secret Village, he can Cross the Return Threshold home, living a life with his parents, closer to all of his friends but especially closer to Helga. Living with his parents and these stronger relationships means that he is the Master of the Two Worlds / that he has Returned with the Elixir and now has the Freedom to Live.

MY THOUGHTS / FINAL OPINION

Being that "Hey Arnold!" is my favorite Cartoon in the history of ever, I think it is safe for you to assume the sheer amount of joy that I received from this movie. It has everything that a fan could want. So, I am simply going to list all the things I noticed and loved.

• Abner, the bacon eating pig. 
• Grandma's wacky shenanigans in hilarious fashion (she even calls him Kima once which made me smile).
• Big Bob's Beepers and Mariam's attention to only Olga
• Gerald and Arnold's secret handshake
• Gerald saying "You're a bold kid, Arnold. A bold kid."
• Helga's infatuation cut aways, topped with Brainy sneaking up behind her only to get socked in the face.
• Brainy even has one of his heroic moment where he does something that saves the day. All without getting any recognition.
• All of the musical cues and sounds of the show. They really make the show feel like it was adapted from a comic book, somehow.
• The Arnold Bat signal, which I think is new but I still love
• Dino Spumoni
• Monkey Man!!!!
• Pigeon Man
• All of the Arnold Flashbacks
• The boarding house moments
• Individual characters having moments
• The scenes with the animals fleeing the boarding house when Arnold opens the door
• Helga simply being mean to Arnold because she loves him
• All of Arnold's classmates: Eugene, Sid, Stinky, Rhonda, Lila, Ruth, Harold, Curly, Tucker - Far too many to name.
• I did notice the lack of Chocolate Boy

I seriously love this movie and am really happy it has been made. Arnold deserves this ending. It was a perfect finally to my favorite show, and I hope many people enjoy it.