I thought it was a cute, imaginative romp about childhood growing pains full of whimsy and peculiarity; but i think the film could best serve to inspire children, who are actually going through the kind of experiences central to the film’s theme. Like you say, they need to be challenged creatively and emotionally as opposed to conditioned (or, how did you put it? “brainwashed by a torrent of commercials and tweener sitcoms, and all the narcissistic materialism and inappropriate sexuality they promote.” – AMEN.) To posit that the movie is primarily for adults is arrogant/dismissive at least and child neglect at worst.

Who are these critics of which you speak? Protecting the guilty are we?