The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants Film Critique – An Adventurous Dose of Giggle-Provoking Fun
Could those original fans who chuckled through the first SpongeBob adventures have predicted the series persisting for a quarter-century, following experiencing the most lysergic of narrative twists? This longevity is partly due to its broad appeal, tickling the funny bones of adults – possibly even those former students – as well as the youngest viewers. While it can't claim anything quite as unexpected as a certain memorable David Hasselhoff appearance in the 2004 film, this latest movie thinks nothing of having a veteran voice actor talk like a pirate while handing out royalty cheques to stars like Barbra Streisand. It seems everything remains possible in the zany world of Bikini Bottom.
An Established Zany Groove
Kicking off with a holiday short starring Paramount's other long-running family favorites, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the latest SpongeBob movie quickly finds a comfortably silly rhythm. Its storyline acts as a family-friendly treatise on the advantages and disadvantages of maturity. This version of SpongeBob (again brought to life by Tom Kenny) now stands a specific height, a fact that thrills him as it finally qualifies him to ride his fantasy coaster. (An initial, trippy laugh: our enthusiastic hero's imagined loop-the-loops.) Yet, like the best modern American cartoons, the real rollercoaster is the corkscrew narrative.
The Quest for Swashbuckling Proof
SpongeBob's quest to obtain the fabled swashbuckler certificate that will declare him a “big guy” brings him into a showdown with the spectral Flying Dutchman, brought to life by the suddenly ever-present Mark Hamill. Although the Dutchman's ship adds a grander scope, the film's visual style remains a charming bricolage of digital animation and hand-turned elements, consistently showcasing satisfying, authentically cartoonish effects.
If its spitballing humor will resonate after the credits is up for discussion, but it's a strong SpongeBob movie.
Notable moments include SpongeBob wedging himself into an air conditioner and coming out somehow squarer than ever; a cameo from a pair of chattering novelty false teeth; and a punishment sure to delight the younger audience: our hero being subjected to endless dishwashing.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Search for SquarePants stands as a reliable entry to the series – and perhaps the funniest pirate-themed movie recently, including a hearty Davy Jones gag and a cheekily suggestive saying for SpongeBob's pal Patrick: “The best guys are big guys.” It's certain: those original fans will likely be snickering anew.
Release Dates: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants debuts on 19 December in the US, 20 December in Ireland, and December 26th in Australia and the UK.
