'The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water' Review

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Review:

Heeee ♫ ~

BY IAN TAN

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water sees Spongebob and co from Bikini Bottom back for another trip to the theater – this time in 3D. When the dastardly Captain Burger Beard (Antonio Banderas) magically obtains the secret formula to the Krabby Patty through his magical “sandwich-god” book, it’s up to Mr. Squarepants and the gang to retrieve it from him before the citizens of Bikini Bottom begin tearing themselves apart because no one can live in a world without burgers.

The above plot allows for some wacky what-did-I-just-smoke-slash-drink sequences that’s probably great fun for kids, but way too trippy and nonsensical for teenagers and adults. But hey, it’s supposed to be like that, and if questioned on whether or not director Paul Tibbit and Spongebob series kick-starter Stephen Hillenburg have provided the goods for their target audience (about 4 to 10 year olds), I believe they have.

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water delivers the kind of humour present in early Spongebob episodes, which may please longtime fans, or make them wonder why they even found them funny in the first place. Either way, it did feel like a trip down memory lane (?) for me in that I was reminded of the nautical nonsense and absurdity that for some reason attracted me as a child the first time I caught an episode of Spongebob Squarepants on Nickelodeon.

Coming atcha in 3D

Although everything from the characters, Plankton’s continuous life’s mission to steal the Krabby Patty formula and the humour of early Spongebob episodes are present in this film, I still do prefer that first Spongbob Squarepants Movie back in 2004. Remember, that one where David Hasselhoff launches Spongebob and Patrick back to the ocean by contracting his man-boobs? Yeah… but that one seemed to have higher stakes, more memorable character moments and better heart to the story than this newer does. While the previous film made good use of Spongebob and Patrick’s friendship as its emotional core, this film ignores that to give us a Spongebob and Plankton story that never really hits home, or the heart. You won’t find a Goofy Goober emotional moment here like you did in the last film, so in that sense, this film didn’t really work for me.

We got a lot more 2D where that came from

Initially, I had doubts regarding the 3D animated versions of their characters and the fact that they’d be superheroes with powers made me cringe more than ever when I first saw a trailer for this film. However, I quite liked the use of 3D animation and live-action in the film. It was a nice addition, although only the last 20 minutes or so is dedicated to it. I liked how the film started out with traditional 2D animation, because when the live-action sequences began, it felt just right of a transition. And the whole superhero thing did feel very tongue-in-cheek in how they’re parodying the current superhero genre craze. Mr. Krabs has red armour like Iron Man, Patrick controls thunder and lightning (and ice-cream) like Storm and Plankton’s all muscular and green like the Hulk. It did make me cringe a little at times but for the most part, I found it humourous.

Hehe, kudos to whoever made this

All in all, The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water is great fun and nonsense for kids and old fans of the Spongebob series, but won’t quite mix well with anyone above 13. Again, if you’re an adult or a teenager watching this, it does get a little crazy at times i.e. a talking, standing dolphin with a cape named Bubbles who watches over the universe appears at one point in the film to grant Spongebob and his pals the ability to breath on land, and don’t get me started on the ever-so-trippy time machine music.

Final Verdict

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water gets 6.5 out of 10 stars – Don’t light up that roll ‘cause you are in for one heck of an acid trip.