The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
- Ben Pivoz
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
SpongeBob SquarePants is a kids show that I can honestly say, with no shame whatsoever, I unironically really enjoy. It reminds me a lot of the old Looney Tunes cartoons I loved as a kid, with its wacky “anything for a laugh” style and good-natured goofiness. Of course, due to its enduring popularity, it made the leap to the big screen all the way back in 2004, with the very funny The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. That was followed in 2015 with the amusing, if not as good, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, and, eventually, by far the worst in the series, 2020’s The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. Now comes entry four, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
It contains the same charm as the show, even if I don’t care for the switch from traditional animation to computer animation. The story is decent, with actual narrative cohesion. But this is mostly about seeing SpongeBob and his friends being goofballs in a feature-length adventure. It is not a franchise highpoint or anything and isn’t likely to convert a bunch of new fans. Still, it is entertaining, fast-paced, likable and has several good laughs. This movie is exactly what you expect it to be. If that is a positive thing, then definitely check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
SpongeBob, on his never-ending quest to be a grown-up, is finally tall enough to ride rollercoasters at the local amusement park. Realizing he is too scared, he flees back to the safety of the Krusty Krab, where he and loyal best friend Patrick encounter the spirit of the notorious Flying Dutchman and journey to the underworld to become “big guys.”
The chaotic approach to gags mixed with the title character’s relentless optimism creates a delightful clash that leads to a lot of the humor, on the show and in the movies. What is interesting this time is how few of the recurring characters have significant roles. SpongeBob, obviously, and Patrick. Plus, Mr. Krabs, Squidward and Gary, in pursuit of them. Otherwise, we see precious little of Bikini Bottom’s other residents. The movie doesn’t mess around with subplots or spend time on an elaborate setup. It is a shockingly tight screenplay, considering the material. It actually treats SpongeBob’s desire to be mature like it almost, kind of, matters. It is still more about the silly gags, but there is a story to tie them together.
The animation, though not in my preferred form, is bright, cheerful and funny. It keeps the Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic in terms of look. Polish would take away some of the charm. What is really important is that Search for SquarePants (80 minutes, without the end credits) understands what is so lovable about these characters and does nothing to change them. It foregrounds SpongeBob, Patrick and Mr. Krabs and focuses on their key characteristics.
SpongeBob doesn’t want to be seen as a “bubble-blowing baby” anymore, putting himself in danger to prove his value. Mr. Krabs, though he doesn’t always make it clear, loves SpongeBob and feels responsible when his bluster drives his favorite fry cook to take drastic measures. Patrick, meanwhile, is just a dedicated friend who will be there when SpongeBob needs him. Also, when he doesn’t. His attempts to help are hilarious.
This is a very enjoyable diversion for fans of the show. I’d probably rank it third among the movies, yet not far behind number 2. It is fun, determined in its silliness and has no interest in being educational. I guess the message is “be yourself.” It works for SpongeBob and it is a big reason why audiences keep coming back to him. I hope they continue making these every five years forever.
3½ out of 5
Voice Cast:
Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants
Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star
Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs
Mark Hamill as Flying Dutchman
Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles
Regina Hall as Barb
Directed by Derek Drymon
Screenplay by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman
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