Oh Sponge Bob! It’s so awesome to see you again! Back in November of 2019, I was one of the first people to screen the new The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run trailer. I have to say the colors in the animation were so exciting and knowing that I have two huge Sponge Bob fans at home I was hopeful. Yes, friends I was hopeful. Thanks to our friends at Paramount for providing the pre-screener, Ezra and I enjoyed watching the film together at home. Now here’s my thoughts and review on The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.
What I Loved
The quality of the animation. The film was made in two-dimension and the colors were so beautiful and vibrant. It wasn’t enough to keep me awake the entire time, (this happened with the first film too so who knows) but it totally made me happy how bright it was.
I love Gary, maybe a little more than SpongeBobby himself so I was super excited to see how Gary was given the star treatment for the film, but I feel the plot was totally all over the place. So Gary goes missing you guys! Of course SB and his trusty and loyal friend Patrick Starfish head off to find him. Of course you see the rest of the gang and that’s awesome, but maybe not enough to sustain the story.
SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) and Gary in THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies. Photo Credit: Paramount Animation.
What I Didn’t Love
The film ran the standard one hour and thirty-one minutes but it still felt too long. Maybe because I’m used to the episodes? Not sure, but as I mentioned in the What I Loved section, I fell asleep. Anytime I fall asleep while watching a film, I alway go back and give it a second chance. I did this for SB and still nothing. I just didn’t love this film.
Not even the cameos helped. We were all excited to see “The Sage” aka Keanu Reeves from the commercial bits we saw. I was excited and while he was cute in his shots, it wasn’t enough. Not to spoil it for you but Danny Trejo is also in the film playing the stereotypical bad guy that we all love him to be. There were a couple other really cool cameos, but I’m not gonna spoil them too.
Okay for Kids
Absolutely. This is kid-friendly I would suggest for the ranges of 6+. If you currently let them view SpongeBob Squarepants, then by all means let them watch the film. Ezra was super pumped about the film and he loved it. I shared the trailer with him, way back when and he’s been asking about the film since. When the pandemic hit, he was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to see the film. Who would have guessed that he’d get to screen it from home right?!
Patrick (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke), SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny), and Otto (voiced by Awkwafina) in THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies. Photo Credit: Paramount Animation.
Again, the beautiful colors will keep their attention and the constant activity in the film will as well. The kids are going to love it, so sorry mom and dad- you gotta sit through it.
Watch the Trailer
The Cast
You’ll be happy to know that the original cast of the SpongeBob tv show returns for the film. Tom Kenny as SpongeBob, Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick, Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs, Rodger Bumpass as Squidward, Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy, and Mr. Lawrence as Plankton. You’ll meet some new characters: Awkwafina as Otto, Matt Berry as Poseidon, and Reggie Watts as Chancellor.
Salute to the Creator
As we all know Stephen Hillenburg died in 2018. There is a special moment at the end of the film- make sure to watch it all the way!
SpongeBob is a special character and I do love him, just not this film.
Film Synopsis
SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick, and the Bikini Bottom gang star in their most epic adventure movie yet! When SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary goes missing, a path of clues leads SpongeBob and Patrick to the powerful King Poseidon, who has Gary held captive in the Lost City of Atlantic City. On their mission to save Gary, SpongeBob and his pals team up for a heroic and hilarious journey where they discover nothing is stronger than the power of friendship.
