The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants offers important lessons for viewers of all ages while delivering classic SpongeBob humor and fun.
There is a rare kind of magic in a franchise that can span decades and still feel as fresh, bubbly, and earnest as it did on day one. As someone who has loved SpongeBob SquarePants since the beginning (wow, that makes me feel old), I went into The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants with high hopes, and I am thrilled to say it exceeded every single one of my expectations. This isn’t just another sequel; it’s a hilarious, heart-filled seafaring adventure that proves why SpongeBob remains the undisputed king of optimism.
The plot follows SpongeBob on a quest to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs – a motivation that feels perfect for this character. To do so, he teams up with the legendary, swashbuckling Flying Dutchman for a journey into the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean.
What I loved most is that while the story feels like a fresh, brand-new narrative we haven’t seen before, it remains perfectly in vein with the original series. It captures that specific DNA – that chaotic energy, surrealism, and relentless kindness – that defines Bikini Bottom’s beloved resident.
One of the greatest strengths of this film, as with every SpongeBob project, is its humor. It’s packed with the kind of silly, slapstick jokes that younger audiences adore, but it doesn’t leave the adults behind. I always appreciate when writers throw in those clever jokes for the adults that fly over the kids’ heads, but have the parents chuckling in their seats. There were a couple of moments in this film that were genuinely, laugh-out-loud funny for me.
I watched this with my daughter, who is almost 13, and seeing her cracking up the entire time was the highlight of the experience. It’s a testament to the writing that a 12-year-old and her parent can sit together and have an absolute blast.
It goes without saying, but Tom Kenny is a master of his craft. He knows this character so deeply by now that SpongeBob’s voice and mannerisms feel like second nature. He brings a level of nuance to the character that keeps him from being just a cartoon.
That said, the real scene-stealer in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is Mark Hamill. He is, as always, a phenomenal villain. He brings a certain gravitas and theatricality to the role that makes him the perfect foil for SpongeBob’s high-pitched energy. Seeing the two of them together throughout the film and how this relationship evolves is a blast. Without spoilers, how it all ends up in the end is truly perfect.
I was also delighted to see the movie take us back to the surface once again. It has become a bit of a tradition for the SpongeBob movies to blend animation with the real world, and I am so glad they were sure to work that element into this story.
Overall Thoughts On The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
At its heart, the movie carries a beautiful, cute message about the importance of being yourself. It reminds us that you don’t need to change who you are or put on a tough persona to be brave; your true self is more than enough. It also shines a light on how important friendships are and how they can help ground you when you need them. These are lessons that are important for kids, of course, but also for all ages.
If you love SpongeBob, you are going to love this movie. It’s a fun, squeal-inducing adventure that stays true to its roots while offering something new. However, the caveat remains: if you aren’t a fan of the series’ specific brand of humor, this won’t change your mind. But for the rest of us? It’s a 10/10 trip to the bottom of the sea.
About The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Hoping to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob follows a mysterious, swashbuckling ghost pirate known as the Flying Dutchman on a seafaring adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the ocean.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants comes to theaters on December 19th.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.