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The Spongebob Squarepants Movie

Review by Lando da Pimp

If nautical nonsense is something you wish then the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is just that, nautical nonsense. I wouldn't have it any other way. I admit I discovered SpongeBob late. Over the summer when the submarine teaser trailer for the film was released I instantly knew that this is a film that I had to see. I had never watched the show so that weekend I made it a point to watch it. Now I own both season box sets and watch the show daily.

The story begins with Mr. Krab opening a second Krusty Krab Krabby Pattie restaurant right next door to the existing Krusty Krab. SpongeBob dreams and believes he is the perfect sponge for the job as manager of the new Krusty Krab, but is crushed when Squidward is made manager.

Meanwhile, Plankton is using his final plan, Plan Z, to attempt to steal the Krabby Pattie secret formula, and rule Bikini Bottom. Plankton frames Mr. Krab for stealing King Neptune's crown. SpongeBob steps up to the plate to retrieve the stolen crown and save Mr. Krab's life. Patrick joins SpongeBob in traveling to Shell City in search for the crown.

While SpongeBob is gone, Plankton steals the Krabby Pattie recipe and takes over Bikini Bottom by placing each citizen under mind control. With the help of David Hasselhoff and his bionic pecks (yes you read that right), SpongeBob and Patrick return the crown to King Neptune and saves Mr. Krab's life. Mr. Krab realizes that he was wrong to believe that SpongeBob is not just a kid but a man... ah sponge.

Sure it sounds ridiculous but I wouldn't expect anything else from this cartoon. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is filled with the slapstick-style physical violence that continues the cartoon mantra of the toons I grew up with. When people complain about the violence, I make it a point for people to remember the old cartoons of Bugs Bunny. These cartoons have the same inclusion of adult humor that goes over kid's heads keeping older children and adults amused.

Special Features
The Absorbing Tale Behind The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
A great look at the development of the characters of Bikini Bottom with a commentary from the creator and voices of the Bikini Bottom inhabitants. It's more for adults than kids since it is more factual then entertaining. With the definition of certain adjectives placed on the screen this enforces the point. Of course this could educate some adults too.

The most fascinating part is the filming of David Hasselhoff scenes where we get a great look at the 13 feet long, 700 pound David Hasselhoff model (yes you read that right too!).

Case of the Sponge Bob
A very funny short film starring Jacques Cousteau's son Jean-Michel Cousteau and Steven Hillenburg comparing the different characters of Bikini Bottom with the real creatures under the sea. Actual footage of sponges, sea stars, plankton, crabs, octopus, and frogfish are shown with interesting factual information about the sea creatures. We also learn that when the artists attempted to make the character of Squidward release ink like a real octopus it looks like he poops his pants.

Saving the Surf
A documentary on how we can save the oceans and beaches from pollution.

Additional Features
The special features also include animatics, the submarine teaser trailer, and THQ Game Demo. The features overall are more for older children and adults than young children.

Parting Thoughts
I loved this movie because it is just a hysterical movie that doesn't take itself seriously. The inclusion of the live footage gave fans of the cartoon something different than just a 90 minute long cartoon. The real reason to watch this film however is for David Hasselhoff cameo. It is the funniest, campiest scene.

It seems odd that the movie was released so long after the SpongeBob craze died down a bit but as long as Nickelodeon shows the toon everyday there will always be new fans. Including me.

You can pick up the SpongeBob Squarepants Movie from Amazon.com