WHAT’S IT ABOUT
When Bikini Bottom is scooped out of the ocean, Sandy and SpongeBob head to Sandy’s home state of Texas and enlist her family to help save Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and the rest of the gang.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Netflix’s “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” marks the first character spin-off from the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise, but unfortunately, fails to capture what makes the original series special. While Netflix has created many excellent animated projects, this isn’t one of them. The film suffers from several major problems that prevent it from succeeding as either a nostalgic treat for long-time fans or an entertaining entry for newcomers. The most immediately noticeable issue is the animation style. Moving away from the classic 2D look of the series, the movie uses the same 3D computer animation seen in “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.” It doesn’t have spirit or soul-the style is cheap and not that really attractive, original. Even worse- half of the movie is set in live action, gone terribly wrong, but mere blurbs of success. The live-action CG combination works woefully during scenes featuring Wanda Sykes’ character, Sue Nahmee, a scientist planning to turn Bikini Bottom into a live action feature attraction. The animation almost seems designed for such crossover moments, but it is jarring and unpleasant in a completely disagreeable way. Spongy’s physical comedy falls flat on its 3D face. What should be funny movements and expressions appear awkward and stiff rather than funny. For a franchise known for visual humor, this proves to be a huge problem. Just like above the visual parameter, the script is equally disappointing. Sandy Cheeks (voiced over by Carolyn Lawrence) tries to save Bikini Bottom from being lifted by a crane and moved to a Texas laboratory: the whole underwater city then ends up being moved to a Texas laboratory. Although one would think this is about a never brain that could have been used to explore Sandy’s character more, this rushed and uninspired backstory is a perfect example of background stealing. The film introduces the circus performing squirrel family of Sandy, which easily comes across as annoying rather than funny or interesting. Johnny Knoxville and Craig Robinson both lend their voices to the film, but this new cast does not have any character and do not really impress. SpongeBob himself (voiced by Tom Kenny) joins in their adventure, but the chemistry and humor just aren’t there in the expected way. Patrick, Squidward, and Mr. Krabs are practically on the sidelines of the happenings in this film. The buddy-comedy potential between these two characters is largely wasted. The film also suffers the confusion of its tone and pace-from an incomprehensible musical number straight to an overcomplicated plot. Throughout, characters constantly explain what’s going on on-screen, as if the viewer shouldn’t be able to follow what is happening. This excessive exposition takes the place of actual jokes and entertaining moments. Even for a children’s movie, the humor falls remarkably flat. A few jokes land occasionally, but most attempts at comedy feel forced and unfunny. The film recycles elements from previous SpongeBob productions – including four “my leg” jokes – but these references can’t make up for the lack of fresh, creative humor. The live-action human characters are equally disappointing. Wanda Sykes’ over-the-top performance as villain Sue Nahmee doesn’t work well with the film’s tone, and her lab assistants (played by Ilia Isorelýs Paulino and Matty Cardarople) make little impact. These scenes in the laboratory feel static and dull compared to the underwater world we expect from the franchise. What’s particularly frustrating is how the movie seems confused about its audience. It simultaneously assumes viewers are familiar with all the SpongeBob characters while also drowning them in unnecessary explanations. Sandy sings early on about her love of science with lyrics like “I love doing science every day,” which feels painfully obvious and adds nothing to her character. The stakes feel almost shockingly low through the whole picture. The title “Saving Bikini Bottom” implies an epic adventure, but the story never creates that tension or excitement for the audience to care about the outcome. Apparently, this low-water mark sentiment does not bode well for future SpongeBob spin-offs. One of the major shortcomings of this movie is its outright failure to tap into the irreverent, madcap humor that the original SpongeBob series worked up and offered to both children and adults. The first two SpongeBob films managed to find that balance, but “Sponge on the Run” and now “The Sandy Cheeks Movie” seem to indicate the franchise has steered away. Little is shared about Sandy, who has been purposefully deepened in character for a spin-off. Her Texashood technical knowledge merits mention though neither is given meaningful exposition. The family dynamics presumed from the premise are scarcely explored, giving no new perspective to this ever-present character. The bottom line is that “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” is a lurch in the wrong direction for the SpongeBob franchise. It swaps out the animation style, scraps or lays off beloved characters, does not provide elements of humor and sells the franchise down the river. Even young viewers, who might be less critical of the animation quality, will likely find the humor and story lacking compared to the original series. What could have been an exciting new direction for the franchise instead feels like a missed opportunity, suggesting that perhaps some characters are better left as part of an ensemble rather than forced into leading roles.
OUR RATING – A SQUIRRELLY 3