[Rating: Solid Rock Fist Up]
It blows my mind that SpongeBob SquarePants has been around the pop culture zeitgeist since I was 5 years old. I was 10 when the first film was released in theaters, and now at age 31 I find myself seeing the latest entry in the SquarePants cinematic universe. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants brings back a lot of the fun and weird humor that I grew up with in a movie that’s plot feels, oddly enough, a bit too familiar.
SpongeBob (Tom Kenny), has grown tall enough to finally ride an intense roller coaster. Along with Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke), the two set off to ride this deadly thrill ride. SpongeBob soon realizes that he isn’t a “Big Guy” or brave enough to ride the ride. He aspires to be brave and seeks the aid of his boss, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown). Krabs tells SpongeBob of his swash-buckling days on the high seas, dueling with The Flying Dutchman.
Soon, SpongeBob and Patrick discover Mr. Krabs’ secret basement which houses all of his swash-buckling mementos. The two accidentally summon The Flying Dutchman himself (Mark Hamill). The Dutchman knows that if he takes the innocent SquarePants to the underworld to trade souls, he’ll be a free man once again. Along with his assistant Barb (Regina Hall), the Dutchman takes SpongeBob and Patrick to the Underworld where SpongeBob will have to prove he is a “Big Guy.” Meanwhile, Krabs, Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) and Gary the Snail journey to find SpongeBob before the curse of the Dutchman is set into motion!
The idea of SpongeBob being a “Big Guy” is not a new concept. In fact, the major plot point of the first film twenty years ago was SpongeBob learning to be a man. It’s something very safe and aimed at the new generation of fans that may not be too familiar with the story there.
This time, I think the plot of being grown and brave is really used to the advantage. SpongeBob is given a much bigger task and gets to have fun along with Hamill’s very silly voiceover role. I appreciate the new style of animation from the movies. I still don’t know why Hollywood decided hand drawn animation wasn’t the way to go, but for SpongeBob, it just seems so natural.
The dear sponge that captured the heart of billions is still very relevant in 2025. The comedy still hits and hours of nostalgia is pure of heart for that little square dude.
Christian Ramos is a classic film fan, having had the dream to host Turner Classic Movies for years now. He also has a large amount of Oscar trivia in his head, remembers dressing as Groucho Marx one Halloween, and cherishes the moment Julianne Moore liked his tweet.
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