Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, the newest addition to the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise, which focuses on the beloved Texan squirrel, Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence), has just landed on Netflix.
Growing up having watched the 2004 movie and the original cartoon, I decided to take a dive in the new film, a mix of animation and live-action.
What is SpongeBob?
You may have never heard of SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) and any of the other residents of Bikini Bottom, especially if you live under a rock like Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) -- or don't know many children.
The show, created by marine biologist educator, Stephen Hillenburg, tells the story of a sponge who works as a fry cook at the underwater restaurant, the Krusty Krab.
The newest movie was one of several character-driven spin-offs of the SpongeBob cartoon in development. This movie focuses on Sandy Cheeks, the science-loving squirrel who moved under the sea and wears a special suit to breathe.
Besides these new movies coming out, there are a ton of other SpongeBob movies and spinoffs.
SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-present)
Growing up, my brother’s room was SpongeBob-themed, we had a giant SpongeBob stuffed animal, and we owned the 2004 movie (more on that later). Needless to say, my siblings and I were fans.
I remember many of current Internet memes that came from SpongeBob, such as the fish who screams about chocolate or Handsome Squidward (Rodger Bumpass).
It’s not without a good lesson from time to time either, like when SpongeBob tells jokes at Sandy’s expense, and it almost ruins their friendship.
However, I haven’t seen all of episodes of the show, and while I enjoyed what I did watch, it’s never been without loads of bathroom humor, disturbing imagery, and an occasional joke that hopefully flies over kids’ heads.
If you already know this, the new movie probably won’t shock you. But before we get to that, let’s talk about the 2004 movie.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie was a buddy comedy road trip film about SpongeBob and Patrick trying to get a stolen crown. It feels like another episode, and I really enjoyed it.
SpongeBob’s positivity is challenged in the movie, but he keeps pushing through in a way that was very tangible for kids.
A lot of the weirder parts of the cartoon are pushed to the forefront of this one, though, especially the bit with David Hasselhoff (if you know, you know).
But besides a few parts that stick out to me as particularly off colored or scary, it’s not too bad. If you let your kid watch the Shrek franchise, you could let them watch SpongeBob.
Now for Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie (2024)
Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie goes into Sandy’s backstory as a scientist. We even go to Texas and meet her family.
It’s got a heart-filled message about following your dreams, family, and friendship, too.
The movie was family friendly, arguably more so than the original cartoon. Though, it is not without some eyebrow-raising jokes such as Sandy’s flirty criminal brother (Johnny Knoxville), who makes everyone swoon, or when Sandy fights Wanda Sykes’ character, Sue Nahmee, and climbs down her shirt.
Personally, the film felt a little rushed and a little forced. However, I will admit I still laughed, especially at the silly animation bits, like a pug using a hang glider, or when a flashback featured an adult head on a kid’s body to signify that this was younger Sue Nahmee.
But as a fan of the original cartoon, it just doesn’t land the same.
Should You Watch Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie or any of the SpongeBob franchise?
While I did not enjoy the newest movie as much as I hoped I would, it was not without its laughs and a good message. I haven’t seen every last piece of SpongeBob media, but I did enjoy 2004 movie and original cartoon.
However, the SpongeBob franchise can be a bit scary and definitely has a considerable number of jokes snuck in for adults.
As PluggedIn, the family-oriented review site, said:
So, if you’re willing to wade through the seaweed of cruder jokes and gags with your kids, the newest SpongeBob movie might just be a great jumping-off point for a family discussion about the importance of family, friends, perseverance and working together.
IMAGE: Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie/Netflix
Maggie Orsinger graduated from John Paul the Great Catholic University in 2020 with a degree in Communications Media. She also holds an 2023 MFA from Pepperdine University for Screenwriting.
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