The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run Review: The Yellow Sponge's Latest Is Cute Yet Familiar

Tom Kenny voices both Spongebob and his pet snail Gary in Tim Hill's 'The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run'

DIRECTED BY: TIM HILL

STARRING: TOM KENNY, BILL FAGERBAKKE, & MATT BERRY

RATED PG FOR RUDE HUMOR, SOME THEMATIC ELEMENTS, AND MILD LANGUAGE

LENGTH: 91 MINUTES

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Even after twenty-two years, SpongeBob SquarePants is still just as popular as ever. The iconic yellow sponge first transitioned to the big screen in 2004's The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and it wasn't until nearly 11 years later that a second movie debuted, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water. The latest movie, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run was initially set to debut in theaters last summer, but because of the pandemic, the film was pushed back. The film debuted internationally in theaters back in August, but Paramount decided that for the film's US release, they'd use the film as a launch title for their newly re-branded streaming service, Paramount+ alongside a spin-off series titled Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years.

Sponge On The Run finds SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) in his first fully CGI feature film and centers around his relationship with his beloved pet snail Gary. When Gary is 'snail-napped' by King Poseidon (voiced by Matt Berry), as part of one of Plankton's (voiced by Mr. Lawrence) villainous schemes; SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke) set out on a road trip to the Lost City of Atlantic City. Celebrity cameos are scattered throughout their journey from the likes of Keanu Reeves and Snoop Dogg and we even get glimpses of how SpongeBob and his friends all met at summer camp as children.

For longtime fans of the cartoon who have become used to the series' classic 2D animation, Sponge On The Run's CG animation may prove to be an adjustment. That being said, the animation itself is still absolutely gorgeous and has a style of it's own that helps it stand apart from most modern animated films and helps portray the unique sense of humor that we've come to love from the television series and previous films.

The jokes don't land as frequently and effectively as they did in the previous two films, though there are certainly more than a couple good gags here. Though what really makes this film work is the gigantic heart and warm nature that is present throughout the entire film. While this isn't SpongeBob at his absolute best and we've certainly see better storylines revolving around Gary the Snail and SpongeBob, the film still stays true to the characters.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run may not break any ground, but it's still a charming and heartfelt entry to the franchise and one that families and fans of the show will enjoy with ease.

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3.5/5 Stars

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run is now streaming on Paramount+ and is available to rent on Premium VOD.