As a longtime fan of the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise, I walked into the theater for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants with high expectations, especially since it released on December 19, 2025—just yesterday! And let me tell you, this fourth theatrical installment (not counting the spinoffs) exceeded them in every way. Directed by series veteran Derek Drymon, this film captures the pure, unadulterated joy of Bikini Bottom while delivering a fresh, heartfelt story about self-discovery and bravery. It's good—really good. Funny from start to finish, with stunning animation, pitch-perfect voice acting, catchy music, and that signature SpongeBob comic relief style, including the potty humor we've all come to love and expect. If you're looking for a family-friendly movie that will have everyone laughing out loud, this is it.
The plot centers on our favorite absorbent hero, SpongeBob, who is desperate to prove he's a "big guy" and not just a "bubble-blowing baby." Tired of being treated like a kid, he sets out on a daring quest after hearing about the legendary Flying Dutchman, a ghostly pirate with a mysterious curse. Accompanied by his best buddy Patrick Star, SpongeBob dives into the deepest depths of the ocean—the Underworld—facing spooky challenges, haunted hurricanes, and all sorts of nautical nonsense. Along the way, there's a touching subplot about friendship, as SpongeBob learns the importance of not taking Patrick for granted. Meanwhile, back in Bikini Bottom, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and others form a rescue party when they realize SpongeBob's gone missing. It's a classic SpongeBob adventure: high-stakes (in a silly way), full of heart, and packed with surprises.
What makes this movie truly shine is how faithful it is to the spirit of the original series while feeling epic on the big screen. SpongeBob's journey is essentially a "search for SquarePants"—a clever play on searching for his own identity and what makes him uniquely him. He grapples with an identity crisis, wondering if he needs to change to be seen as mature, but ultimately realizes that being his goofy, kind-hearted self is the bravest thing of all. It's a sweet message wrapped in layers of absurdity, perfect for kids and adults alike. The film reminds us that it's okay to embrace your inner "goofy goober," and that true bravery comes from staying true to yourself.
Let's talk about the humor, because that's where this movie absolutely excels. It's funny—hilariously so. The laughs come fast and furious, averaging a solid gag every few minutes, just like the best episodes of the show. The comic relief is spot-on, blending slapstick, wordplay, visual gags, and that expected potty humor that has always been a staple of SpongeBob's style. Yes, there's plenty of it here—brick-dropping moments, butt jokes, and other gross-out bits that had the kids in my theater (and me) roaring with laughter. One standout sequence involves Patrick and SpongeBob navigating the Underworld, where animated rears and tighty-whiteys make appearances for pure comedic effect. It's silly, over-the-top, and exactly what fans expect. The potty humor never feels forced; it's integrated naturally into the chaos, providing that irreverent edge that sets SpongeBob apart from more sanitized kids' movies. And for parents worried about it being too much—no, it's tame and playful, always in service of the joke rather than being mean-spirited.
The voice acting is another highlight, elevating the material to iconic levels. Tom Kenny reprises his role as SpongeBob with the same infectious energy that's made the character a legend for over 25 years. His high-pitched enthusiasm, giggles, and heartfelt moments are flawless—Kenny doesn't just voice SpongeBob; he is SpongeBob. Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star is equally brilliant, delivering dumb-but-lovable lines with perfect timing that make Patrick's obliviousness endlessly endearing. Clancy Brown brings gruff authority to Mr. Krabs, Rodger Bumpass nails Squidward's sarcastic exasperation, and Carolyn Lawrence's Sandy Cheeks adds tough, Texan flair. Mr. Lawrence as Plankton gets some great villainous moments, even if he's not the main antagonist this time.
The guest voices are a delightful surprise. Mark Hamill steps in as the Flying Dutchman (replacing Brian Doyle-Murray), and he absolutely crushes it. Hamill's deep, theatrical voice gives the ghostly pirate a menacing yet comical presence—think Darth Vader meets a swashbuckling specter. It's one of the best casting choices in the franchise. Regina Hall as Barb, the Flying Dutchman's assistant, brings sassy wit and warmth, making her a standout new character. Other guests like George Lopez and Sherry Cola add fresh energy without overshadowing the core cast. Everyone feels perfectly in tune with the SpongeBob universe.
Visually, the animation is breathtaking—easily the best in any SpongeBob movie to date. Paramount Animation and Reel FX Creative Studios have outdone themselves, blending the show's classic 2D style with stunning 3D elements for the underwater world. Bikini Bottom looks vibrant and alive, with jellyfish fields glowing in neon hues and the Krusty Krab bustling with detail. But the real wow factor comes in the Underworld sequences: dark, eerie depths with haunted ships, swirling hurricanes, and monstrous creatures that pop off the screen. The colors are rich and saturated—blues and greens that shimmer like real ocean water, contrasted with ghostly greens and fiery oranges. Character expressions are exaggerated and fluid, capturing every nuance of emotion, from SpongeBob's wide-eyed wonder to Patrick's blank stares. The action scenes, like chases through haunted realms, are dynamic and cinematic, making full use of the theatrical format. It's absorbent and ready for anything, just like SpongeBob himself!
The music is another triumph. John Debney's score builds on his previous work from Sponge Out of Water, blending orchestral swells with quirky, underwater-themed tunes that enhance the adventure. The soundtrack features catchy original songs, including Ice Spice's "Big Guy," which perfectly captures SpongeBob's quest to prove his maturity—it's upbeat, fun, and gets stuck in your head in the best way. Classic motifs from the series weave in seamlessly, like the theme song remixes during key moments. The music amplifies the humor, the heart, and the excitement, making scenes feel even more epic.
At 96 minutes, the pacing is brisk, never dragging despite the wild detours. Director Derek Drymon, who co-wrote the original 2004 movie and served as creative director on early seasons, brings that golden-era feel back. The humor echoes the first three seasons—absurd, character-driven, and full of heart. It's better than some recent entries (no shade to the spinoffs, but this feels more cohesive), and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the classics.
In the end, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is a joyful celebration of everything we love about the franchise. It's good because it entertains on multiple levels: kids will love the silliness and action, adults will appreciate the nostalgia and clever writing. It's funny because the jokes land consistently, with that expected potty humor providing comic relief in the most SpongeBob way possible. The animation is great, pushing boundaries while staying true to the look. Voice acting is impeccable, and the music is memorable. This movie proves that after all these years, SpongeBob is still ready—I'm ready for more adventures!
I watched it with my nephew and sister. We even went in cosplay and had a great time at the AMC theater. If you haven't seen it yet, grab your square pants and head to the theater. It's a nautical nonsense delight that will leave you smiling. 5 out of 5 Krabby Patties!
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