Though I have never watched the Bob’s Burgers animated series religiously, I have enjoyed the funny and goofy antics of the Belcher family from time to time. It is definitely one of those comfortable, mostly inoffensive animated shows with humor and themes geared mostly toward adults. To be honest, it has been a long time since I have watched a complete episode of the show, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to review the Bob’s Burgers feature film. I figured that I knew just enough about the characters, settings, and humor to give the movie a fair review. And I must say that I am delighted that I did.
Full of the lovably infectious humor, the movie celebrates everything that makes Bob’s Burgers great, which will definitely please its most devoted fans, and might actually win over some new ones. I, for one, didn’t realize how much I missed the show until the film had played for about 5 minutes, and reintroduced me to this joyously goofy and colorful world. Now, there is nothing really earth-shattering about the movie’s story and plot, and that’s totally fine. I am certainly glad that creative minds behind the movie stayed in their lanes and didn’t try to turn Bob’s Burgers into something it is not.
In the beloved seaside community of Seymour’s Bay, the Belcher family are putting their heads together to solve their financial woes. Patriarch Bob Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin) and wife Linda (John Roberts) have an appointment at their bank. Already a month behind on their payments, the Belchers are planning to beg for more time to catch up, so they can pay their monthly rent to landlord Calvin Fischoeder (Kevin Kline) and keep their burger restaurant open. Unfortunately for the Belchers, the bank declines their request, and it is up to Bob and Linda to work their charms on their landlord, so that he will allow them to be late with the rent.
However, when it rains it pours, and this major downpour of hard luck challenges the Belchers further when a giant sinkhole forms right outside the front entrance of their restaurant. Now Bob and Linda must come up with ways to get customers into their restaurant, despite the giant hazzard blocking the entrance. Desperate to help their parents, Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman), and Louise Belcher (Kristen Schaal) decide to take matters into their hands after an astonishing discovery in the sinkhole.
Written and directed by Bob’s Burgers creator Loren Bouchard, who co-wrote the script with Nora Smith and co-directed with Bernard Derriman, The Bob’s Burgers Movie is basically an extended episode of the series. And I do not, at all, mean that in a negative way. It is a particularly highly entertaining, extended episode at that. WIth commendable writing (particularly in the humor department), irresistable musical numbers, and lovely animation, the Bob’s Burgers universe translates well enough to cinema.
At the same time, I cannot say that the film is one of those must-see-on-the-big screen features. This is where I can see a divide between the ardent fanatics, and the people who casually enjoy the series. Honestly, the movie will probably play out just as well on a television screen of any size. The animation will just look a little better than that of the show. Now, as far as problems go, the movie doesn’t have any major glaring issues. The plot does have a bit of predictability to it, and I am sure the Bob’s Burgers devotees will be able to solve the movie’s mystery. Also the movie does drag a little in parts, but never completely over-extends its welcome.
It certainly helps that the movie has a wonderful voice cast, that mostly consist of the show’s regulars who make their respective characters so lovable and entertaining. In addition to voice talents mentioned in my synopsis, the film features exceptional work by Larry Murphy, Zach Galifianakis, David Wain, Sam Seder, Aziz Ansari, David Herman, Gary Cole, Jenny Slate, Stephanie Beatriz, and many others. Be sure to watch the end credits to see what other talents lend their awesome voices to the movie.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie is now playing in theaters, and even though it is a movie I highly recommend, it isn’t absolutely necessary to experience it on the big screen. If one is a massive fan of the series and cannot wait whatsoever to see it at home, then by all means, go see it at your local cinema. Bring your friends and loved ones with you, because, as a communal experience, the film is a very fun watch. It is always fun to share much laughter with a group of people, and ths movie succeeds in delivering plenty of gleeful giggles.