The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run Review

It's entirely unfair to expect the third "SpongeBob" movie, "Sponge on the Run," to strike the line between "kids" and "adult" entertainment ala Pixar, because Pixar this very much isn't. This is ninety something minutes of optical empty calories, bright and colorful simply to keep kids entertained while giving "fans" of the series more to either laud or laugh about online.

A familiar tale about friendship stretched to feature film length by celebrity cameos, inside jokes, a "Titanic" reference and at least two musical numbers. In that respect, this "Paramount+" original, at least here in the states, is more reminiscent of the "DreamWorks" catalogue; you watch it, maybe you enjoy it, but it's not going to stay with you.

The story this time around is this: SpongeBob's (Tom Kenny) snail Gary is kidnapped (*sigh* "snailnapped") by the evil Plankton (Mr. Lawrence), so that he can steal the Krabby Patty secret formula without our absorbent titular hero saving the day. His best friend Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) tag along for the ride, and, well, that's about it. Every time you think the duo are just about to retrieve the gastropod, something inconsequential happens, and more often than not, it's a saccharine assault to the eyes and ears.

Though the plot is as dull as ocean water, the animation is charming, the 3D visuals full of personality and offers a unique look on the ubiquitous universe. This is a multimillion dollar flick and it shows, an expensive method of delivering what is otherwise a regular episode of the show.

At least all this respects its franchise, with each joke, reference, and moment onscreen having something to do with the greater "SpongeBob" world, unlike the recent "Tom & Jerry." And it'll no doubt do well for the newborn "Paramount+" subscription service as it goes up against the streaming stalwarts.

But the biggest success here is being a movie for children that never insults them; oh sure, the whole ending is one big lesson in acceptance, but it uses characters kids know about, in the show's own terms.

Without the novelty of the first one SpongeBob movie or the the fish- I mean "sponge" out of water gimmick of the second, this third one goes back to basics and delivers just enough personality to stand up against its predecessors. Look, "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run" is no masterpiece, but it's a serviceable digital babysitter.