The Bob’s Burgers Movie somehow reaches the stars while staying firmly grounded and made a fantastically fun film for everyone.
Bob’s Burgers is one of 20th Century Studios’ hit animated series that airs during their famed Animation Domination block of programming. After 12 years and 237 episodes, the acclaimed series is finally getting a feature film! This Memorial Day Weekend, fans of the series will get to sit back and enjoy the quirky, but loveable, Belcher Family as they embark on their biggest adventure yet, summer. While the option of binging the series on Hulu for hours on end is available, and recommended, the 102-minute film is a bigger and better experience that the entire family will enjoy.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie Brings The Belchers to the Next Level
Linda, Louise, Gene, Tina, Bob… and Teddy, are going on their biggest adventure yet, summer vacation. The school year is coming to an end as well as the end of the month, which means summer vacation, summer love, and summer debt. Tina wants to make Jimmy Junior her summer boyfriend, Gene is focused on his musical performance, Louise is finding her courage, and Bob and Linda are attempting to make enough money for their loan payment and rent. After being denied an extension on their loan payment, a sinkhole appears in front of the restaurant, preventing customers from entering the front entrance, but opening up the grand adventure to come.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie immediately elevates the art of the series. While instantly recognizable, it is clear that the film is pushing the boundaries and exceeding expectations fans have become accustomed to with the series. The main thing I noticed is the amount of depth the art in film provides in contrast to the series. Everything in the film pops a bit more. However, though appreciated and in awe of, I don’t think it adds much value to the film’s enjoyment, outside of the fast-paced scenes, like the mini car chase. Still, it is an absolute joy to see even high-quality versions of these characters that regularly grace our televisions.
Where the film truly excels, is in not feeling like another episode of the show but still also never feeling disconnected from it. The Bob’s Burgers Movie is far from the first animated series to get a feature film. But many times films of series are disconnected or aren’t connected enough. It’s a very fine tightrope that even masters of the craft don’t quite get right. Take The Simpsons Movie for example. While the situation was undeniably grand, it never quite got out of its own shadow and just felt like a long episode. The Bob’s Burgers Movie does not have that issue at all.
In fact, it perfectly captures the feeling of Summer. First, I have to mention the genius lead into the film from the series. The crack in the sidewalk steadily grows in the opening title sequence throughout the episodes this season, and the payoff finally happens in the film. It’s a subtle thing, but one that I can’t help but be in awe of. But next, is that there are a lot of things that are set up to end in the movie, and it perfectly captures the end of the school year feeling that is bittersweet, exciting, and majorly impactful to life. And it’s not just for the kids, but for Bob and Linda as well.
Each member of the Belchers has their own journey in the film, well at least the kids all have their own, and the parents have a shared one. And even though Bob and Linda share a path, they still both have their moments and time to shine. The sinkhole acts as the catalyst that heightens and intensifies everyone’s journey, and also inevitably brings everyone together. The Bob’s Burgers Movie really lets us explore each member of the family as well as the family as a unit in a single story, versus the usual A story B story format of the series. It’s almost like getting 4 movies at once, that culminates in an epic mystery being solved.
The Belchers Get To Go Big
The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes full advantage of the ability to tell a long cohesive story, not only lets the audience get to go deeper with The Belchers, but it lets the performers get to explore their characters. Tina, Louise, and Gene, Dan Mintz, Kristen Schall, and Eugene Mirman, get to play with a full range of emotions. This is not to say their characters are one-dimensional or anything, as over time we have gotten to see many different sides of all the characters. But something about the film allows for them to go deeper into the sides often not highlighted in the series.
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In terms of the children, we get to see the opposite of their usual characteristics. Gene and Louise have genuine doubt and questions and Lirman and Schaal get to play in that side of their characters, which not only adds a lot of depth to them, it raises the impact of their usual confidence and belief in themselves. Tina on the other hand largely sits in her usual kind of awkward and shy persona but develops a healthy amount of confidence as events unfold. Mintz gets to really dive into Tina’s issues, but also resolve them throughout the course of the film. Though subtle, Tina/Mintz arc will have fans giving a standing ovation.
Bob and Linda’s journeys are essentially tied together throughout the film. Bob is his usual stressed-out self, while Linda is her usual embodiment of pure positivity. Benjamin and Roberts get to play this up to a new degree, that humanizes their characters. What makes them, more relatable, and more inspiring is when they eventually get to play the opposites. It is a beautifully human moment, that is inspiring, especially in terms of love and marriage. Because while largely sticking to their recognized roles, when they aren’t able to, they are there to support each other and take over when the other can’t.
Hold the Tomatoes
Like any good burger, there can always be something on it that just isn’t for everyone, and the same is true for The Bob’s Burgers Movie. The lack of time for other characters like Teddy, Jimmy Jr., or Regular Sized Rudy is a little disappointing. It makes complete sense, and it doesn’t take away from the film, it’s just a bit of an unfulfilled wish. At least the characters aren’t needlessly round and not given things to do, when they are in, they’re in. They’re just not in very much of the movie.
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The only downside I can think of is that the film might not work for new fans. While fans of the series are likely accustomed to the literal song and dance of the series, it might be a bit random for people expecting an animated feature film, that’s not Disney, to have such sequences. Also, those unfamiliar might be expecting The Simpson– like levels of out there, and might be surprised by the grounded but quirky world of Bob’s Burgers. Personally speaking, the series took time to become a fan of, and the film takes place in the prime levels of quirk already established. Though I think is fun enough to entice new fans to watch the series.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a Meal of Family-Sized Portions
The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes what is great about the series and goes bigger and bolder with more beautiful art and animation. The geniusly grounded and subtle utilization of the limitless animation medium is dialed up to 11 with the film. The film creates a world that seems possible and weird, which I believe is a driving factor in why the series, and the film, connect and resonate with its audience. The performers get to explore their characters and the world in their corner of New Jersey in a more in-depth way than they have been able to do in the series so far.
While the film may not be primed specifically for new audiences, or give much screentime to many of the characters outside of the Belchers, it is still a thoroughly joyous movie for the whole family. The film is full of laughter, hijinks, and also a gripping mystery. Most of all, it shows a powerful family bond of love and support with some of the quirkiest family members and whacky situations. The Bob’s Burgers Movie, like a good meal, is perfect for the entire family.
For being a fantastically fun time, a glowing example of love and support, and making audiences hungry for more, I give The Bob’s Burgers Movie a 4/5.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie releases in theaters on Friday, May 27, 2022. Tickets are available now. Be sure to tune into this week’s We’re Always Watching as Brandon, Caitlin, and I go deep into the movie.
About The Bob’s Burgers Movie
Release date: May 27, 2022 (USA)
Directors: Loren Bouchard, Bernard Derriman
Adapted from: Bob’s Burgers
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Composers: John Dylan Keith; Loren Bouchard; Elegant Too
Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal
Synopsis:
“The Bob’s Burgers Movie” is an animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running Emmy®-winning series. The story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.
Will your buns be in the seats to watch The Bob’s Burgers movie in theaters this weekend? What has been your favorite burger of the day? Do you think there will be burgers inspired by the movies in certain chains across the nation? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to Tweet your reactions to the film at us, we’ll retweet our favorites!
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