Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
(20th Century Studios)
By Lucas Allen
After it premiered on the FOX network in January 2011, the animated show “Bob’s Burgers” slowly gained a cult audience while competing with other long-running shows like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” Much like Springfield’s family before them, the Belcher family has now made their leap to the silver screen with “The Bob’s Burgers Movie.” Made by the same people behind the popular series, this’ll likely satisfy the show’s fans while giving the unconverted something worth trying for nearly an hour and 45 minutes.
The Belchers are about to experience the start of a brand-new summer in each their own way. Bob (H. Jon Benjamin), along with his supportive wife Linda (John Roberts) are looking forward to their small family restaurant generating big business during the season. As for their kids, older sister Tina (Dan Mintz) wants to ask out a cute student, brother Gene (Eugene Mirman) hopes to perform with his band at the local state fair, and youngest sister Louise (Kristen Schaal) is tired of others calling her a “baby.” When a ruptured water pipe forms a large sinkhole in front of the burger place, leaving customers unable to enter, plans change.
Making matters worse, a dead body is discovered in the hole, which leads to the arrest of the family’s landlord, Calvin Fischoeder (Kevin Kline), by Sgt. Bosco (Gary Cole). While Bob and Linda try to save their business with the help of their loyal customer Teddy (Larry Murphy), the kids try to solve the murder in hopes of keeping their landlord out of jail. Their investigation soon leads to some sinister activity going on at the state fair involving Calvin’s brothers Felix (Zach Galifianakis) and Grover (David Wain).
One thing that carries over from the show to the film is its sharp writing. The dialogue and situations don’t feel forced down by convention, but instead let character and actions drive the story. The animation has that smooth quality considering its hand drawn approach with great looking colors. It’s great to see a traditional 2D animated feature on the big screen when a high majority of CG-animated films has become the norm.
As for the comedy, it’s one of those films where your mileage may vary on your overall enjoyment. Fans will likely feel very comfortable with the off-the-wall, dry humor. Those new to its animated world may or may not have that same level of enthusiasm. If anything, the movie produces some marginal laugh-out-loud moments, leaning more toward small chuckles. While not as gut-busting as “The Simpsons Movie,” this movie still knows how to find anything hilarious at the right time.
Much like the series, the voice cast are basically a bunch of comedic actors trying to give their characters the most obnoxiously fitting voices possible. Again, as with the humor, what works for the fans can possibly divide first-time viewers. It can also be questionable for newbies when it comes to the film’s three catchy songs performed by the cast that’s supposed to sound that way. But for those coming into this cold, you’ll likely find something to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of the show, “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” will be a hilarious good time at the movies. The uninitiated will have more of a first-time experience before deciding whether or not to start watching the series. Either way, it’s good enough when served on a platter.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for rude/suggestive material and language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 Stars (Out of Four)
