Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie' Divides the Critics

         On August 2, 2024, Netflix released the latest entry into the iconic 'Spongebob Squarepants' franchise, which is also the first movie spin-off for a supporting Bikini Bottom resident, 'Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie', which has divided the critics. With a score of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes currently, the film is on the cusp of becoming "fresh" though. In the film, Sandy and Spongebob jump into action when Bikini Bottom is held hostage in a Texas laboratory run by a nefarious business tycoon who intends to turn the inhabitants into a series of children's toys. Can the duo save the day and return Bikini Bottom to the ocean before it is too late? The ensemble cast includes Carolyn Lawrence, Tom Kenny, Wanda Sykes, Clancy Brown, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Johnny Knoxville, Grey DeLisle, Craig Robinson, and Mr. Lawrence. But what did the critics have to say? 

        Catherine Bray of Guardian praises the film, stating, "But as ever with SpongeBob, the message is very much secondary to the entertainingly madcap medium, which in this instalment mixes animation with raucous live action – though the live-action elements are hardly striving for realism, with sets and costumes goofy and larger than life. It’s all manically enjoyable, especially for the core demographic (my seven-year-old niece said she would give the film four stars). For general viewers, it may not pack as much of an emotional punch, but like SpongeBob himself, it’s thoroughly absorbing."

        Peter Debruge of Variety writes,"Sporting blue-tinted hair styled in an elaborate wave, Sue is embodied by an incredibly game (but not especially good) Wanda Sykes, who gives one of those showboat-y family-movie performances that make your skin crawl. Parker Posey nailed it in “Josie and the Pussycats,” and Carol Burnett’s campy turn in “Annie” is classic, but over-the-top is tough to pull off, and Sykes has the doubly tricky task of acting opposite all manner of computer-generated marine life. The resulting awkwardness could be as much director Liza Johnson’s fault as Sykes’, as the comedian can’t seem to find where to position her body or her eyelines in order to convincingly interact with her animated co-stars."

        Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com notes, "Inspired moments remain in “Saving Bikini Bottom” (including a chase inside a water park), and it connects as intended for the most part." Adding, “Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” is a spin-off endeavor from the world of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The goofy yellow sponge was last seen on-screen in 2020’s “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run,” a lackluster effort that definitely showed franchise fatigue. The beloved character is back, but he’s in a supporting role this time around, with “Saving Bikini Bottom” focusing on Sandy Cheeks and her brand of adventure, taking the series to the heart of Texas for some dry land shenanigans. Never fear, the whole Bikini Bottom gang is here, albeit in small roles, but some of the old “SpongeBob SquarePants” flavoring is present in the feature. Just not enough of it, as director Liza Johnson (“Hateship Loveship,” “Elvis & Nixon”) makes a perfectly acceptable diversion with the film, but it’s far from remarkable or even hilarious, showing reliance on aggressive cartoon action that wears out its welcome long before the picture concludes."

        Joshua Ryan of FandomWire says, "For children of a certain age, primarily those six-years-old and younger, Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie will provide the necessary colors and sounds to possibly endure the feature-length runtime."

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst