Movie Review: SpongeBob Returns With Wild Energy in Search for SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is back on the big screen with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, a high-energy animated adventure that blends childhood fears with surreal humor. Bikini Bottom’s most optimistic resident just wants one thing: to be tall enough to ride the biggest roller coaster at Captain Booty Beard’s Fun Park.

When SpongeBob (voiced by Tom Kenny) finally reaches the required height, excitement quickly gives way to fear. The film smartly captures a universal childhood truth—being ready on paper does not mean being ready at heart.

A Small Lie Leads to Big Consequences

Trouble begins when SpongeBob breaks a promise to his boss, Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown), about riding the coaster together. Mr. Krabs responds by recounting his own heroic past, claiming he once earned a swashbuckler certificate by defeating the legendary Flying Dutchman.

Determined to prove he is no longer a “bubble-blowing baby,” SpongeBob sets off on a dangerous quest of his own. Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) joins him, turning the journey into a familiar yet frantic buddy adventure.

A Wild Trip to the Underworld

The quest leads SpongeBob and Patrick to the underworld, guided by the Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) and his sarcastic assistant Barb (Regina Hall). This strange realm becomes one of the film’s standout elements.

Visually, it resembles a surreal tiki bar filled with smooth-jazz sirens, oddball monsters and skeleton guards that can be defeated with laughter. The humor is strange, fast-paced and unapologetically silly, staying true to the franchise’s long-established style.

New Animation, Same Absurd Spirit

Directed by SpongeBob veteran Derek Drymon and written by Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman, Search for SquarePants marks a shift to full 3D animation. The change may feel jarring at first, especially after the hand-drawn Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles short that precedes the film.

While the new look does not necessarily enhance the storytelling, the irreverent energy remains intact. Meta jokes, fourth-wall breaks and even brief live-action chaos in Santa Monica keep the movie lively and unpredictable.

A Story That Stays Kid-Focused

Rather than tackling grand, abstract themes, the film stays grounded in the small but powerful concerns of childhood. Fear of new experiences, pressure to grow up and anxiety about losing close friendships form the emotional backbone of the story.

That focus gives the movie genuine warmth beneath its chaos, reminding audiences why SpongeBob continues to resonate with younger viewers.

A Legacy That Lives On

SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg died in 2018, but his unique world continues to thrive. While Search for SquarePants may not be the strongest entry in the franchise, its joyful absurdity and sincere heart remain unmistakable.

The film runs 96 minutes and is rated PG for rude humor, action and some scary images. It opens in theaters Friday.