The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (Widescreen Edition)

2004 was a great year for children's movies. First we had Shrek 2, The Incredibles and then SpongeBob Squarepants made an appearance on the big screen. If you?re in the mood for inane silliness, The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie might be just your thing.

Having never seen the television show, I was unsure what to expect. The big surprise is that SpongeBob Squarepants is very fresh and clever, with humor occasionally riding the line to bad taste, but never crossing. SpongeBob is rated PG for some crude humor, though the innuendo is always cleverly disguised so as to go right over he young ones heads while still give the adults a good chuckle. I mean, what adult can?t resist a snicker upon hearing ?Everyone in Bikini Bottom wants to know how you got Krabby Patties??

The story is engaging enough; SpongeBob and his starfish friend Patrick must leave their underwater haven, Bikini Bottom to find King Neptune?s missing crown, which has been stolen away to dangerous Shell City. The duo?s crazy adventures bring them to an undersea biker bar, and a beach guarded by none other than David Hasselhoff. Other big names alongside the original television cast include Scarlett Johansson and Alec Baldwin.

If there?s a problem with SpongeBob, it might just be that the gags are a little too targeted toward adults. The children I saw the film with are too young for Baywatch, so David Hasselhoff?s appearance was just bizarre for them. Also, toward the end there?s a reference to David Lee Roth that will be completely lost on the younger set. Still, SpongeBob has a crazed and zany pace that will entertain viewers of all ages. From the pair getting inebriated on an excess of ice cream, all the way to a thrilling climax atop David Hasselhoff?s glistening calves, The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie will be enjoyed by everyone.