Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie

This cute, animated sequel to the popular SpongeBob franchise premieres exclusively on Netflix on August 2, 2024. You can learn more about it at www.netflix.com/SavingBikiniBottom

RATING: G

LENGTH: 1 hour 22 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review: https://amzn.to/4d0o3Ym

In an ironic move, today’s featured product is a bendable and poseable Sandy Cheeks. It’s ironic because the plot of the movie is that a greedy CEO played by Wanda Sykes wants to make money by creating products based on Bikini Bottom’s residents called “Sea Pals.”

IN A NUTSHELL:

This new addition to the SpongeBob universe features Sandy Cheeks, the underwater gal-pal. When Bikini Bottom is suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob journey to Sandy’s home state of Texas, where they meet Sandy’s family and must save Bikini Bottom from the hands of an evil CEO. They must save Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and the rest of the gang before time runs out.

The film was directed by Liza Johnson. About the movie, the director stated, “I hope audiences are left with a new understanding of Sandy. I know I took for granted that she just could do her job in Bikini Bottom, have friends, and have a good life. But I think the truth is that all of us, as we grow up, have to find our own way.”

Writing credits go to Kaz, Tom Stern, and Stephen Hillenburg (RIP). This is the 4^th hybrid SpongeBob movie!

THINGS I LIKED:

The movie begins with a musical number by Sandy Cheeks and then dives (pun intended) into the destruction of Bikini Bottom.
Like all SpongeBob episodes and movies, the visual humor is off the charts.
The color palette of the animation is super bright, energetic, and friendly.
I’ve always loved movies that mix animation with live action. The hybrid movie is mostly animation but offers some live action elements once we get into the evil villain’s domain.
The voice talents are provided by Carolyn Lawrence, Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Mr. Lawrence, Rodger Bumpass, Johnny Knoxville, Craig Robinson, Loretta Devine, and many more.
The live-action stars include comedienne Wanda Sykes, Matty Cardarople, and Illia Isorelys Paulino. Matty’s dopey facial expressions always made me laugh out loud.
If you were always a Sandy Cheeks fan, you’ll get a kick out of Sandy’s family and backstory in circus life.
SPOILER: Hundreds of mini SpongeBobs? What’s not to love?
There’s a lot of action and shenanigans.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

True SpongeBob die-hard fans have complained that this movie just feels like a Nickelodeon cash grab. What do YOU think? Do you welcome this with open arms or roll your eyes?
I haven’t decide yet if the twist about the villain is sweet or lame.
Some of the live action scenes with the actors are awkward and wooden. They appeared to have a tough time with the green screen.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Parents of daughters will be happy that Sandy Cheeks is a girl who loves science and marine biology. Yep, this is another Girl Power movie. Carolyn Lawrence who voices Sandy stated, “I’m glad that after 25 years, Sandy’s getting her moment. She’s been such a phenomenal character for girls and women because she is an atypical animated character. She’s highly capable.”
Lots of animated destruction
SPOILER: An evil villain has good intentions in her heart. Talk to your kids about whether that gives her permission to do bad things.
No profanity
Sea creatures requiring water are in danger on dry land.

THEMES:

Friendship
Science
Marine Biology
Family

FUNNY LINES:

“B.O.O.T.S.? I thought you made science. Ya think you know someone.” – SpongeBob (Tom Kenny)
“I’m getting flap-slapped.” – SpongeBob (Tom Kenny)
“Soon there will be a SpongeBob for every household!” – Sue Nahmee (Wanda Sykes)
“All I’m good for is scampering.” – Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence)
“You’re such a sucker! I can’t believe you made us follow through with Sue’s evil plan!” – Phoebe (Ilia Isorely’s Paulino) “Hello. She bought us a vending machine!” – Kyle (Matty Cardarople) “With money from our paychecks!” – Phoebe (Ilia Isorely’s Paulino) “We get paychecks?” – Kyle (Matty Cardarople)

INTERESTING LINES:

“You’re my family! And I don’t turn my back on kin!” – Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence)
“You’re not in jail?” – Sandy Cheeks (Carolyn Lawrence) “Not unless you call society and all its rules a jail.” – Randy Cheeks (Johnny Knoxville)