Review of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run (2020) by Player2-Water — 13 Mar 2021

E-Value: 8.

Acting: 8.

Plot: 6.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the theatres to close down until further notice, the third SpongeBob theatrical movie was released digitally on Netflix outside of the USA while Canada have a theatrical release three months ago.

It is a fine and normal day in Bikini Bottom until Mr. Krabs’ archnemesis and business rival, Plankton, tries to steal the Krabby Patty formula once again. However, his plan keep getting indirectly ruined by SpongeBob SquarePants (Kenny), who is totally unaware of what is going on. While trying to find a way to get rid of SpongeBob, Plankton come across a royal decree from King Poseidon (Berry).

According to the decree, King Poseidon demand a snail for his own use. Taking advantage of this, Plankton abduct Gary and deliver him to the king knowing that SpongeBob would look for him. As expected, SpongeBob soon discovers Gary’s disappearance and leaves Bikini Bottom without telling anyone.

With the help from his best friend, Patrick Star, they go on an adventure to rescue Gary from King Poseidon, who resides in the Atlantic City. Along the way, they receive some guidance from Sage (played by Keanu Reeves) to help them in their journey.

Some people say a third movie is always the worst chapter in a trilogy. In this case, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run is not one of them. This movie still retains the same charms from the first two movies and the TV series. The movie is filled with humours and heartwarming moments along with some character developments. Despite the movie transition from traditional 2D animation to CGI animation, it does not ruin the experience of watching this movie. That said, the animation is great and well done.

As for the cast, everyone has done a great voice acting performance and it’s really great to have everyone from the TV series to reprise their role for the movie unlike Scoob! which was released few months ago. It is also great to see some celebrities making humourous cameos in the movie. Keanu Reeves once again stole the show by proving to everyone that he can play a comedic role just like his voice role in 2019’s Toy Story 4.

Although this is the third movie, you don’t actually need to watch the first two movies to understand this one. The plot is completely standalone and have nothing to do with previous two movies. However, the plot of this movie is not exactly new or original because this movie rehash a similar plot of the first movie. Two characters go on a journey to another city retrieve a McGuffin that triggers the event of the movie. Nevertheless, the movie is still fun to watch and I definitely recommend this movie especially if you are a fan of SpongeBob.