Film Review - The Bob’s Burgers Movie
Images courtesy of The Walt Disney Company.
Before I start this review let’s all lend a hand to the bravery of Bob’s Burgers: in an age where streaming platforms eat movies like for breakfast, Spielberg would be proud that the Belchers made it to the annals of big screen history.
Like The Simpsons Movie, that first South Park movie, and The Smurfs before it, The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes what works in a 20-minute format and balloons it through sheer convolution to accommodate the silver screen. But unlike when Homer almost destroyed a town, Bob can’t pay his rent, or his loan, depending on his priorities. The sinkhole feels like a familiar plot line, but you’d be surprised to know that the hole that’s eating Bob’s business brings him nothing but pain.
The misery in this movie builds up to a delightful threshold before it decides to shift gears when the b-plot gets distracted. The murder mystery remains consistent and focused but after Bob’s life goes from rock bottom to buried alive, familiar faces come and go as the parents seem like a side-show while the kids carry the movie with their hijinks. While Hugo the health inspector made a fine appearance, it stood out as something with a whole lot more potential in a movie that didn’t have enough time.
Not to say that Bob’s Burgers felt short - the time flew by as I admired the sublime mix of slick animation with basic character designs - but some moments felt rushed. Certainly not the generous amount of screen time they afforded our favourite greased up landlord, who finds himself as a central character throughout. Other aspects of the series are also fleshed out like Louise’s surprising fight with the voices in her head. Maybe I missed it in the TV show, but I haven’t seen this side of her before, which is exactly what you want from a new entry to a 12 season show.
What I was more familiar with was the Belchers forays into musical numbers, and this movie hams it up to 11 off the bat with a song worthy of an Oscar nomination. None shine as bright as the first song, but where some fumble with their catchiness, all get low with their boogies. The animation truly excels when characters are moving like liquid and the scene lights up as every extra on the screen moves in hypnotising unison.
Everyone I asked about The Bob’s Burgers Movie didn’t know it existed, and I’m ashamed to say this slipped under my radar up until its release as well. If it is destined for hidden gem status, it will fit right in with the show’s legacy in this truly underrated franchise.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie is screening in cinemas from Thursday the 26th of May. For tickets and more info, click here.