After 12 seasons and a two year delay due to the pandemic, the world has finally been gifted Bob’s Burgers… The Movie. Or rather, The Bob’s Burgers Movie. The television show, which debuted on Fox in 2011, has always been a reliable source of sunshine and comfort. Featuring a family that, despite their grumpiness, oddities and quirks, are still loving, inclusive and wholesome.
As with most shows that last more than a decade on television, Bob’s Burgers has suffered its ups and downs in quality, but for the most part, it remains the kind of show you want to watch when you want to escape the dumpster fire that is the real world.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie does not stray very far from the formula that makes the show so popular. Faced with losing the restaurant in seven days if they can’t pay their bank loan, Bob and Linda are determined to have a successful summer. But then a sinkhole opens up in front of the restaurant – an event that’s hinted at throughout season 12 – and within the sinkhole, a skeleton is found, all but ensuring repairs won’t be made in time for Bob and Linda to make enough money to pay their loan. And thus begins a murder mystery/adventure for the entire family as Louise is determined to solve the murder and prove she’s not a baby while also saving the restaurant in the process.
It’s a pretty straight-forward story. One that feels like an extended episode of the show, but that’s one of the things I appreciated about the movie. They don’t try to change what works, or push the boundaries of their PG-13 rating. The writers, producers and actors know exactly what they have with Bob’s Burgers and they use the extra time, money and technology to provide fans with an incredible 102 minute episode.
There is no need to watch Bob’s Burgers before you see the movie – though why wouldn’t you want to? But for those who already watch the show, there are plenty of easter eggs, references to various episodes and special appearances by beloved characters. Nearly everyone gets in on the action and for those who may have been neglected, they get to rock out during the credits.
With a bigger budget for the feature, the hand drawn animation gets an upgrade, providing dimension and shadow for a much more cinematic feel. If you’re a fan of the show, you’re already prepared for the slew of musical numbers. If you’ve never watched the show, then prepare yourself for a slew of musical numbers. With that improved animation, each number is eye-catching, and at times, pretty darn hilarious.
One thing I have always loved about Bob’s Burgers is the love that the family has for one another, even when they’re bickering. The kids fight, but look out for one another. The parents love and support their children, even when they don’t quite understand them. The movie itself highlights this Belcher dynamic during a rather stressful, life or death moment, as Bob reveals the origin story behind Louise’s iconic bunny ears. If it doesn’t tug at your heart strings, I don’t know what will.
With some incredible, absurdist humor, a smarty-written script and lush animation, The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a light-hearted, entertaining way to kick off the summer movie season.
