Bob Belcher and his family made the leap to the big screen, and the movie demonstrates why fans of the recently renewed 13th season of Bob’s Burgers adore the animated sitcom. All 238 episodes of Bob’s Burgers adhere steadfastly to Murphy’s Law, the proverb that “whatever can go wrong, will go wrong.” Each show’s zany, entertaining plots make it nearly impossible to choose a favorite. The film is currently available on Hulu and HBO Max.
The transition from television to The Bob’s Burgers Movie, billed as a “musical comedy-mystery-adventure,” is seamless. On the surface, the big-screen debut resembles one of the show’s special two-part musical episodes, but it is not the same as viewing an episode on a larger screen. Anyone can enjoy The Bob’s Burgers Movie thanks to the fact that dialogue is not cluttered by unnecessary explanation.
Briefly, the show focuses on the daily exploits of the Belcher family and their comparatively quiet burger joint. A ruptured water main creates a massive sinkhole in front of the family’s restaurant as they daydream about their summer plans. While the bank threatens foreclosure, Bob (H. John Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) look for ways to keep the business operating. In the interim, their children devise their own plan to save the restaurant.
Writer and director Loren Bouchard utilizes the show’s strengths, such as clever puns and catchy songs, but he does not rest on his laurels. Instead, Bouchard improves and polishes every aspect of the series that fans adore.
While the film is accessible to newcomers, it is a real treat for those who have seen all 12 seasons. The animators never miss an opportunity to include references and callbacks to previous episodes. There was always something hidden in the background of a scene, whether it was the crossing guard who moonlights as a witch (season 7, episode 3), Jordan Cagan/Ghost Boy’s graffiti tag (season 6, episode 2), or the popular recess game Ga-Ga Ball (season 8, episode 9).
The elevated script also provides a closer look at the maturation of the children. Gene, Louise, and Tina are making ambitious plans and conducting a personal inventory as summer approaches. Tina (Dan Mintz) hopes to make Jimmy Jr. her “summer boyfriend” but struggles to take the necessary steps. Gene (Eugene Mirman) creates a new instrument out of a napkin dispenser, elastic bands, and a spoon. When reviews are unfavorable, he loses confidence in his devotion to music.
20th Century Studio Productions
Possibly, the film focuses particularly on Louise, the youngest Belcher (Kristen Schaal). Her seemingly impregnable precocious confidence is shaken when a classmate refers to her as a baby because she is wearing her signature pink bunny ears. Fans have long speculated about the significance of Louise’s “ears,” but The Bob’s Burgers Movie provides a surprising and heartfelt explanation. (There are minor spoilers ahead.)
Louise searches for a way to demonstrate her bravery after her bravery is called into question. She recruits Tina and Gene to record her midnight descent into the sinkhole in front of the restaurant. Louise falls into the pit and, while attempting to climb out, unearths a human skeleton by accident. The discovery reverberates throughout the city.
When Louise effortlessly devises plans, talks her way out of trouble, and outsmarts adults, it is easy to forget that she is only nine years old. The Bob’s Burgers Movie provides viewers with more than the familiar atmosphere of the series: depth, vulnerability, and development of the show’s characters as they face relatable problems. And it does so without diminishing enjoyment.
20th Century Studio Productions
A murder mystery plot feels somewhat darker and more mature for the universe of Bob’s Burgers, but the consistency of the characters and the film’s overall energy make the twist less jarring. The script’s risks pay off because it stays true to the show’s central theme: family is the most important thing. Every episode concludes with the Belchers reuniting and solving problems as a family, despite the cliche nature of this statement (though not in the Brady Bunch way you might be imagining).
When the villain is revealed, the film lags slightly, but this is not a deal-breaker. Before the credits roll, all loose ends are resolved, and the film appears to have set the stage perfectly for season 13. You probably do not need to watch the film to be prepared for the new season, but I can almost guarantee that references will be made in the new scripts.
It’s likely that The Bob’s Burgers Movie will be available on streaming services in the future, but this film is well worth seeing in the theater. Oh, and be sure to stay for the scene after the credits.
