Moviefone Editorial

Tag: spongebob-squarepants

  • Movie Review: ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’

    SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    Opening in theaters December 19th from Paramount Pictures is ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,’ the newest big screen outing for Bikini Bottom’s favorite sponge.

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    The voice cast is led by series regulars Tom Kenny (‘SpongeBob SquarePants’), Clancy Brown (‘Highlander’), Rodger Bumpass (‘The Running Man’), Bill Fagerbakke (‘Jennifer’s Body’) and Mark Hamill (‘The Long Walk’).

    Related Article: ‘Kamp Koral’ Interviews with Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, and Carolyn Lawrence

    Initial Thoughts

    Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    Long since the original animated series debuted in 1999, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ has become one of the most popular and successful franchises in pop culture. And it has been putting out movies since 2004, in theaters and on Netflix.

    So any new ‘SpongeBob’ movie naturally has the challenge of appealing to the various different fan bases –– with, as usual, a focus on younger audiences who spark to its manic energy.

    Script and Direction

    Gary (Tom Kenny), Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) and Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    Gary (Tom Kenny), Mr. Krabs (Clancy Brown) and Squidward (Rodger Bumpass) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    With a script by ‘South Park’ veteran Pam Brady and Matt Lieberman (‘The Christmas Chronicles’), the new movie also benefits as always from a storyline cooked up by series creatives Marc Ceccarelli and Kaz.

    Essentially, if you’re already a fan of this one (particularly a young one), it features pretty much everything you’d hope for –– silly jokes, wild cutaways, zany energy and more –– and if not, you might wonder what the fuss is all about.

    Cast and Performances

    Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    The regular main cast are all back in their roles, and the usual energy between them is present and correct.

    New this time are Mark Hamill (he replaced Brian Doyle-Murray, the usual actor for the Flying Dutchman), who brings just the right spark to the role, and Regina Hall, who has a nice edge as the Dutchman’s second-in-command, Barb.

    Final Thoughts

    Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    Given that this one originated as a streaming-only title headed for Netflix, but has ended up with a theatrical release, it’s an encouraging sign. And the movie has enough entertainment power to be worthy of the jump.

    And as a bonus, there is a new short film based on ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ attached to the movie, which is a lot of fun in itself.

    ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ receives 65 out of 100.

    SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) and Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) and Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    What’s the story of ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’?

    Desperate to become a “big guy”, SpongeBob, setting out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs, travels to the deepest depths of the ocean to follow the Flying Dutchman.

    Who is in the voice cast of ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’?

    • Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants, Gary the Snail
    • Clancy Brown as Mr. Krabs
    • Rodger Bumpass as Squidward Tentacles
    • Bill Fagerbakke as Patrick Star
    • Regina Hall as Barb
    • Mark Hamill as The Flying Dutchman
    • Carolyn Lawrence as Sandy Cheeks
    • Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston as an amusement park employee
    Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.
    Patrick Star (Bill Fagerbakke) and SpongeBob SquarePants (Tom Kenny) in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ from Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon.

    Movies Featuring SpongeBob SquarePants:

    Buy Tickets: ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ on Amazon

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  • ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ Delayed to 2025

    Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One' from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    Preview

    • The actors’ strike means ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ won’t be ready for next year.
    • The next ‘Mission’ movie is shifting to Memorial Day weekend 2025.
    • With that change, other Paramount movies are changing dates, including ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’.

    The cavalcade of movies being delayed because of the ongoing actors’ strike continues. We recently brought word that ‘Deadpool 3’ was joining the list of movies going into release limbo, and now ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ is facing another date change.

    Work on the two ‘Mission’ movies (‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ finally arrived this year to somewhat disappointing box office figures) has been packed with problems –– especially the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut down shooting almost immediately.

    Despite heroic attempts to keep it going, more delays and problems cropped up. And, of course, with SAG-AFTRA members on strike, that means that the cast cannot work on the film until the issue is resolved.

    Unlike other movies, which have the potential to gear back up quickly once the strike is resolved, ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ has a lot of footage left to shoot and requires globe-trotting travel, multiple crews and huge logistical planning.

    While ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ was scheduled for June 28th next year, it’s now shifted to May 23, 2025, Paramount likely hoping that the Memorial Day weekend will offer a prime opportunity to lure in audiences. It means (barring other movies shifting to the same period) ready access to IMAX screens and a historically successful spot for Cruise movies following ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ last year.

    So now we can add industrial action to Covid on the list of obstacles that Tom Cruise cannot hurdle.

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    When was ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ originally to be released?

    Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One' from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    (L to R) Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One’ from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    This is far from the first release date change for the movie, which was originally scheduled for August 5th, 2022, but was then delayed to November 4th of that year. Yet the tough production schedule meant more changes.

    At one point, it was dated for July 7th of this year, before setting its most recent slot. And now, we’ll have to wait even longer. But knowing Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie and co., it’ll be worth our patience.

    Related Article: ‘Deadpool 3’ Faces Release Date Delay Amidst Actors Strike

    Other movies changing release dates

    Noah Jupe and John Krasinski
    (L-R) Noah Jupe and director John Krasinski and on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “A Quiet Place Part II.”

    ‘Mission’s arrival in May 2025 punts Paramount’s latest animated ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ movie (which has yet to confirm a title) to December 19th of that year, which unfortunately puts it squarely in the crosshairs of the third ‘Avatar’ movie.

    With the June 28th slot opening up next year, Paramount is shifting horror thriller prequel ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ from its planned March launch to that date. The film, which stars Lupita Nyong’o, is set on the day the sound-hunting aliens arrive and start causing chaos.

    Elsewhere, John Krasinski’s latest directorial effort ‘IF’, starring Ryan Reynolds, is moving a week from May 24th to May 17th.

    Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in 'Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning - Part One 'from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.
    Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in ‘Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning – Part One ‘from Paramount Pictures and Skydance.

    List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘Mission: Impossible’ Movies On Amazon

     

  • ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Renewed For Season 13 by Nickelodeon

    ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Renewed For Season 13 by Nickelodeon

    Nickelodeon

    Life in Bikini Bottom will go on. Nickelodeon has renewed “SpongeBob SquarePants” for Season 13.

    “SpongeBob” has been the No. 1 kids animated TV series for the past 17 years and recently aired the special “Spongebob’s Big Birthday Blowout” to mark its 20th anniversary, which ranked as the top-rated kids program for the year.

    To further celebrate the anniversary, Nickelodeon has an 1,800 square-foot booth at Comic-Con this week.

    The show also received an Outstanding Short Form Animated Program Emmy nomination yesterday for the episode“Plankton Paranoia.”

    “SpongeBob SquarePants” Season 13 will bring back voice cast members Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick Star), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward), Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs), Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy Cheeks) and Mr. Lawrence (Plankton), and current show runners Vince Waller and Marc Ceccarelli.

  • A ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Prequel Series Is Headed to Nickelodeon

    A ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Prequel Series Is Headed to Nickelodeon

    Nickelodeon

    Ever wonder what SpongeBob SquarePants was like before he moved into a pineapple in Bikini Bottom? Fans of the beloved Nickelodeon series will find out soon, with a “SpongeBob” prequel series headed to the network.

    Deadline has the scoop on “Kamp Koral,” which is set to follow a 10-year-old SpongeBob as he spends a summer at the titular sleepaway camp. The series has received a 13-episode order, and will be animated with CGI, a departure from the OG show’s signature 2D animated look.

    Here’s the breakdown of the series, according to Deadline:

    In the series, SpongeBob and his pals spend the summer building underwater campfires, catching wild jellyfish, and swimming in Lake Yuckymuck at the craziest camp in the kelp forest, Kamp Koral.

    Sounds pretty delightful to us. And apparently, there’s more where that came from, with Nickelodeon planning additional future “SpongeBob” spinoffs in the coming years. All that extra content is meant to capitalize on the show’s enduring popularity: It’s been the number one kids’ animated program on TV for 17 years and counting, inspiring two feature films (with a third due out next year) and a Tony-nominated Broadway musical.

    There’s no word yet on when audiences can expect to enroll in “Kamp Koral,” though fans of the original series will soon have a big milestone to celebrate: The show’s 20th anniversary. A splashy one-hour special, “SpongeBob’s Big Birthday Blowout,” will mark the occasion. It premieres on July 12.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Tim Conway, ‘Carol Burnett Show’ Star and Comedy Legend, Dies at 85

    Tim Conway, ‘Carol Burnett Show’ Star and Comedy Legend, Dies at 85

    CBS

    Tim Conway, a fixture in TV and movie comedies of the ’60s and ’70s who brought his costars to hysterical tears of laughter on “The Carol Burnett Show,” has died. He was 85.

    In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Conway’s rep confirmed that the actor passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Recent reports indicated that Conway suffered from dementia, and was unable to speak after undergoing brain surgery in September.

    The affable actor, who won five Emmys for acting and writing throughout his career, got his start in radio before transitioning to TV, where a chance encounter with “Dick Van Dyke Show” star Rose Marie connected him to TV star Steve Allen, and a stint on Allen’s series. That led to Conway landing the role of Ensign Charles Parker on “McHale’s Navy,” which ran for four seasons beginning in 1962, and spawned two feature films.

    But Conway is perhaps best remembered for his frequent appearances on “The Carol Burnett Show” (he joined as a regular cast member in 1975), where he made it his mission to make his costars break down in fits of laughter. According to Conway, his frequent target, Harvey Korman, one time wet his pants from laughing so hard at Conway’s antics.

    Though Conway didn’t find much success headlining his own television series once “Burnett” ended in 1978, he appeared on numerous other shows throughout his decades-long career, including “Newhart,” “The Golden Palace,” “Cybill,” “Married … With Children,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Clueless,” “7th Heaven,” “Mad About You,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Yes, Dear,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “Mike & Molly,” among many more. He won guest-acting Emmys for appearances on “Coach” and “30 Rock,” and connected with younger audiences with his regular role of Barnacle Boy on “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

    In addition to his television work, his film roles included “McHale’s Navy,” “McHale’s Navy Joins the Air Force,” “The World’s Greatest Athlete,” “The Apple Dumpling Gang,” “Gus,” “The Shaggy D.A.,” “The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again,” “The Prize Fighter,” The Private Eyes,” and “The Longshot.”

    Conway is survived by his seven children, and his wife, Charlene.

    [via: The Hollywood Reporter]

  • ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Creator Stephen Hillenburg Dead at 57

    ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Creator Stephen Hillenburg Dead at 57

    Nickelodeon

    Very sad to report that Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” has passed away at age 57.

    Hillenburg died of complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) at his home in Southern California, according to THR. He was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in March 2017.

    Nickelodeon announced his death in a tweet today: “We are sad to share the news of the passing of Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of ‘SpongeBob SquarePants.’ Today, we are observing a moment of silence to honor his life and work.”

    Among those remembering Hillenburg today was “The Incredibles” director Brad Bird, who tweeted, “I first discovered ‘SpongeBob’ through my sons, who were loudly singing along with the dopey & memorable theme song downstairs. I came down to see what the ruckus was about and ended up watching my first episode. Many laughs. Many thanks, Steve Hillenburg. May you Rest In Peace.”

    Hillenburg was a former marine biology teacher who went into animation. That combination led to the creation of the beloved Nickelodeon character who lives in a pineapple under the sea.

    “SpongeBob SquarePants” premiered in May 1999 on Nickelodeon. The series, which has aired more than 250 episodes, has won multiple awards, including honors from the British Emmys, the Annies and ASCAP. Hillenburg was nominated nine times for an Emmy but never won.

    There were two “SpongeBob” movies,  2004’s “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” and  2015’s “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water.” It also inspired the Tony-winning “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.”

    “Steve imbued SpongeBob SquarePants with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere,” Nickelodeon said in a statement. “His utterly original characters and the world of Bikini Bottom will long stand as a reminder of the value of optimism, friendship and the limitless power of imagination.”

    RIP, and thanks for all the the krabby patties.

  • ‘The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge’ Will Reveal Origin Story

    ‘The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge’ Will Reveal Origin Story

    SpongeBob SquarePants
    Paramount Pictures

    How did SpongeBob meet the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang?

    We’ll find out in “The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge.” The third title in the “SpongeBob” film franchise is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2020.

    Mireille Soria, president of Paramount Animation, shared more about the film during the VIEW Conference in Turin, Italy.

    According to Cartoon Brew, Soria said the film will indeed feature a “nice homage to the classic movie” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which is teased in the title. But the larger focus of the movie is an origin story:

    “For the first time ever, we’re going to the get to the origin of how little SpongeBob met the rest of the Bikini Bottom gang at summer camp. The film’s opening will take place at Camp Coral when all of our favorite characters meet for the first time.”

    Hans Zimmer is scoring this new film, which will feature new songs from celebrity artists. Tim Hill (“Alvin and the Chipmunks“) is directing.

    “It’s a Wonderful Sponge” will reportedly be the first film to show a full CG version of the SpongeBob universe, while also continuing to feature hybrid scenes with the characters in the live world.

    “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” came out in 2004 and made $140.1 million worldwide. There was a long wait until the next film, “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” came out in 2015. The wait was worth it, at least to the box office, with the film making a whopping $325,186,032 worldwide.

    “The SpongeBob Movie: It’s a Wonderful Sponge” will open in theaters July 17, 2020.

    [Via: Cartoon Brew, Collider]

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  • Don’t Worry, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Isn’t Really Ending This Week

    Pay no attention to those viral messages, saying “SpongeBob SquarePants” will end on Thursday, March 1. The show is currently airing Season 11, and has already been renewed for Season 12, which will air during its 20th anniversary year.

    The offending fake post in question does look “official” …

    … but if you check out the actual official account for the show, that tweet is nowhere to be found.

    Some fans were fooled, while others were just frustrated:


    The official Instagram account made the situation crystal clear:

    Is March Fool’s Day a thing now?

    This isn’t even the first time “SpongeBob” has faced his own TV death hoax. Snopes was on the case back in 2016 when another fake message suggested the show was ending. Instead, the show will continue at least until 2019. Season 12 will have 26 more episodes, Entertainment Weekly revealed. A third “SpongeBob” movie is also coming fairly soon, now scheduled for July 31, 2020.

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  • ‘SpongeBob Square Pants’ Creator Reveals He Has ALS

    Stephen HillenburgSpongeBob SquarePants,” has revealed that he has the neurodegenerative disease ALS, Variety reports.

    The animator, who is 55, issued a statement that he will keep working on the series as long as he can.

    “I wanted people to hear directly from me that I have been diagnosed with ALS.,” the statement reads. “Anyone who knows me knows that I will continue to work on ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ and my other passions for as long as I am able. My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of love and support. We ask that our sincere request for privacy be honored during this time.”

    Nickeleoden, the network that has aired “SpongeBob” since 1999, said in a statement: “Steve Hillenburg is a brilliant creator who brings joy to millions of fans. Our thoughts and support are with Steve and his family during this difficult time. Out of respect for their wishes for privacy, we will have no further comment.”

    A source close to Hillenburg says that the animator is in the early stages of the disease and was only recently diagnosed.

    ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who was first diagnosed in the ’60s, also suffers from a slow-progressing form of the disease. It was originally called “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” after the baseball player who was first diagnosed with it in 1939.

    Hillenburg is a former marine biology teacher who drew on his love of the ocean to create the goodnatured yellow guy “who lives in a pineapple under the sea.” He directed 2004’s “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,” and co-wrote and produced the 2015 sequel.

    Last year Nickelodeon renewed “SpongeBob” for its 10 and 11th seasons.

  • ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ Just Saved Another Kid’s Life

    And they say TV rots your brain. Please. Watching “SpongeBob Square Pants” saves lives, and that was just proven once again at a school in Staten Island, New York.

    According to SILive, when 13-year-old Brandon Williams saw his fellow classmate Jessica Pellegrino choking on an apple during lunch, he knew just what to do, having seen a version of the Heimlich maneuver on “SpongeBob.” The story noted that Brandon is autistic, and his father told the news site, “He picks up on things that most of us would miss, and files it all away in his head, and he can recall it all in an instant. That’s how he knew instantly what to do. And we’re glad he did. We’re proud of him.”

    Apparently the episode in question was when SpongeBob saved Squidward from choking on a clarinet. Zap2it said that particular demonstration has helped kids before, referencing a 2010 ABC News story about a teen saving her friend after watching the same episode.

    “SpongeBob” probably isn’t intended to be used as official medical training, but since it’s working, maybe schools should make that episode required viewing.

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