The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
(Paramount Animation, Mikros Image, Nickelodeon Movies)
Director: Tim Hill
Release Date: August 14, 2020 (Canada); Early 2021 (U.S. PVOD)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%
Synopsis: SpongeBob and Patrick seek to rescue SpongeBob’s snail pal Gary, who has been kidnapped by King Poseidon and taken to the lost Atlantic City.
Director Talk: “Everyone comes together to help SpongeBob because of all the things he has done for them. It’s a celebration of creativity and humor, and by extension, it’s an homage to what Steve [Hillenberg, SpongeBob’s creator] gave to all of us during his lifetime.” — Tim Hill
The Word: “‘I’m so confused,’ said my 10-year old, reacting to the movie’s strange distractions and delights while barely hanging onto the throwaway plot.” — Radheyan Simonpillai, NOW Toronto
Nomination Chances: Everybody loves SpongeBob, though like its previous franchise features, this one is unlikely to soak up a nomination.