Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’.
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At long last, the Belchers have made it to the big screen! The project has been cooking for quite some time, factoring in both the show's longevity and the pandemic delays that pushed back the release date. The finished product that is plated up is a delight. It brings together the full voice cast for a full-length adventure full of twists and turns and rapid humor. 
 
With a universe that spans 12 television seasons, the movie feels well-contained and compact in the characters it focuses on. While we get cameos, bit parts, and one-liners from a vast chunk of others, the main storyline follows the Belcher family, with each member getting their own plot point and motivation. Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (John Roberts) struggle to pay their business loan for the restaurant. Tina (Dan Mintz) yet again looks to woo Jimmy Junior, this time trying to build the courage to ask him to be her summer boyfriend. Gene (Eugene Mirman) invents a new instrument using restaurant items while he dreams of landing a big gig for his band. And, in the film’s most moving character arc, Louise (Kristen Schaal) tries to prove to her classmates - and, more importantly, to herself - that she’s brave and not a baby like some think. 
 
As each character goes through their own internal struggle, they all collectively face the external challenges of both a sinkhole in front of the restaurant and a murder mystery hitting the town. Fans of the show may have noticed the sidewalk cracking and the sinkhole forming very gradually during the opening credits of a season 12 episode, leading nicely into a pivotal moment in the film. At the same time, Wonder Wharf becomes the center of a homicide investigation as landlord Calvin Fischoeder is brought in for the murder of one of the Wharf’s employees. 

The Bob’s Burgers Movie excels because of its familiarity. The movie does all of the things the show does well. It’s full of equal parts charm and silliness. It’s fast-paced and quick-witted, with puns, visual gags, and subtle asides pouring in for the full runtime. It features a handful of large musical numbers and dance routines (the one with Louise and the carnies is spectacular!). It does push its animation style to look grander and sharper, but only in a couple big scenes that swoop around the town. Unlike some other live-action or animated TV shows that tried to do too much to expand their universe when making the leap to a feature film, this feels more like an extended episode of the show and delivers on what its fans love. 
 
The fact that it stays in its lane doesn’t mean that it comes off like a stale sesame seed bun; it actually feels like a few big payoff moments that were built in the show were saved specifically for the movie. The Belchers work together to solve the murder and the sinkhole problems, while each of their personal conflicts is resolved through some genuinely touching moments. Gene plays a show in front of an adoring crowd during a festival at the Wharf. Tina finally gets a moment with Jimmy Junior that’s long been teased on TV but has never materialized. And Louise steals the show, summoning the bravery to lead the family out of danger and learning the true story behind her bunny ears that she relies on as a security blanket through a truly sweet and emotional scene with Bob and Linda. Everything comes neatly together as the Belcher’s re-re-re-re-open their restaurant (with a customary banner, of course). 
 
Like a burger that Bob has been working to find all the right ingredients for, the movie was worth the wait. It brings the humor and heart that the cast so perfectly embodies now. The storyline is both contained but layered, taking the main characters to new heights while giving side characters like the Fischoeders and Teddy chances to shine. There are Easter eggs galore from throughout the 12 seasons and even the end credits bring a parade of characters from episodes past (be sure to stick around for a post-credits sequence, too!). It’s a brisk movie full of lighthearted fun that is sure to ease you into the summer season. Get your buns in the theater for The Bob’s Burgers Movie, opening May 27th!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘We Need to Talk’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we live in quite the amazing time. Because not only are we able to connect with anyone around the globe on a moment’s notice through technology, but that same technology has given rise to a new kind of star, the internet celebrity. That person who decades ago might have spent their life toiling about in meaningless jobs while dreaming of a life where they could have legions of adoring fans and a platform to do what they love. But now, with a little investment in the right gear and the right attitude and hook, anyone can become a star and so many have, and it is just incredible to see and hear the success stories that have come out this technological revolution.
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But while it is indeed amazing to see so many sidestep the traditional system and enjoy the success they deserve and share their talents with the world, becoming a sensation in this manner, does have its drawbacks. In that, some folks that obtain fame and fortune, don’t deserve it, and quickly reveal themselves to be nothing more than walking trash, the kind that are so foul they sully this path for others by creating hesitation for others to follow them when they have a similar hook. Plus, some aren’t prepared for the power of fame and how it can transform a person, and that leads to them losing touch with reality and their humility. Which begs quite the question, in that, how does one keep a person that has enjoyed internet fame grounded, all so they don’t become a ‘Whatever Happened to...’ piece on a gossip website?

Well as it turns out, there’s a brand-new motion picture out that explores the answer to that that very question and that makes We Need to Talk, quite the fascinating film. For this is a story that plunges us into the world of internet fame by introducing us a to man named Scott. Whom just so happens to be a famous ViewTuber that runs the ‘Great Scott Gamer’ channel and well, make no mistake about it… Scott has it all. Because his channel is a huge success, to the point where he gets to review the hottest games before they come out and he’s got a great girlfriend named Aly and the sky really is the limit. That is until Aly lets him know one random day, that the time has come for them to have an important talk and being forced to face the unknown, and reality, when it comes to the topic she wants to discuss, rattles him like never before.

Because in essence, Aly’s decision to ask Scott to talk, finally forces him to realize that the life he leads isn’t quite as wonderful as he thought it was. Sure, he has millions of adoring fans that tune in often to see what he has to say about games, but he neglects Aly, and he doesn’t really give her what she emotionally needs. Not to mention, he really keeps everyone at bay and makes the channel his priority and that puts him at a crossroads. One where he needs to figure out how to balance life and the dream he leads and/or if that balance is even possible, because of what fame provides him with. Which brings forth beautiful commentary on what internet fame has done to people and how technology in general has taught us to connect with worlds that don’t provide us with what we really need… which is that all-important human connection.

But while that commentary is welcome and definitely gives one pause, there was mention of the fact that this motion picture works to answer the mysterious question that plagues people in Scott’s position and well, what is said here is quite powerful. For it informs us that those of us who are lucky enough to find this kind of fame, need to be surrounded with people that keep us connected to the real world and give us a life beyond our digital one. And they need to be GOOD people as well, the kind that genuinely care about who we are and not what we can do for them, and if we can find that, and receive honest feedback from those same people about where we are… then wonders can be accomplished and the superstar career that so many dream of… can be sustained for years on end.

Which seems like a simplistic answer to what looks like a complex problem, but it is the right answer for certain. Because it is the fantasies we reside in that are complex in nature. If anything, that wonderful analysis makes for one endearing movie, one that is also quite fun in nature. Thanks to some delightful laughs present, which makes the material accessible and palatable and not a download in the slightest. Plus, it features some quality performances that feel real and honest and well, if you’re looking for an uplifting movie that examines a brewing problem in our world in a fun and realistic and heartfelt light, then fire up your favorite streaming device and give this gem a look. You’ll be glad you did. 

With the latest film in the MCU, we have gained even more insight into the world we have all grown to know and love. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a ride unlike any other MCU movie. This takes us across a Multiverse into places we have never dreamed of going. While it didn’t make us ask, ‘What If?…’ it did leave us wanting more. Companied with the shows released on Disney+, Multiverse of Madness brought one particular show to the forefront and drew a connection unlike any other.
 
In the long-awaited sequel to Doctor Strange, we are fully introduced to Stephen’s magical abilities like never before. Seeing Wong embrace his Sorcerer Supreme title was well worth the tease we got from Spider-Man: No Way Home​, since it pays off in this movie. As it so happens, magic really isn’t anything to be messing with. The fragility of the Multiverse is strikingly poignant throughout the film. While Loki teased the dangers of the Multiverse, Multiverse of Madness shies away from nothing.

Doctor Strange has always been one of the more Avant-garde comics, and both movies have had a lot of odd elements at play. Choosing to showcase Sorcery and the full array of the mystic arts was a bold choice in this film, couple that with some of the darker elements, and you have one of the best Marvel films to date. Multiverse of Madness might not be for everyone, but it is a genuinely enjoyable movie that will have every Marvel fan gasping with glee.
 
Visually, this film is a masterpiece, much like its predecessor, keeping with the same whimsical themes and adding in a touch of horror components makes this one of the most unique MCU films to date. Be warned as there is some graphically violent imagery, and just a bit of the unsettling. This movie, however, has it all in spades and promises a great time for any Marvel fan.

Multiverse of Madness has put its own spin on things, and while technically a sequel, this does not chronologically take place immediately after Doctor Strange. In fact, this film goes beyond the traditional sequel. And, if you’re worried you need to watch any of the shows that aired on Disney+ or any of the movies following the first Doctor Strange film, Multiverse of Madness does a great job of catching you up on anything and everything you need to know. That being said, seeing every Marvel movie and show, always helps with the little Easter eggs, especially if you’ve read the comics. All in all, this was easily a top tier Marvel movie, cementing itself into the favorites quite quickly! A fun, imaginative ride with a darker spin on our favorite Sorcerer.