Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’

Written by Zeke Perez Jr.

Linda Belcher (voiced by John Roberts), Louise Belcher (voiced by Kristen Schaal), Gene Belcher (voiced by Eugene Mirman), Tina Belcher (voiced by Dan Mintz), and Bob Belcher (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) in 20th Century Studios' THE BOB'S BURGERS MOVIE. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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. 

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(L-R): Tina Belcher (voiced by Dan Mintz), Linda Belcher (voiced by John Roberts), Louise Belcher (voiced by Kristen Schaal), Bob Belcher (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), Gene Belcher (voiced by Eugene Mirman), andCalvin Fischoeder (voiced by Kevin Kline) in 20th Century Studios' THE BOB'S BURGERS MOVIE. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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!

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