REVIEW: ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’ is a Treat, Plain and Simple

Television’s lovably awkward Belcher family is stepping off the small screen and into theaters for The Bob’s Burgers Movie. Finally! Hold onto your buns, fans, you’re in for it. In The Bob’s Burgers Movie, it seems that the Belcher family’s luck has finally run out. Just before a major tourist weekend, a sinkhole forms in front of the restaurant – essentially shutting Bob’s Burgers down. With the bank closing in and the situation growing more dire by the minute, Bob and Linda scramble to save their business while the Belcher kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family.

Bob’s Burgers creator, Loren Bouchard, runs the kitchen as writer and director and is joined by the talents of Bernard Derriman, Jim Dauterive, and Nora Smith. The entire Belcher family is present and accounted for, with voice performances by H. Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, Dan Mintz, John Roberts, and Eugene Mirman. Fans of the series will also recognize the vocal talents of Zach Galifianakis, David Herman, Gary Cole, Kevin Kline, Larry Murphy, and many more!

The Bob’s Burgers Movie takes everything that there is to love about the beloved series and turns up the dial. All of the essential ingredients that give the show its iconic quirkiness are there, with a high-gloss Hollywood polish. The benefit of enhanced, cinema-quality animation boosts The Bob’s Burgers Movie as an impressive cartoon feature and flows beautifully into the absurdist action and… dare I say… sophisticated musical numbers. In a similar vein, Bob’s Burgers has been delivering musical treats to fans for years – the film takes these short ditties and expands them into hilarious glory. Verses on verses of witty lyrics, matched by stunning animated choreography. The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a meaty musical comedy with all the fixings. An absolute treat for long-time fans of the show, with so much to offer viewers that are only just being introduced to the Belchers.

Regrettably, the limitations of a theatrical run-time really do feel like limitations on The Bob’s Burgers Movie. Favorite side characters from the show pass quietly in the background, as nothing more than a visual exclamation point for fans of the show. Bob’s Burgers has a wealth of inside jokes, story arcs, and characters and a film only has room for so much. To put it plainly, The Bob’s Burgers Movie doesn’t take advantage of the full world and the effect for fans is that the references that do make it in feel indiscriminate and random.

Is this the worst thing? No. But it does leave something to be desired.

The film reads like an extra-long, very special episode of the show. On the one hand, that leaves the film with threads fluttering in the wind – very few things are neatly tied off. There’s no finality to The Bob’s Burgers Movie which could have the cooling effect of lowering the stakes. On the other hand, those loose ends point to the possibility. Possibilities for the show and possibilities for fans. The fact that the film feels so much like the show is a strength. It’s a promise of fun.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie understands why its fans keep coming back for more and delivers that up on a plate. It’s a simple pleasure, a good time, and a light-hearted film that invites viewers to relax and enjoy. Honestly, an ideal recipe for a summer comedy. Looking for something familiar, funny, and heartfelt? The Bob’s Burger Movie has your order up.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie will be served up only in theaters on May 27, 2022.