Review: Filmmakers could have cut out some fat in 'The Bob's Burgers Movie'
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Moviegoers have them to thank for “The Bob’s Burger Movie,” a film with just a little too much fat for its own good. It opens in theaters only — sorry, kids, no streaming — this week.
In its best 30-minute episodes, “Bob’s Burgers” is an irreverent look at a family trying to keep its head above water financially with its members joint-led by put-upon pop and burger chef Bob Belcher (H. Jon Benjamin) and wife Linda, along with offspring — angsty Tina, son Gene and brilliant and precocious 9-year-old Louise. In its worst episodes? It’s background noise and less than must-see-TV.
Unfortunately, it’s more of the latter than former in its cinematic outing as it falls victim to a one-hour and 42-minute runtime, an eternity for an animated film. “The Simpsons Movie,” based on the GOAT animated series, clocked in at 15 minutes fewer and proved decidedly more enjoyable in its only big screen adventure.
‘Bob's Burgers’ is more dull than satirically razor sharp
To be fair, the Belcher family and its eccentric group of friends and relatives have always been an acquired taste, and the brand of humor associated with the series has always been hit or miss — satirically razor sharp in some shows or dull in others.
Despite the occasional one-liner delivered by Louise (of course), the movie falls into the latter categorically and is only further hamstrung by not knowing exactly what it is, courtesy of several thrown-in musical numbers (yes, seriously) that generally add nothing to the proceedings.
And what exactly are those proceedings?
As the Belchers deal with yet another financial crisis — the unwillingness of their bank to extend their loan payment due date — they find their collective lives turned upside down. When it rains, it pours for the Belchers. Knowing they have a week to come up with their payment, they go into scramble mode. Fate has plans as well, as a huge sinkhole opens in front of their restaurant.
That fact crimps their plans even more because their landlord, Calvin Fischoeder (Oscar winner Kevin Kline) expects their rent payment in one week. They’re not exactly going to be able to pull that off considering the hole blocking the entrance to their restaurant.
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Adding to the misery? In a fit to prove her bravery, Louise, with the help of her siblings, lowers herself into the hole only to discover a skeleton, drawing the family into a 6-year-old murder mystery. Where the Belchers go, so does the eccentric cast of characters in “Bob’s Burgers.”
‘Bob's Burgers’ fans still may be attracted to full-length film
Ultimately, that may prove an attraction for many, but in watching the animated series, I’ve learned that it is more hit and miss than consistently funny. For every one-liner that a viewer needs to hit the rewind button for, there’s another joke that just misses the mark. That’s not difficult to contend with in half-hour increments, but in a feature-length film? It can prove painful.
Then there’s the matter of the musical numbers that filmmakers Loren Bouchard, one of the series’ creators, and Bernard Derriman jackhammer in place to the detriment of pacing and narrative.
What can’t be denied: “Bob’s Burgers” fans — and based on my conversations in recent days there are more than a few — are looking forward to this cinematic excursion. They may certainly find it to their liking.
George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal. Reach him at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas
Details
Movie: “Bob’s Burgers”
Cast: H. Jon Benjamin, Kevin Kline, Kristen Schaal, Gary Cole
Directed by: Loren Bouchard, Bernard Derriman
Running time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for rude/suggestive material and language
Grade: C
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Review: 'The Bob's Burgers Movie' weighed down by fat
