Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie Review: A fun addition to the SpongeBob universe

Even someone unfamiliar with the SpongeBob cartoon will at least know the image of the yellow square sponge with his big round eyes and protruding white teeth because it has long been a worldwide phenomenon. Netflix's new film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie hails from the universe of SpongeBob. On the periphery, it is a delightful animation film that enchants with its straightforwardness. It's not overly intricate, ensuring the audience can easily follow and revel in the adventure of its characters, who exude sheer charm and goofiness.

Cast:  Carolyn Lawrence, Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence, Mary Jo Catlett
Director: Liza Johnson
Streamer: Netflix

For those unfamiliar with the universe, the title Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie might seem a bit cryptic. Bikini Bottom is a world under the sea where SpongeBob, the yellow square sponge, resides. Sandy Cheeks is SpongeBob's anthropomorphic flying squirrel friend who 'loves science'. On a peaceful, sunny day, Bikini Bottom and all its residents are lifted out of the ocean by the BOOTS (Bureau of Official Texas Science) Laboratory, the science lab where Sandy Cheeks works, in Galveston, Texas. The subsequent adventure that Sandy and Spongebob embark on forms the crux of the plot. The story is anchored by Sandy Cheeks and her unbridled enthusiasm for science and companionship.

The film is more than just a fun adventure, though. It also subtly explores profound themes, from science to gender parities to familial alchemy. The film skilfully weaves these ideas with a blend of surrealism and satire, avoiding any hint of pretentiousness or preachiness. In its exploration of science, the film suggests that the moral compass of scientific advancements is determined by the hands that wield it. When used responsibly, science would never manifest itself as evil, but it can facilitate essential tasks for the betterment of a collective society rather than personal gains.

The film explores gender dynamics in a subtle way. In one scene, a male scientist working for the villain, Sue Nahmee (played by Wanda Sykes), takes something from his female colleague's hand and presents it to the boss, which elicits disapproval from the female scientist. These two come together again in the climax scene, where Sandy Cheeks transforms the male scientist into a smaller person than the female, leading to an amazed inquiry from the male scientist to her. "I don't know why she made me smaller than you," he asks. Such nuanced explorations make Saving Bikini Bottom stand out with the beyond-expected wackiness and goofiness that is a staple for every other film from the SpongeBob universe. Maybe mirroring society is the cherry on top of the cake.