The Spongebob Squarepants Movie

Herald rating: * * * *

I had never heard of SpongeBob Squarepants, which is perfectly acceptable for a childless 32-year-old.

Though I was interested to know what kind of kids' cartoon hero has enough pull to get critically acclaimed indie bands such as Wilco and the Flaming Lips to appear on his film soundtrack.

The answer: a square, goofy gubber of a sponge who lives in a colourful and surreal underwater world.

SpongeBob Squarepants has been starring in his own television show for the past couple of years. He lives in a place called Bikini Bottom, and works at the Krusty Krab where he's Employee of the Day - every day. When Krusty Krab expands and opens its second restaurant (right next door to the original restaurant) SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick, a dopey starfish, are sure SpongeBob will be promoted to manage the new restaurant.

Unfortunately, SpongeBob singing "I'm ready, promotion" becomes "I'm ready, depression" as he is overlooked for the job. His boss, Mr Krab, thinks SpongeBob is just a kid. I'm not sure anyone knows how old SpongeBob is supposed to be, and despite SpongeBob's habit of going to the Goofy Gubber Ice-cream Parlour and getting drunk on ice-cream sundaes, while singing annoying childish songs, you do feel that he deserved that promotion.

Anyway, SpongeBob gets the chance to prove he is a man when King Neptune's crown is stolen by Mr Krab's arch enemy, the evil Plankton, who has framed Mr Krab to take the blame. SpongeBob must travel to the dangerous Shell City and return with the crown in six days.

Patrick and SpongeBob head off on their big adventure, with a little help from the King's daughter, Mindy. On the way to Shell City they must take on the one-eyed Cyclops, pirate like creatures, and most frighteningly, David Hasselhoff.

The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie will really appeal to those who are fans of the telly series. There isn't much to entertain adults in the 90 minutes of dazzling animation, but there is nothing to upset children either. This is safe, slightly cheeky and, most importantly, silly holiday entertainment for the young ones.

VOICES: Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson, David Hasselhoff
DIRECTOR: Stephen Hillenburg
RUNNING TIME: 90 mins
RATING: G
SCREENING: Hoyts, Berkeley and Village cinemas