Spongebob Squarepants ***

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
Everyone's favorite sponge is now available on DVD after making a splash on the big screen. This feature length story adds a few new characters to SpongeBob's universe and even takes our hero to the surface for some live action and adventure (featuring special guest star David Hasselhoff). Guest voices include Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development) and Scarlett Johansson (Ghost World, Lost In Translation). Like the series, the movie succeeds in providing plenty of kid-friendly fodder while throwing in enough subversive humor to keep the adults entertained. Clocking in at just under 90 minutes, the story is padded with a few musical numbers. The soundtrack also features some hip artists like the Flaming Lips and Wilco.

The DVD includes conversations with the cast and crew and a special segment with Jean-Michel Cousteau about real sea sponges (not the kitchen variety that SpongeBob is modeled after). It was news to me that Clancy Brown (Carnivale) does the voice of Mr. Krabs and Bill Fagerbakke (Dobber from Coach) is Patrick -- though I probably should've guessed the latter. I realize they're listed in the credits, I just didn't put the names with the faces. It's rather silly that the same guy who plays the menacing Brother Justin on HBO's Carnivale is Mr. Krabs!