[7.7/10] *Bob’s Burgers* is hilarious when it’s being funny. *Bob’s Burgers* is infectious when it’s being musical. *Bob’s Burgers* is moving when it’s being heartfelt. And *Bob’s Burgers* is...fine when it’s being big and dramatic.

As goes the T.V. show, so goes the movie. The Belcher family’s leap to the big screen is full of the side-splitting one-liners and comic absurdity that the crew is known for. It features some boffo numbers that show off the creative team’s musical theater bona fides. And it digs deep into the bastion of support and encouragement that Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene, Louise, and even Teddy represent for one another, tugging at your heartstrings in the way only *Bob’s Burgers* can.

But this is also The Movie:tm:. So the outing has to fend off the usual accusation whenever a television show makes the jump to cinema -- “It’s just a big episode of the normal show.” To combat that, *The Bob’s Burgers Movie* introduces a grand murder conspiracy, a supervillain who threatens death and destruction, and an action-packed climax with a race against time. That is, after all, what movies do, right?

I can appreciate series creator Loren Bouchard, co-director Bernard Derriman, and co-writer Nora Smith wanting to go grand when translating the series to another medium. This certainly feels more epic than the average Belcher adventure. But that isn’t necessarily what I expect or want from the silly and exaggerated but still down-to-earth ecosystem of *Bob’s Burgers*.

The film is a spiritual successor to “How Bob Saves/Destroys the Town”, the two-part finale to the show’s fourth season. There too, you have a dynastic battle among the Fischoeders, grand plans to destroy and remake Wonder Wharf, and a dramatic set piece to save our heroes’ lives. It wasn’t the best outing of the series, if for no other reason than this lovably awkward family of misfits and their kooky friends and foils aren’t a natural fit for baroque conspiracies and explosive action. What held true for these characters in 2014 remains true in 2022.

The move to theaters does offer one more noteworthy change though -- a dramatic animation bump. The Belchers and their pals are shaded and depicted with more physical depths than fans have ever seen before. The movie plays with lighting in a way the show rarely does. And the animators go wild with wild, fluid motions for the characters. The added fluidity occasionally verges on the uncanny, but pays dividends in both the normal expressions of the characters and in the film’s many giddy dance sequences.

Music has been at the root of *Bob’s Burgers* for ages, and the movie embraces that. The opening number about the family’s hopes for summer, the carnies’ roundelay about who gets the short end of the stick, and a closing number by the “Itty Bitty Ditty Committee” are all infused with that decidedly raggedy but winningly enthusiastic charm that has always seen the show through. These big numbers come with creative stagings and movements for the characters, which take advantage of the added budget and feel more like a true cinematic escalation of the show’s authentic spirit than any of the convoluted schemes or deadly threats.

Even if those broader narrative swings are a touch out of character, they’re a solid excuse for more of the show’s mishegoss. The good news is that the move to a larger screen hasn’t dampened any of the show’s sense of humor. The one-liners and amiable weirdness that fuels the series remain intact and hilarious as ever. While the show’s expansive cast are mostly reduced to quick bits or funny aside, The Movie provides a nice sampling of the little community the Belchers occupy and all the amusing side characters who share it with them.

The focus here, though, is where it should be, on the Belchers’ nuclear family, with a side dish of “Uncle Teddy.” There’s something meaningful for everyone to do here. Though the execution isn’t always perfect, no one in the show’s main cast feels left behind, and each plays a part, both narratively, and emotionally, in the larger story of the film.

The main plot sees Bob and Linda behind on the business loan that allows them to hang onto their restaurant equipment. The prospect of one week to sell enough burgers to make their monthly payment and avoid repossession seems all the more daunting when a water main breaks and a giant hole opens up in front of their restaurant. In addition to the major stakes of whether Bob’s Burgers will continue as a going concern and, with it, the Belchers’ livelihood, there’s an emotional component to all of this, with Bob’s “droopiness’ requiring Linda’s sunny and hopeful disposition to help keep him from wallowing in the doldrums.

Meanwhile, Tina wrestles with whether to offer Jimmy Jr. her “beret-lace” to cinch their summer courtship, or if she’s infatuated with an idealized version of her young beau rather than the real deal. Gene invents a new instrument out of spoons, rubberbands, and a napkin holder, but has unexpected insecurities over whether folks will like his music. And Louise puts up a tough front, but frets over whether she’s truly brave or, as she fears, “a baby”, something tied to the rabbit ears she wears as something of a security blanket.

If that's all *The Bob’s Burgers Movie* had on offer, it would still be great. Teddy cobbling together a mobile cart to help Bob and Linda make ends meet, while fleeing from the ire of the carnies, feels like the kind of outsized but relatable enough bits the T.V. show pulls off on a regular basis. The Belcher kids fretting about crushes, finding self-confidence, and reaffirming their identities as they grow up is part of the superb block and tackle of the show. There’s potential and promise in each of these story threads, and the movie does well with most of them.

Somewhere along the way, though, *The Movie* gets caught up in those cinema sized things, and neglects some of the simpler or more relatable elements it sets up. Tina and Gene’s arcs in particular seem tacked onto the Fischoeder murder plot, and don’t gain or lose much from intersecting with the film’s A-plot. Even Bob and Linda’s substantial money troubles and emotional struggles take a backseat to car chases and stopping explosions after a while.

But eventually, the show reverts back to the heart that made it great. However awkwardly appended to the main narrative, a returned beret-lace leads to a sweet kiss between Tina and her Jimmy Jr. in real life, and Gene receives a wholesome bit of encouragement from his dad before rocking Wonder Wharf’s semi-renovated bandstand. Teddy gets his moment in the sun too, melting a bit when Bob thanks him for helping the Belchers get through a tough situation.

The real meat of the show’s sentiment, though, comes for the other three members of the main cast. An implausible but desperate situation cracks Linda’s spirit, forcing Bob to be the sunny one, something that not only makes him appreciate his wife’s indefatigable optimism, but understand how it might be less than fun to have to reassure him. It turns both of them around right when they need it.

And he also retells the origin story of Louise’s ears. It disabuses Bob’s youngest daughter of the notion that it was a security blanket necessary for her to feel brave, explaining that it was, in fact, a reward for how brave she already was after her first day in preschool, giving Louise the affirmation she needs to be bold and courageous in the crisis du jour. More than that, Bob draws a line between Louise and his mother, a missing link on the Belcher family tree, adding a generational connection of hope and grit to get their family out of...trouble.

Why such wholesome and earned setniment needs to be mixed in with lit fuses and attempted murder is beyond me. It’s not what *Bob’s Burgers* does best. The demands of a cinematic upgrade contort the vibe of the show a bit to fit into something expected of feature-length films.

But the core of these characters, their world, and the sensibility that comes with each remains great and accounted for in this long-awaited big screen berth. These characters are still uproariously funny and endearing, and the show’s weird, winning worldview hasn’t been diluted. The musical bent that's long buoyed the show is out in full force. And the uplifting, supportive, above all earned sentiment among the Belchers persists no matter how wild their adventures get.

*The Bob’s Burgers Movie* tries to do a few things that aren’t necessary or called for from this off-kilter but loving family. But it also continues to do what the Belchers and company have always done well -- make us laugh, tap our toes, and gush -- without losing a step in the move from one screen to another.

"The Bob's Burgers Movie" serves up a delectable cinematic treat that will leave fans craving seconds. Seamlessly blending the show's signature charm with cinematic flair, the film transports viewers into the quirky world of the Belcher family with enhanced visuals and catchy musical numbers.

What sets "The Bob's Burgers Movie" apart is its ability to expand upon the beloved TV series while staying true to its roots. The storyline, centered around a sinkhole-turned-crime scene, provides a perfect backdrop for the antics of Bob, Linda, and their three delightfully eccentric children. Each character's subplot intertwines seamlessly, adding depth to the narrative while showcasing the unique dynamics of the Belcher family.

The film's musical compositions stand out as highlights, with standout tracks like "Sunny Side Up Summer" elevating the viewing experience. The songs are not only catchy but also expertly composed, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of the show.

Visually, "The Bob's Burgers Movie" impresses with its smooth animation and vibrant color palette. While retaining the familiar aesthetic of the TV series, the film adds a level of polish that makes the experience feel cinematic and immersive.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of family dynamics. Despite their quirks and oddities, the Belchers' genuine love and support for one another shine through, making them incredibly relatable and endearing to audiences.

While "The Bob's Burgers Movie" may not strive for perfection, its ability to entertain and charm viewers is undeniable. With its infectious humor, catchy music, and heartwarming moments, this film is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

"Bob" and "Linda" are facing ruin. Their burger restaurant isn't paying it's way and when the bank manager gives them a week to repay their business loan, or lose all their kitchen equipment - things look bleak! Not so bleak as they look the next morning after a great sink hole has appeared outside of their restaurant. Luckily, though, in best "Passport to Pimlico" (1949) tradition, their daughter "Louise" is mucking about near the hole and falls in. Treasure? No, not quite - a skeleton which turns out to be the body of a long lost "Carnie", and a murdered one at that. A quick police investigation leads to the arrest of their landlord and local grandee "Fischoeder" on a murder charge. Maybe because "Louise" always sports a pink bunny-eared hat, but she smells a rat, and together with her siblings "Tina" and "Gene" sets off to get to the truth before the family loses it's livelihood. Perhaps I just didn't get the memo, but this is not very good. It is a sort of "Scooby Do" meets a "Carry On" affair, that relies for the most part on some pretty infantile humour, some curiously drawn - chinless - animations and the odd song. Certainly, the dialogue is quickly paced but it's hardly ever funny, and I really struggled to remain engaged after about twenty minutes. Perhaps I need my humour to be a little more sophisticated, less puerile and maybe not so prone to stereotype. Sorry - this just wasn't for me.

I wish it felt more justified in being feature-length and not just a season finale plot. But still: very entertaining! The vocal performances are fun (H. Jon Benjamin, my beloved), the jokes hit pretty well, and it's very watchable. Guess I need to finally check out the show!

I love this family. Watching them for over a decade, this movie is a culmination of their offbeat and earnest, weird hearts. The passion and love for this show is in every frame. They go all out to make this earn its moviedom. The lighting and the animation are brisk and fluid, and the musical numbers get you moving from the lovingly drawn dances as much as their catchiness. And they’re very catchy.

And while every cast member gets their chance to shine, this is Louise’s movie, and it’s 100% the right call. She was the breakout star that kept the show going in its rougher beginnings as the spirit of chaos. But through the years, she became the show’s soul, period. Wild, mischievous, but at its core a zest for life. She has the strongest arc, one that draws you in and gets you rooting for her, and a lot of that is due to Kristen Schaal. She’s a voice acting all star, of course, from Mabel Pines to Sarah Lynn, and a comedy ace in live action. But she’s played Louise the longest out of all her roles, and she’s gotten to see her grow and her material change from just that arbiter of conflict and chaos to the little girl with a whole lotta heart, undying loyalty, and more insecurity than she wants anyone to know. Schaal nails all of her facets here, and the payoff for the show’s longest, decade long mystery- why the hat?- genuinely got me teared up. 

I laughed, I cried, I had songs stuck in my head, and I know I’ll come back to this movie as much as I’ve come back to the show that spawned it. What more could you ask for?