After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home.
When the vain King Poseidon kidnaps (or snailnaps) SpongeBob SquarePants’ pet snail Gary and spirits the innocent gastropod off to the Lost City of Atlantic City, the game is afoot in “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run.” Along with SpongeBob’s best friend Patrick, the two companions take a road trip in search of Gary. We learn that Gary excretes wrinkle cream, which the appearance-conscious Poseidon treasures, thus motivating the kidnapping.
SpongeBob and Patrick depart for the Lost City in a cruiser powered by mustard and ketchup dispensers – one of countless sight gags for which the film and television productions are famous. Upon reaching the glistening city, the pair are momentarily dazzled by the neon lights and ubiquitous diversions of the underwater entertainment mecca. Eventually, however, they get down to business and track down Poseidon, who has a few surprises of his own. Predictably and happily, all ends well for SpongeBob and crew after reuniting with Gary.
In a movie like this, it’s mostly about the journey, with SpongeBob never missing an opportunity to make unlikely friends at every turn. No doubt this lovable characteristic is what has endeared him to audiences for so many years.
While on the road, SpongeBob and Patrick encounter Keanu Reeves as the Sage – a weaving, bobbing tumbleweed who pops in and out of various scenes with delightful regularity. Not coincidentally, he always offers up “sage” advice to the two travelers when circumstances dictate.
The entertainment in the Lost City of Atlantic City includes an appearance by Snoop Dogg, who livens the screen up nicely. Clancy Brown as SpongeBob’s boss Mr. Krabs is suitably droll and well-cast, as are the full complement of other voice actors.
Written, directed, and narrated by Tim Hill, the film is dedicated to the series creator Stephen Hillenburg, who died in 2018. The sometimes edgy humor will please both adults and children alike and makes “Sponge on the Run” an agreeable addition to the ongoing exploits of SpongeBob SquarePants.
Now available on Blu-ray and DVD
