The Bob’s Burgers Movie Is Mildly Merry Big-Screen Fun

The Bob’s Burgers Movie has a lot of the predictable elements of a jump to the big screen: smoother animation, grander musical numbers, and a story that makes it appear as though the Belcher family will face their toughest ordeal yet. It also doesn’t offer a whole lot you wouldn’t get from watching a handful of episodes. While it’s just as funny as the show, the movie leaves a bit to be desired.

Bob Belcher (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) in The Bob’s Burgers Movie. Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

This isn’t to say that the film doesn’t work or that it misfires with the characters. Everything does feel spot-on with the humor and quirks of the pear-shaped family. Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) is still a nervous wreck who stresses about his family and his business, and he has reason to be extra worried—he can’t afford an upcoming loan payment, and the restaurant is blocked by a disaster in the streets. Wife Linda (John Roberts), whose default is endless exuberance, keeps her spirits high.

While the couple struggles for cash, the Belcher kids have a bigger problem on their hands: a dead body turns up, and there’s a mystery afoot as to who in town could be the culprit. All three of the kids set off on this adventure while also trying to establish new versions of themselves for the summer. Tina (Dan Mintz) is all about her crush, Gene (Eugene Mirman) has dreams of fame, and Louise (Kristen Schaal) is working through some identity issues in growing up. Perhaps they’ll be able to do all of that and save the family restaurant in under two hours.

Tina (Dan Mintz), Louise (Kristen Schaal), and Gene Belcher (Eugene Mirman) are on the case. Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

The highlight of a picture like this is, without question, the increase in production values. Much like the most recent iteration of My Little Pony, this film pushes Toon Boom Harmony to its limits. There’s more detail in the shadows and smoother, more fluid movement for the characters, which certainly takes some getting used to.

The musical sequences also feel large and exuberant. The songs are not exactly catchy, but they have a certain charm to their enthusiasm. Of the lot, I really dug the song that starts out being about carnies and transforms into Louise being insecure about her age. There’s a certain surreality, however, to seeing the usually deadpan Bob bounce around the screen for his peppy song. Linda, of course, has no problem jumping right into a chipper number. I must admit the songs made me want more.

Linda Belcher (John Roberts). Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

I think I also wanted more songs to balance the rather mild nature of the murder mystery. If you were hoping for something akin to The Simpsons and the case of Mr. Burns, you may be disappointed to learn that the suspects do not span the entire cast (which is a huge missed opportunity). The suspects are narrowed down very early in the film, and part of it centers on knowing a tad bit of background on some of the characters. So while it would be nice to say this is a film you could jump into cold, you might want to bone up on your Bob’s Burgers before jumping into a theater seat for this picture.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie matches the charm of the series but contains little to warrant a movie. The family arc is at least heartwarming enough that it brings more sincerity than the usual cynicism of the show. The Belchers are still a funny family but only about as quirky and weird as they’ve ever been on TV. I kept waiting for the film to land a big laugh, but the most it does is bring on the type of smirks the improv style of the retro-scripting comedy the series has perfected so well. Despite looking and sounding so good, it’s not meaty enough to warrant its supersized serving and is better enjoyed the same way you’ve been watching the show at home.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios