The Review
Ever since helping to launch “How Annoying is it,” I have had a surprising number of people ask my opinion of the popular and not exactly new series “Sponge Bob Square Pants.” The series premier came in 1999, but still leaves few without strong opinions.
For those members of the tiny minority who still don’t know the back story, Spongbob is the unconventional protagonist who (as the song tells us ) “lives in a pineapple under the sea” in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom, with friends Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, and Sandy Cheeks. Yes I get it, Sandy Cheeks lives in Bikini Bottom… very funny. The Sponge goes about his business flipping burgers at the Krusty Krab restaurant and with the help of his strange collection of aquatic pals struggles to fit into a world which belongs to more ambulant and carnivorous sea life.
After ten years on television and occasionally in the theater the cartoon is still loved by some and hated by others. The animation was admittedly different at the time of its inception. But the nonsensical storylines and unusual characters are still very original. Spongebob is obviously geared to children but often makes vague references to more adult humor. (By adult I simply mean grown up, not inappropriate).
The Kids
If you haven’t yet discovered, the kids will love Spongebob’s silliness as well as his squeaky voice and his weird friends. Of course your average child can make as much fun out of the yellow sponge in the kitchen sink. Alright so I exaggerate, but let’s face it, today’s youngsters are fairly easily entertained.
The Verdict: Mostly Harmless
As a rule I don’t hate Spongebob Square Pants. But I do have a couple problems with it. First off it’s really loud and often rises to the level of obnoxious. It can also be kind of crude. I get tired of kids shows with themes that revolve around bodily functions. Those who raise these objections have my sincere sympathies. But on our scale I have to put Square Pants on the low end of the mostly harmless section. The show will probably not awaken you in the middle of the night, but you may find yourself headed to the medicine cabinet in search of the Excedrin.
I am expecting some healthy debate concerning this post, even among the staff writers. How did such a dumb, clueless figure become so polarizing!?
I can’t stand this show at all but my oldest loves it so if I have to get dishes and cleaning done it’s an easy sollution to keep her distracted!! But I totally think it is cringe worthy!!! I also want to point out that the voice of sponge bob was once played by the same actor who plays Luke skywalker!!! Hmmmm it’s an even bigger drop in the acting buisness than baywatch to americas got talent!!!!
So Todd is soft on SpongeBob, eh? While I may agree with your preliminary assessment that the show is mostly harmless, I would advise it has the potential to become volatile quickly because SpongeBob is like crack for kids. Allowing the kiddos to watch an episode here or there begins innocently enough, but then come the tantrums to watch it everyday, to TiVo it, to buy DVD’s and CD’s, toys, clothing, coloring books, paraphernalia, and on and on and on….their tolerance keeps going up and you have to keep giving more. Think about *that* this holiday season.
My # of Days to Crazy?
Not even 5 seconds into the theme song.
If you want to go easy on Sponge Bob on the Infuri-ometer, low in the Cringe Worthy section is way too lenient…in my HUMBLE opinion.
Apparently you’re not alone in that opinion Jennycat. Our poll is extremely lopsided in that direction.
All grandparents need to buy this movie and all sponge bob movies for their grandkids. They will love you for it! The added bonus is that your kids will hate it. The sense of accoplished revenge will be priceless!
For all those planning to take the advice of the annoying grandparent, (whose identity I’m fairly certain of bye the way), let me suggest you do so through this site! Unfortunately I’m not expecting windfall profits.