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Kristen Schaal

The Bob’s Burgers Movie: Flippin’ Hilarious

May 27, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

After many years, Bob’s Burgers finally gets a chance to serve up some fun on the big screen. 

Admittedly, it a little bit of a surprise that the film is going to really be released in theaters. As the pandemic bit the box office receipts, Disney has shown its willingness to bump its films from theatrical to streaming. (Sorry Pixar.) So, because of their network connections, it was almost expected that Bob’s Burgers would be sent onto Disney+ for subscribers. However, Disney has shown tremendous confidence in their product and have waited patiently for restrictions to loosen in order for Bob’s Burgers to properly open to the public. 

It seems as though their confidence has paid off. 

To those who are unaware, The Bob’s Burgers Movie (re)introduces the world to Bob Belcher and his family. As the owner of the fast food restaurant Bob’s Burgers, Bob and his wife, Linda works hard to keep their small business afloat. With summer vacation almost here, Bob, Linda and their three kids, Tina, Gene and Louise are shocked to discover an enormous sinkhole blocking the entrance to their establishment. To make matters worse, Louise accidentally discovers a dead body in the hole, unlocking a mystery that threatens to close the business forever. As the danger continues to rise, Bob and his family work together to crack the case and, more importantly, keep the doors to Bob’s Burgers open.

It should be stated that my experience with Bob’s Burgers Is somewhat limited. With only a handful of episodes under my belt and limited knowledge of the series, it’s hard for me to know whether or not this film particularly pays off any fan expectations. However, as a new customer myself, I can tell you that The Bob’s Burgers Movie is delightfully hilarious with a biting sarcasm that makes it worth ordering up. (But, note to parents who aren’t familiar with the series, this is another example of an animated film that’s not targeting little ones with its humour.)

Interestingly, in a lot of films for established series, the film often tries to get bigger in its scope. Long road trips or massive storylines designed to break the characters out of their traditional roles are often the order of the day. (For example, The Simpsons Movie took Homer et all on a trip to Alaska while the entire city was captured by the US Government.) Though Bob’s Burgers keeps it relatively simple. Though the story involves a murder investigation (literally) outside their own front door, the furthest the family travels is down the street. In fact, Bob and Linda are more concerned about their ability to keep their floundering family business up and running than they are any potential suspects.

At its heart, The Bob’s Burgers Movie is ultimately about what it means to lean into our fear. Here, almost every one of the characters are struggling to prove themselves. Whether it’s Tina’s desire to ask out a boy from school, Bob trying to keep his business afloat or Louise’s attempts to show that she’s not a ‘baby’ (The ‘B’ Word!), each of these characters have their deepest insecurities exposed. 

But with summer fast approaching, the clock is ticking for them to make their big moves.

Although summer is usually awaited with anticipation, it spells dread for the Belcher family. What should be a time where dreams come true runs head first into a wall of cold, hard reality. Bills to pay, missed opportunities and the challenges of growing up weigh heavily on the Belchers and leave them trapped by their own fear. Though, as their troubles increase, each member of the family is called to lean into their anxiety and find the courage to make things right. 

So, yes. Even if you haven’t been in on the series, The Bob’s Burgers Movie remains deliciously funny with its biting, adult-skewing satire. In fact, I might even go back for seconds.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is available in theatres on Friday, May 27th, 2022.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: animation, Aziz Ansari, FOX, Gary Cole, Jenny Slate, Kevin Kline, Kristen Schaal, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Zach Galifianakis

My Spy: Mission Accomplished

March 13, 2020 by Johnathan Stowe 1 Comment

MY SPY

Since the Spy Kids films, the wave of live action, family-friendly spy movies seems to have died out over the past few years. However, the release of My Spy looks to bring that era of family adventures that focus on friendship, comedy, and the benefits of family back to theaters. But does My Spy accomplish or fail their mission? 

My Spy tells the story of JJ (Dave Bautista), a former member of military Special Forces that’s now working as a CIA Spy Agent. He has all the necessary skills that a spy could want and his co-workers love his work in the field. But, he lacks stealth and will only work alone. When he botches a mission, his boss Kim (Ken Jeong) takes him out of the field and forces both he and another co-worker, Bobbi (Kristen Schaal), to watch over a family consisting of nine-year-old Sophie (Chloe Coleman) and her mother, Kate (Parisa Fitz-Henley). Having moved from Paris to Chicago to start a new life, Kate struggles to find time for Sophie as her work has her working extended hours. Sophie is the typical new girl at school, trying to make friends but instead bullied by other girls. While JJ and Bobbi are continuing their surveillance, Sophie discovers that she is being watched and tracks the spies to another apartment room. Once discovered, Sophie offers a deal to JJ that, if he teaches her how to be a spy, she will keep their secret. Begrudgingly, JJ accepts and this starts their adventure together.  

Dave Bautista stars in MY SPY.

As the relationship between JJ and Sophie builds, they begin to share their personal struggles with one another and help each other out. There’s a solid chemistry between Bautista and Coleman that helps the audience to really feel the emotional connection between them. Set between Toronto and Chicago, the film’s comedy is solid and never feels forced. (In fact, as someone from Toronto, I felt the film also was  a great spotlight for the city as it featured iconic local settings like Nathan Phillips Square and Forest Hill.) 

My Spy speaks to the paralyzing power of fear, especially the fear of the people you love getting hurt. This idea was best shown through the character of JJ, who struggles with fear to the point that he feels as though he must keep to himself, affecting his social and love life. Though, as his character learns how to live without fear, his life begins to change as he becomes more open to relationships of all types. 

MY SPY

Similarly, My Spy also addresses the damage that comes through bullying. Because she was from out of town, Sophie experiences the pain of being bullied by her peers from all sides. (This includes a poignant scene when she brings in JJ for ‘take your parent’ to work’ day) Interestingly, My Spy focuses on the fact that much bullying stems from those who choose to remain inclusive, rather than exclusive. While Sophie hopes to fit in, the girls who bully her the most refuse to include her as they’re focused on themselves and, potentially, others those who fit their mould. Bullying remains an important issue that today’s youth should look at when trying to make new friends and My Spy handles the topic well. 

Overall, My Spy is worth a watch! The comedy is enjoyable, the plot works (and, again, the film gets points for its portrayal of Toronto.) If you are looking for a movie that has action, comedy and appropriate for the family, check out My Spy. In my books, it has accomplished its mission. 

MY SPY

My Spy lands in theatres in Canada on Friday, March 13th, 2020.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Chloe Coleman, Dave Bautista, Ken Jeong, Kristen Schaal, My Spy, Parisa Fitz-Henley

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