In the ocean community of Bikini Bottom lives Patrick the starfish and his best friend, Spongebob Squarepants. Spongebob works at Mr Krab’s popular restaurant across from the permanently angry Sheldon J. Plankton, who schemes to steal their secret recipe for Krabby Patties. In a plot that blindsides a balding King Neptune with remote control chum-buckets, Spongebob must rescue the townsfolk, the recipe and the King’s crown less Plankton gets his wicked way. But first he must get past fearsome Dennis, singing bikers and a giant Cyclops. Chaotic? Well, that’s not even half of a story that mixes trademark fluoro-animation with live-action, seat-stealing pirates and a speeding David Hasselhoff. Did I mention the director’s tongue is firmly in cheek? Armed with an armful of cartoon silliness - and Spongebob Squarepants is a particularly silly movie – Patrick and Spongebob set off on a treacherous mission to Shell City that A) affirms that it’s ok to be a kid and B) affirms that it’s ok to be a kid.

With all the boxes checked and one of cinema’s best ice-cream hangovers for added flavour, there’s a lot of fun to be had. Some may be disappointed by the limited screen time afforded some of the other characters that populate Bikini Bottom, but that really would be underwater-nit-picking. This is a vehicle of colour, light and spongy silliness for all kids aged six to sixty six that is much, much more entertaining than you might be thinking right now. Besides, any film that stars Roger Bumpass (real name) has got to be seen.

// COLIN FRASER