Bridging that attention gap between ADHD kids and entertainment-hungry stoners, SpongeBob SquarePants provides a more kid-friendly version of Ren & Stimpy, but with a beloved pirate-lead theme song. Voice actor veteran Tom Kenny voices the obnoxiously loveable and squishy yellow thing with titularly right-angular pants. Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) and Clancy Brown (Mr. Eugene H. Krabs) all lend their voices in addition to Kenny and are often joined by other voice actor regulars as they regale the youth with tales of subsea silliness. To Squarepants or Not to Squarepants, a collection of eight episodes from the series, offers a fair and representative sampling of the series that will keep fans entertained – but is it worth buying this DVD instead of one of the season sets?
Each of the episodes offers a slightly warped take on a classic children’s cartoon morality tale. It’s certainly not the cartoon to use to teach your children values – it’s here to entertain. Nothing more. Nothing less.
“To SquarePants or not to SquarePants”
Are we defined by our material possessions? Do the clothes really make the man? In the case of SpongeBob SquarePants, for whom the wardrobe is written into the name, the question offers a weird little kick. When all 27 sets of his squarepants are shrunk in the wash, SpongeBob finds himself trying a new set of clothes – only to realize his friends no longer recognize him.
“Squid’s Visit”
When Squidward tells SpongeBob he has never nor will ever visit him, SpongeBob changes his house to an exact replica of Squidward’s and then borrows his vacuum to entice him over. Squidward enters the alternate reality that is SpongeBob’s house clone only to be driven mad.
“The Splinter”
On-the-job shenanigans leave SpongeBob with a splinter in his thumb. When Squidward discovers this he torments SpongeBob and makes him believe he has to get rid of the splinter or he’ll be sent home from work.
“Slide Whistle Stooges”
Easily the most amusing of the episodes for its use of a classic animation instrument, SpongeBob and Patrick wrangle Squidward into their fun only to have him go crazy with Slide Whistle goodness.
“Boating Buddies”
A boating accident lands both Squidward and SpongeBob in driving school, which may very well drive Squidward insane.
“The Krabby Kronicle”
Mr. Krabb begins printing a newspaper and commissions SpongeBob to write libelous stories to sell more copies. After a while the “power of the press” becomes apparent as SpongeBob’s stories begin having negative effects on their subjects.
“The Slumber Party”
SpongeBob’s boss, Mr. Krabb, let’s his daughter have a slumber party but asks SpongeBob to spy when he beings to think the party will bring all sorts of debauchery and destruction upon his house.
“Grooming Gary”
SpongeBob’s slimy snail Gary gets all dolled up as SpongeBob enters him into a beauty pageant for pets. As the pageant nears, SB loses sight of what Gary wants and becomes consumed with dressing up Gary in all sorts of costumes just to win.
DVD Bonus Features
There’s not much to boast about as the disc only sports a few animation and drawing board sections that don’t do much to impress.
You’re better off buying a season than a sampler, but if you need something for a road trip to entertain the youngins then why not?
"To SquarePants or Not To SquarePants" is on sale July 21, 2009 and is rated NR. Children & Family, Comedy, Television. Directed by Alan Smart. Written by Stephen Hillenberg, Tim Hill, Derek Drymon. Starring Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Frank Welker, Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass.
