The Bob's Burgers Movie

We follow one TV transplant with another with The Bob's Burgers Movie. The animated Belchers follow their Fox Sunday neighbors, The Simpsons, in becoming movie stars in this musical murder mystery. What can you expect if you haven't tuned in once?

Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda Belcher (John Roberts) run the titular joint on Ocean Avenue. But they have seven days to pay a loan, or the Bank will foreclose on them. A new sinkhole in front of the place dissuades any business for them. Their kids, Tina (Dan Mintz), Gene (Eugene Mirman), and Louise (Kristen Schaal), explore the sinkhole and accidentally unearth the skeleton of a murdered carny. The street's landlord, Calvin Fischoeder (Kevin Kline), is arrested for the murder. 

The kids, led by Louise, investigate the murder mystery. They have their own issues as summer vacation approaches: Tina hopes that Jimmy Pesto Jr. (also Benjamin) will be her "summer boyfriend"; Gene hopes his new band will take off; while Louise hopes her peers will stop calling her a baby. Meanwhile, Bob, Linda and their favorite customer Teddy (Larry Murphy) open a guerilla burger cart at nearby Wonder Wharf. Both groups discover a conspiracy to destroy the Wharf.

Anyone unfamiliar with the show won't get lost. You'll get to know the Belchers and their supporting cast pretty quickly. They're all a quirky and relatable bunch of characters you'll get to like. Fischoeder and beleaguered Sgt. Bosco (Gary Cole) are a few highlights of that supporting cast. Its opening number perfectly distills the basic premise in a few minutes time. The stakes get sillier the more they are raised in this mystery. How so? The climax involves a go-cart chase!

The music was co-composed by series creator Loren Bouchard (who also co-directed and co-wrote the film) and many others. The songs are extremely upbeat numbers you'll wanna tap along to. They're accompanied by some of the bounciest animated choreography you'll see. The movie's only flaw, in fact, is that it could have used more than its four numbers. It's about a half-hour between the first and second numbers - the latter a group number for the carnies. The following numbers are saved for the actual villain and the end; they're still entertaining.

The Bob's Burgers Movie is ready to fill you up with 102 minutes of upbeat silliness. It may be as episodic as the show, but it's an entertaining big screen episode. Fans will get more time with the Belchers, while newcomers will get their appeal in no time. You'll order up some fun if you see it soon. It's a good way to get you in that summertime mood.