SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 4, Vol. 2

We are HUGE Spongebob fans, but have to say, this is not the best season. The writing is "off" and the subtlety is missing in a lot of these episodes. Seems like they changed Spongebob into more of a typical "cartoon" character--and his new high pitched voice with no modulation and depth of tone (as in the first two seasons) is just plain grating on the nerves.

I only bought vol. 2, since these are the least annoying episodes. The ones in vol. 1 are unbearable, so I didn't bother.

The epsiodes are much more childish, not as funny as the first three seasons, and many obvious opportunities for funny jokes were bypassed. If you're on a budget deciding which volume of SB season 4 box sets to buy, go with volume 1 it's got better (and more) special features and episodes than this one

...at least 3 times a week, no joke!!

They live for Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Gary, Sandy, and Mrs. Puff.

But I don't and can't blame them really; Spongebob is a catch and from time to time, the show itself is actually quite funny. It all takes place at Bikini Bottom, a town underwater, away from most sharks and beneath all the humans who dwell on earth. From time to time, Spongebob and Patrick make it a rare habit to come up out of the water, and take a looksee around. Immediately, they puff up like Mrs. Puff, Spongebob's driving teacher. He never learns how to drive successfully either. He's no good in that department, and should stick to the Krabby Patties!

Anyway, I'm gonna describe and then rate all of the characters and then rate a few aspects of the actual film:

Spongebob Squarepants: Very silly, upbeat and so nice to everyone that is nice to him. Even if you're mean, he tries to see the good in everyone. My second favorite character. A

Patrick Star: Super goofy and kinda spaced out, he's basically Spongebob's right-hand man. His personality, while goofy, consists of being nice to Spongebob but he tends to have an anger spout here and there. An OK character. B-

Squidward Tentacles: Another keeper, character-wise. He's the moody, selfish and very negative critic of the series. Many enjoy his company, especially Spongebob, but funnily, Squidward doesn't feel half the happiness when around the yellow sponge. He'd rather have his hands around his neck, doing the unthinkable. B+

Mr. Krabs: Very work-oriented, and a decent man who tries to instill the work ethic into Spongebob and Squidward also. Spongebob follows, and Squidward carries on, as if Mr. Krabs said NOTHING. Not one of my favorite characters. C-

Gary: My absolute favorite! I can't really pinpoint a true-blue personality to him, but he makes cat sounds, is usually quiet, which leads me to believe that he's an introvert as opposed to an extrovert, and loves Spongebob till the ends of the sandy ends of Bikini Bottom. A+

Pearl Krabs: The whiny, big-headed whale-daughter of Mr. Krabs. She's so ridiculously spoiled that I would slap her if I was an imaginary fish, residing in Bikini Bottom. She's not a bad character, and is usually super-dramatic. B+

Sandy: Level-headed and sweet, Sandy is nearly as friendly as Spongebob. Get on her bad side though, and she's unafraid to show you a piece of her mind! B

Mrs. Puff: She holds one of the absolute worst jobs in Bikini Bottom; trying to teach the unteachable Spongebob to drive! She goes crazy every time she spends 5 minutes with him, and for very, very good reason. A-

Cover Art: B
Story: B-
Dialogue: C+
Characters: A-
Comic Relief: B-
Overall: B-

3.7 stars.

This and all the other Spongebob DVDs will never collect dust with my kids around.

My kids (Thomas, 7 and a half, and Saskia, 5 years) absolutely love it, as they love all Spongebob. They take it out often to watch it over and over again. And despite seeing them all before, I still get a laugh watching it with them!