

SpongeBob, like all sponges I suppose, has a thing about cleanliness, and to watch him take a shower is inspiring. SpongeBob may only be a kid, but he's smart and learns fast, and reminded me of Ed, the hero of the live-action Nickelodeon series "Good Burger" ("Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger! Can I take your order PLEASE?"). Krabs ( Clancy Brown), the most successful businesscrab in the ocean-floor community of Bikini Bottom. In the movie, he dreams of becoming manager of Krusty Krab II, the new outlet being opened by Eugene H. I even know parents who like the show, which is fast-paced and goofy and involves SpongeBob's determination to amount to something in this world.

SpongeBob (voice by Tom Kenny) has a ready-made legion of fans who follow his adventures every Saturday morning on Nickelodeon. If it made you smile even a little, you are a candidate for "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie." This is the " Good Burger" of animation, plopping us down inside a fast-food war being fought by sponges, starfish, crabs, tiny plankton and mighty King Neptune. I've been telling that joke for years, to people who regard me in silence and mystification. It doesn't bark, and it knows the secrets of the deep.
