SPOILER WARNING

What does it mean to be a man? Is it about having big muscles and a long mustache, or is it something deeper?

That question drives “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants,” the newest adventure featuring the iconic yellow sponge and his underwater companions.

The latest addition to the Spongebob franchise focuses on SpongeBob as he sets off on a journey to become what he calls a “big guy.”

The film brings in several guest stars, including Mark Hamill as the Flying Dutchman, rapper Ice Spice, who performs the viral track “Big Guy,” and comedian George Lopez.

The ensemble comes together to deliver a fresh, nostalgia packed joyride complete with a classic montage of SpongeBob’s chaotic morning routine set to “Oh Yeah” by Yello.

SpongeBob’s desire to become a “big guy” begins when he backs out in fear after he finally grows tall enough to ride a roller coaster. Looking for guidance, he turns to his famously unsympathetic boss Mr. Krabs, who insists he has been a man since his days as a swashbuckler.

SpongesBob, accompanied by his best friend Patrick, stumbles upon a hidden basement underneath the Krusty Krab filled with relics from Mr. Krabs’ past and becomes convinced that becoming a swashbuckler himself is the key to manhood.

He makes a deal with the Flying Dutchman, who sends him through a series of increasingly difficult trials. As SpongeBob nears the final challenge the Dutchman insists he must continue alone. Patrick is devastated, but SpongeBob reluctantly agrees, sacrificing pieces of himself to become a “big guy.”

When he reaches the end of the trials, SpongeBob learns the truth – the Dutchman has tricked him and plans to swap places, escaping to the surface world while trapping SpongeBob in his role.

Realizing he abandoned Patrick for nothing, SpongeBob returns to apologize to his best friend. In one of the film’s most sincere moments, Patrick explains to SpongeBob that being a “big guy” isn’t about doing everything alone or appearing strong. Being a big guy is about joy, loyalty and showing up for others.

The insight gives the group a renewed sense of determination as they travel to the surface world to break the curse. In a full-circle moment, SpongeBob must ride the same roller coaster he feared at the start to break the curse.

The film certainly has its share of filler and over-the-top humour that may not land with all audiences. But beneath the chaos is a surprisingly heartfelt message – that being a man, or a “big guy,” has less to do with how tough you are, and more to do with how you treat others.

Tickets to “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants” can be purchased online.