Good Burger – Film Review

Good Burger is a 1997 comedy film that aimed to bring the popular Nickelodeon sketch to the big screen. Starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the movie follows the misadventures of two hapless teenagers working at a fast-food joint called Good Burger. While it attempts to capture the zany spirit of the original skit, the film falls short in various aspects, resulting in a mediocre cinematic experience.

One of the film’s redeeming qualities is its nostalgia factor. For those familiar with the original sketch from the Nickelodeon TV show All That, Good Burger may evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the lighthearted humor prevalent in ’90s television. The chemistry between Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, who reprise their roles from the show, remains a highlight. Their energetic performances and comedic timing bring some moments of genuine amusement, especially for younger audiences or fans of the duo.

However, despite the charming leads, the film struggles to sustain its entertainment value beyond its nostalgic appeal. The plot is flimsy and lacks depth, relying heavily on slapstick humor and predictable gags. The storyline follows Dexter (played by Thompson), a high school student who accidentally crashes his teacher’s car and ends up working at a rundown fast-food joint, Good Burger. His interactions with Ed (played by Mitchell), an eccentric and dim-witted Good Burger employee, form the core of the movie. While their dynamic offers sporadic laughs, the plot’s predictability and lack of innovation make the film feel stale and uninspired.

Moreover, the supporting characters and subplots fail to elevate the overall narrative. Characters like the menacing rival fast-food chain owner Kurt Bozwell (played by Jan Schweiterman) or Ed’s recurring dream sequences do little to add depth or substance to the story. The attempts at humor often come across as forced or over-the-top, failing to resonate with a more mature or discerning audience.

The film’s production quality also leaves much to be desired. The visuals and special effects appear outdated, even for a late ’90s release. The simplistic and cartoonish style may have been acceptable during its time, but compared to contemporary standards, it feels lackluster and unpolished. Additionally, the soundtrack, while upbeat and catchy at times, does little to enhance the overall viewing experience.

Another notable drawback is the lack of a cohesive thematic message or deeper meaning. While some family-friendly films manage to impart valuable lessons or morals, Good Burger falls short in this aspect. It primarily focuses on delivering light, juvenile humor without offering any significant takeaways or messages for its audience to ponder upon.

Good Burger struggles to transcend its origins as a sketch comedy concept adapted for the big screen. While it may evoke nostalgia for fans of the original Nickelodeon series and showcase the comedic talents of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the film’s thin plot, lackluster humor, and outdated production values prevent it from being a memorable or impactful cinematic experience. It might offer a few chuckles for younger viewers or those seeking a trip down memory lane, but for most audiences, Good Burger fails to satisfy as a compelling or genuinely entertaining movie.