This 28-Year-Old Nickelodeon Movie Is a Surprising Nostalgic Gem

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In essence, people don’t typically visit McDonald’s for an exquisite dining experience, just as one wouldn’t expect a cinematic masterpiece from 1997’s . Sometimes, movies serve as light-hearted, amusing diversions amidst the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. Movies like Nickelodeon’s Good Burger, for instance, can also function as temporary entertainment for active children. While many of these films might not appeal to anyone beyond their intended audience, some are genuinely enjoyable. Remarkably, Good Burger is one of those unexpected gems that managed to win a significant fan base despite being marketed primarily towards kids. The 1997 film might have been promoted as a 95-minute kid’s distraction, but its blend of slapstick and emotion swiftly garnered it a dedicated fanbase.

Indeed, it managed to captivate its intended audience, with many viewing the buddy comedy as a cherished piece of their childhood memories. Notably, much of its humor remains relevant and unscathed by contemporary cultural changes. Although any film may provoke offense from someone, the majority of laughter in “Good Burger” comes from fart jokes, comedic situations, and slapstick. Certain gags, like the famous asylum shuffle, might not be entirely modern, but they avoid the same controversial “social minefield” territory as some other productions.

Brian Robbin’s Good Burger is a Forgotten Nickelodeon Film

  • Abe Vigoda, who portrayed Otis, may have been 76 when he starred in Good Burger, but the esteemed actor could still run and handily climb over set pieces.
  • Nickelodeon’s “Good Burger, Good Premiere, Good Sweepstakes” promo offered four lucky kids a chance to win $1,000, tickets to the premiere, and a meeting with the film’s leading duo.

As a film enthusiast, I’d say that “Good Burger” is more than just its vibrant ’90s hues and kid-friendly humor with a zany twist. In this movie, I find myself identifying with Ed, a 15-year-old boy who works as the affable, yet dim-witted cashier at the titular burger joint. Enter Dexter, a 16-year-old character who finds himself in my debt due to an unfortunate encounter with a teacher’s car – and guess who was causing the mischief during the opening credits? You got it; it was none other than Ed! Funny how life works, isn’t it?

The twosome encounter all the typical hurdles common in teen comedies. They grapple with love troubles and deal with pesky clients. Luckily, Ed’s sunny disposition is incredibly infectious. There are even some side-splitting surprises thrown into the equation. One of the key plot twists is that the main restaurant, Good Burger, stands opposite its sleazy, futuristic counterpart, Mondo Burger. Initially, this detail seems insignificant, but it turns out to be a crucial element in the climax of the movie.

The humor in this production is reminiscent of typical Nickelodeon content, similar to shows like iCarly. It offers a mix of action, drama, and romance suitable for kids, but with a twist that keeps the conventional formula exciting. What stands out most, though, are the excessive, absurdly funny scenes that make this film anything but another monotonous children’s entertainment.

Classic Slapstick Makes Good Burger a Timeless Comedy

  • Many scenes were shot in Manny’s El Loco restaurant in West Covina, California. The restaurant still exists, albeit under (apparent) new ownership, as it now goes by “Peter’s El Loco.”
  • Those delicious burgers and ice cream cones weren’t edible. Glue was used to keep the burgers looking fresh, while a mix of vegetable shortening and food coloring took the place of meltable ice cream.

In simpler terms, the hilarity found in “Good Burger” remains its most compelling aspect. The film skillfully combines situational humor with slapstick, and even its subtler jokes are delivered as flawlessly as an accomplished gymnast. To this day, the ’90s Nickelodeon classic continues to amuse us, demonstrating that “Good Burger’s” brand of comedy isn’t necessarily novel – slapstick has been a staple for quite some time, and timing has always been crucial in comedy.

In my opinion, I’ve noticed that zany shenanigans are quite common, especially in comedies suitable for the whole family. You know, the same blend of elements that often make up some of our favorite all-age comedies. Take “Freaky Friday,” for instance; it skillfully plays with the emotions of its audience using similar storytelling techniques. Luckily, freshness isn’t always necessary. “Good Burger” does a fantastic job of presenting familiar concepts in an entertaining, easy-to-digest format. Just like its namesake restaurant, Nickelodeon’s film combines a trusted recipe with a unique twist – a secret ingredient that sets it apart. Although it may follow the same path as movies like “The Parent Trap,” it does so with its own distinct flavor.

Perhaps the film’s most remarkable and enduring trait, though often overlooked, is its emphasis on audience laughter alongside the characters. Ed’s blunders, although Amelia Bedelia-like absurd, are actually his strongest points. Unlike some films that brush off Dexter’s manipulative actions as ‘kids being kids’, Good Burger dedicates time to expose him. The film’s villains are the only ones subjected to its insults. This storytelling approach, reminiscent of Disney, offers a charming blend of heartfelt character and light-hearted humor. Thanks to its ties with Nickelodeon and Paramount, Good Burger retains a touch of ‘edginess’.

Not Every Film Needs to Be a Masterpiece

  • Kel Mitchell’s least favorite scene is when Ed fell into the milkshake machine. He has stated that the cold, sticky strawberry yogurt used to simulate the milkshake mix tasted like glue.
  • Unfortunately, following Ed and Dexter’s romantic advice is now impossible. Redondo Beach, California’s Malibu Castle and iconic mini golf course no longer exist.

While it’s not incorrect to consider Good Burger a masterpiece, it’s more accurate to say that it doesn’t belong in the same league as films like Forrest Gump or Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. It lacks the artistic depth, flashy style, and profound themes found in those movies. Despite this, Good Burger is a delightful, eccentric, and family-oriented comedy that revolves around two teenagers working at a burger joint. Although it does provide a brief and blunt critique of capitalism’s impact on food safety, that aspect is not its main focus.

Sometimes, we all just need a break and enjoy something mindless and amusing, like the movie “Good Burger”. There’s no need for it to be anything more than a good laugh. The film doesn’t boast any significant cinematic or narrative advancements; its humor is often crude, and the plot is predictable. However, it manages to entertain with its visual appeal, even if it’s not particularly spectacular. In essence, “Good Burger” is an ordinary, everyday comedy that serves its purpose well.

Indeed, part of its charm is a touch of nostalgia. The vibrant, plastic tones enhance it. The main characters’ more public displays of camaraderie echo the optimistic spirit of the late 90s and early 2000s. Even the burger-shaped car, with its eye-catching hamburger hood, contradicts the minimalist aesthetic that dominates contemporary life.

I’ve got to confess, there’s an undeniable charm about movies like “Good Burger” that some folks just can’t resist. The blend of lighthearted commentary, over-the-top silliness, and a carefree spirit makes it a breeze for us to have a good laugh. There’s no need to analyze whether something is funny or not. There’s no profound meaning to dissect during the closing credits. “Good Burger” is a joke, and it’s proud of it. It’s a self-aware rollercoaster ride of absurdities, and much like fine wine, it seems to get better with time.

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2025-05-25 22:11