Thursday, August 2, 2007

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

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Is the Simpsons Movie any different from the television series? Not really. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. The Simpsons is one of the greatest, most consistent television series of all time and fans have been waiting for the big screen version for years. It’s hard to believe how anyone could be disappointed with the feature film; it was worth the wait. The movie version is essentially a 90 minute episode which means a deeper plot and more laughs. Many notable characters from the series appear briefly, but the most important of all reminds us over and over again why we love him. Homer is a bonafide movie star and steals the show. His errors and triumphs as a father, husband, and man are what allow so many people to relate to the Simpsons. The remaining family members each have their time to shine as well, and provide both laughs and insight into the bizarre nature of the family unit. The story itself isn't shocking or groundbreaking, but the writers deserve high praise for delivering countless jokes full of irreverence, irrelevance, sarcasm, and wit all while keeping the story moving at a fast pace. There is absolutely no filler, and like any classic Simpsons episode, there are a handful of lines that are sure to be quoted time and again. The move from small to big screen and a PG-13 rating afforded the writers a little more creative freedom, but there is nothing any kid who watches the series shouldn't see. The fact that little or no profanity, obscenity, or vulgarity was used to make the funniest movie of 2007 shows the creative team’s brilliance. How else can a nearly 20 year-old franchise still feel so fresh? Those just discovering the Simpsons and die-hard fans who have been there from the beginning will love the Simpsons movie which is more than worthy to be on the big screen.

Good For: Simpsons fans, people who laugh at funny things

Bad For: people that suck

The Gallery
The Economist: * * * *
The Surfer: * * *
The Film Maker: * * *
The Writer * * * *

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