The Simpsons hit the Big Screen - The Simpsons Movie
Written: Jul 28 '07 (Updated Jul 28 '07)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Bang For The Buck |
 |
|
|
Pros: Lots of typical Simpsons Humor
Cons: Its tough to get new material for a show thats been on so long.
The Bottom Line: If you like the Simpsons, you should like this movie. On the other hand only suckers pay money to see something they can see for free on Television!
|
|
|
| shopaholic_man's Full Review: The Simpsons Movie |
At first, I wasn't sure what I thought of a Simpsons movie coming out, the first trailers didn't seem too entertaining. Then I saw the trailer showing Homer with his new pet pig happily singing Spider pig, spider pig, does whatever a spider pig does, Can he swing from a web? No he can't, he's a pig LOOKOUT He's a spider pig!.
Bottom line, having watched the Simpsons since it was just a short on the Tracy Ullman Show, I had to see The Simpsons Movie
Friday I left work a bit early and took my son to an afternoon showing, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I laughed quite a bit.
The Movie starts with Homer and his family watching the latest Itchy and Scratchy Movie. Homer is disgusted because he has just paid for his whole family to see a movie of a cartoon that he could see for free on television. He chastises the entire movie audience about their stupidity, and yes that includes the audience you are sitting in. Cut to Green Day playing a concert in Springfield doing a rocked out version of the Simpsons intro music, and I was ready to have a good time.
The PLOT (with minor spoilers)
You may recognize some of these from previous Simpson episodes, others you may not. Springfield turns out to be the most polluted town in the U.S.A. thanks in part to the actions of Homer. Grampa (Abe Simpson) speaks in tongues at church and predicts terrible things will happen. A new evil character Russ Cargill (voiced by Al Brooks) is the head of the EPA and he convinces President Schwarzenegger (what happened to McBain?) to order a giant dome be fitted over Springfield. No one can get in or out. Of course, the residents of Springfield manage to find out that it was all Homers fault, but the Simpsons manage to escape to Alaska. One of my son's favorite scenes showed Homer playing Grand Theft Walrus. When the Simpsons find out what plans are in store for Springfield, all but Homer want to go back to try to save their town.
Lisa Simpson falls in love with a cute environmentaly active Irish boy Collin (and no his father is NOT BONO). Bart creates trouble and antagonizes his father. Homer disappoints Marge with his actions and has to figure out a way to win her back.
Chief Wiggum fails to keep order in Springfield. Burns and Smithers continue to show a reckless disregard for anyone else but themselves. Nelson continues to bully people. Milhouse still loves Lisa. Lisa still despises Milhouse. Moe still serves beer. Krusty the Clown still entertains and hawks products. On the Spanish channel, Bumblebee man still entertains. Oh, and Homer rescues and adopts a pig that starred in a Krusty Clogger Pork Sandwich.
Reverend LoveJoy still tries to provide spiritual leadership to Springfield, and Ned Flanders continues to be one of the most pious members of the First Church of Springfield.
Most of the Simpsons characters appear including Drederick Tatum, Lenny & Carl, Comic Book Guy, Cletus, Professor Frink, Apu, Dr. Nick, Dr. Hebert, and of course Tom Hanks as himself.
Was The Simpsons Movie Funny?
YES, yes and Yes! Sure, some of the plot elements have been seen before, but like the show for over ten years, it provided lots of gags including little visual things that take a sharp eye to notice. The movie lets you see the sight gags that were prevalent on the show much easier. The bar Homer visits in Alaska is EskiMOES. Barts naked skateboard trip to Krusties has to be seen to be believed. A Disney film parody of Homer and Marge in Alaska was hilarious. Even chubby brainy Martin has his moment of glory in the Simpsons movie.
Was the Simpsons Movie Touching?
One thing I have always loved about the Simpsons is that in spite of the zany humor, the Simpsons have always emphasized family values. Although Marge and Homer may have been tempted, they have never cheated on each other. Although Marge and Homer may have been tested by their kids, they always came through for them in the end. I still remember the episode that Homer gave up buying an air conditioner to buy Lisa a Saxomophone [sic]. The movie stays true to this concepts and values. Even though it was only a cartoon, I was touched when Homer reflected on his love for his wife as The Carpenters Close to You played during a montage.
Summary I was surprised that I liked this movie even more than my son. (Nick age 12) He gave it three stars saying it was pretty funny. I gave it four, because it took all that was the best out of years of Simpsons shows. I grew up with the Simpsons and I finally found out just where Springfield is. (I'll give you a hint, from high up, you can see the neighboring vistas that look suspiciously like Washington D.C., Las Vegas and New England!)
Recommended:
Yes
Movie Mood: Funny Movie
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.