‘The Simpsons Movie’ Delivers For Simpsonphiles in Meta Fashion

CHICAGO – Spot-on social criticism mocking all parts of the political spectrum, playful jabs at the world’s religions (except Nancy Cartwright’s Scientology), a balance of Stooge-esque broad humor and understated high-brow satire.


“The Simpsons Movie”
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
That’s what we’ve come to expect from the Simpsons. However, with “The Simpsons Movie,” this question has now been begged: If you combine all these elements into one 87-minute “PG-13” film, will you have what Comic Book Guy would call the …

Best.
Episode.
Ever?
The moviegoers at my screening of the film were clearly already converts to the Simpsons’ style of humor. When the film erroneously started out of frame, a choir of “d’ohs” erupted from the crowd.

Still, even some of the most ardent fans of the 20-year-old series have felt recent years have been weaker. Story lines have moved from character-based bits to wacky adventures where each week the family escapes on vacation.


“The Simpsons Movie” director David Silverman
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
The movie absolutely falls in the “wacky” category. Homer causes the entire family to be banished from Springfield when he dumps a silo of pig crap into Lake Springfield.

The town in a never-revealed state is quarantined by EPA head Russ Cargill (voiced by Simpsons regular Albert Brooks). In addition to Brooks, Tom Hanks and pop-punk trio Green Day lend voices.

Characteristic for the TV show, “The Simpsons Movie” keeps up its pace of a flock of jokes a minute. It launches into character from the opening scene when Homer in meta fashion chastises the audience of “Itchy & Scratchy” for paying for something they can see on TV for free.


“The Simpsons Movie”
Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Simpsonphiles will be delighted to see subtle nods at classic episodes including a cameo by Bart’s elephant, Stampy, and Homer jumping the Springfield Gorge. Profanity and nudity are reservedly used for peak comedic value.

If you enjoy watching the Simpsons, you will love this movie. If you don’t like the Simpsons, then seriously: Why the hell would you even go to this theater?

By Dustin Levell
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

© 2007 Dustin Levell, HollywoodChicago.com