"The movie version of the long-running television series may be running on already-tread waters, but it is still darn funny by relying on its rich characters and clever writing rather than poop and burp jokes."
The Simpson family is a television clan that has become immortalized in pop culture. However, there is one thing that sets them apart from other families in television history. Unlike the Bunkers, the Jeffersons, the Keatons, or the Winslows (yes, I was a fan of Family Matters), the Simpson family is animated. Generally this means indestructibility, but we have all seen the occasional animated show debut on network television only to be shot dead on contact. Since the family debuted on The Tracy Ullman Show about 20 years ago, they have stuck around the Fox network with their own series that has fought through 17 seasons. With a show making an impression on American culture for so long, there has been that expected question: Where is The Simpsons movie? After the show's creators have struggled with this question for years, fans of the series have exhaled and jumped in line at the multiplex as The Simpsons Movie finally hits big screens this weekend. As any fan expects when sitting down to watch the show on a Sunday evening, there is laughter in store.
In order to properly convert a television show to the big screen, creators have to keep in mind that vast sea known as the moviegoers. Like South Park, a successful film must offer something for those unfamiliar with the show, while giving double points to those who have reveled in the wacky misadventures of America's Favorite Family for the last 17 years. Fortunately, The Simpsons succeeds by not talking down to general audiences, and embracing everyone with its humor for a full 90 minutes. Take for example the opening sequence that captures violent cartoon characters Itchy and Scratchy taking part in blood-soaked conflict. The scene offers tasteless excess and political satire that most viewers can appreciate. However, the camera pulls back to reveal that the Itchy and Scratchy sequence is part of a theatrical film being enjoyed by the Simpson family. Homer stands and reflexively reminds the audience that they are suckers for coming out to the theater to enjoy something they get on television anyway. You better believe that fans of the series were hooting and hollering in the theater. This clever intro is only the tip of the iceberg.
The premise of the film follows the Simpsons as they battle environmental threats, a corrupt government, and their own beloved community of Springfield. The town becomes a polluted danger zone after Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) adopts a pig and disposes of its waste in Lake Springfield. This is when EPA honcho Russ Cargill (voiced by Albert Brooks) sees it fit to place a giant dome over Springfield and let the town go extinct from isolation. Of course Homer is blamed for this mess forcing he and his family to flee to Alaska where they must struggle with the guilt of leaving Springfield in shambles. Will The Simpsons be able to save their beloved haven? Will Bart (voiced by Nancy Cartwright) decide that Ned Flanders is a much more suitable father than Homer? Will Moe ever get to serve a fresh mug of Duff to the local alcoholics?
My expectations of The Simpsons Movie were relatively high, and I knew they would be met the second I read about the announcement of a film adaptation. For years, the creators of The Simpsons have avoided film territory with concern of selling out too soon or not getting it just right. After such a long delay, the film is definitely given the care it deserves. Big names behind the show such as Al Jean and David Silverman, return to put their expert touches on the feature-length product. Yes, the result is essentially a long episode, but I can't label this as a bad thing. When it comes to rating comedies, my grading system is based on the level of enjoyment and laughter from watching the film. Unlike a previous attempt at the big screen this year by Reno 911, The Simpsons is a film that sucked me in at the beginning and had me snickering until the closing credits. Just like the series, the movie is asked to be taken seriously; the real reward comes from putting an ear to its snappy dialogue. This is particularly true in a memorable cameo from a Simpsonized Tom Hanks.
Of course the movie wouldn't be complete without its cast of longtime veterans. There is rarely a moment when I hear more passionate performances from the actors. Instead it feels as though they are literally phoning in the roles with which they are very familiar. This is not a complaint, but a welcome addition. Dan Castellatata is especially winning as usual by becoming the oafish loser we have come to love, known as Homer Simpson.
I think it is pretty clear what to expect from The Simpsons Movie. The Simpson family has become a staple in American pop culture, and pretty much anyone who hasn't lived life in a sheltered household has seen the series (I am assuming I am not offending anyone with this sentence as anyone who is sheltered would not be surfing the web). The movie version of the long-running television series may be running on already-tread waters, but it is still darn funny by relying on its rich characters and clever writing rather than poop and burp jokes. Since such comedies are released on rare occasion, I think anyone owes it to themselves to throw down some admission dollars and see this movie.
Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com
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"Go out and see the Simpsons Movie immediately! Even for newcomers to the series (are there such people?) this film holds its own and will satisfy your need to laugh." ByAdam Frazier
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