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The Simpson's Movie (2007)

The Simpson's Movie
Some days I feel like I should have an asterik by my name.
Watch The Trailer!

Directed By:

Matt Groening

Starring:

Dan Castellaneta
Julie Kavner
Nancy Cartwright
Yeardley Smith

Released By:

20th Century Fox

Released In:

2007

Rated:

PG-13

Reviewed By:

Adam Mast

Reviewed On:

Wed Aug 1st, 2007

Grade:

B


After eighteen years on the air, The Simpsons finally make their way onto the big screen and I'm happy to report that they do not disappoint. Essentially, The Simpsons Movie is an extended episode of the TV show, and while it isn't anything groundbreaking, it does deliver hearty laughs.

In this big screen outing, lovable oaf Homer puts all of Springfield in jeopardy forcing he and his family to move to Alaska. After the Simpsons leave their beloved home, President Schwarzenegger and his right hand man Russ Cargill (voiced by a hilarious Albert Brooks) hatch a plan that might quarantine Springfield off from the rest of the country.

The Simpsons Movie is a cynical look at the world, just as the TV show is and has been for nearly two decades. While there is a bit of scathing satire at the heart of this movie, there is certainly a playful demeanor to the proceedings as well. What's more, there's a bit of heart too. Watch as Bart develops a most unexpected bond with Ned Flanders after Homer becomes so enamored by his pet pig, that he appears to lose interest in his own family.

The Simpsons Movie has several moments of inspired lunacy such as an uproarious sequence in which Homer dares Bart to skateboard around the block naked. This culminates in the greatest obstructed view sequence (think Austin Powers) ever committed to film.

Matt Groening and crew also allow their cherished characters to do a few other things you'd never see them do on television, but none of this stuff ever feels gimmicky or out of place. It's all in perfect keeping with this hilarious universe.

Given that this is only a ninety minute movie, not every character in the Simpsons universe is given a chance to shine. That's one luxury you don't have when taking a TV show to the big screen, but for the most part, the entire cast has a blast here, and the writing is every bit as sharp as I hoped it would be. Instead of going huge, the creative team behind The Simpsons have opted to stay true to form and the end result is one heck of an entertaining flick. Cheers to one of the most enduring shows in the history of television. They've made that leap to the silver screen without a shred of compromise.

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