'The Simpsons Movie' review

Rating: ***1/2 out of ****

No one, not even Matt Groening himself, could've imagined that ‘The Simpsons’ would become as big as it did. Nor could anyone anticipate how much of a cultural phenomenon it has become. ‘The Simpsons’ may be the only show on the air that is older than its target audience. Going into its nineteenth year on the air, ‘The Simpsons’ have raised a generation. Homer Simpson has become the most iconic cartoon character since Bugs Bunny. With such a legacy, it was inevitable the show would take the leap to the big screen. Those anticipating the movie and those who have an aversion to the idea have come in equal numbers. Many seem to think that after 18 years the movie has nowhere to go but down. But it’s not as if this film was thought up overnight. Does anyone remember the ‘Camp Krusty’ episode? I read that that story was supposed to be the original idea for the movie. That shows how long this movie has been on the creators’ minds.

“Why would anyone pay to see something they can see for free on TV?” Homer asks the audience. It’s a good question. People will pay though. If not, for any other reason, than to satisfy their curiosity as to what exactly has been brewing for 18 years. People often say that a movie made from a TV show will just feel like an extended episode. Of course it will. It is the same characters in their usual universe. Unless the creators take a long drive off the path of the show (i.e. ‘Beavis & Butthead Do America’), how could it not?

In this extended Simpsons episode, we find Springfield has become the most polluted town in the history of the world. This is due to the resident’s habitual dumping in Lake Springfield, topped off by Homer dumping an entire silo of pig waste. President Schwarzenegger, under pressure from the EPA, declares that the city be sealed off from the rest of the US. This leads to dire consequences and it is up to America’s favorite family to save the day.

The plot may sound thin, but it leaves plenty of room for the richly textured jokes and satire that the Simpsons are known for - and that shows like ‘Family Guy’ later bastardized. We see the usual types - shameless plugs for the Fox network (yes, even in a feature film), jabs at politicians, government incompetence, and Homer hurting himself in so many ways it would make the Three Stooges cringe. The show takes advantage of the newfound leeway brought with a film, pushing the envelope while not intentionally trying to offend. Its humor always feels light-hearted. It also features some of the most heart-felt and poignant moments this family has endured. There is a moment between Homer and Marge that is so quiet and affecting that Julie Kavner’s (Marge) voice even resonates differently – we hear Julie breaking down as well as Marge.

The higher budget has allowed a face-lift for the animation. Computer animation is used sparsely and creatively. It never feels distracting; rather enriching the universe the Simpsons occupy. Shots and sequences are possible now that could never work on the show. Supposedly, the movie has set a record for writers on a single script (11). Normally this many writers implies countless rewrites and modifications. Here, it just happens that 11 writers have an equal love for the material. The jokes are fresh and non-stop, from the opening Fox logo to the end of the credits (stay for them, it’s well worth it).

‘The Simpsons’ movie may be compared to the last episode of ‘Seinfeld’, where it has been built-up for so long that there is no way the fans will get what they expect. There will be die-hard fans that are impossible to satisfy. I have been a fan of the show since the beginning, have seen every episode multiple times, and am still an avid watcher. This movie did not disappoint. After 18 years of anticipation, I feel it was well worth the wait. ‘The Simpsons Movie’ is entertaining, funny, heart-warming and flat-out ridiculous. Though the small screen will suffice, I would love to see them back on the big screen. And if Maggie’s first word is any sign, they will be.

The gang's all here! 'The Simpsons Movie' is in theaters now.