The Simpsons Movie
Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Nancy Cartwright, Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria
Directed by: David Silverman
Released: 2007
Grade: B+
[[ buy it @ amazon ]]
With the animated series market becoming saturated with new contenders (Family Guy, American Dad, South Park) it's reassuring to see one institution still going strong in the face of changing trends. For almost two decades, the Fox show, which was originally featured as a transiton between sketches on the Tracy Ullman Show", has built an empire on an age old antics of a dysfunctional family led by a bumbling father and an ever tolerant mother. What set them apart, however, was a rotating cast of archetypal characters, intelligent social commentary and enlisting some of the best comedic talent as writers (Conan O' Brien worked for two seasons). While some argue the release is long overdue, it faces the risk of the dreaded big screen curse, where the quality of the show plummets after a movie that doesn't live up to the hype. Thankfully, The Simpsons Movie manages to stay focused, combining a linear plot with plenty of hilarious side jokes.
One definite purpose behind the much anticipated movie is that everything comes to a head; the years of tensions in Homer and Marge's marriage, the strained father-son relationship between Homer and Bart and Lisa's quest to find a kindred spirit among the dumbasses in Springfield find some satisfying examination in a span of 90 minutes. The animation and plot are nothing spectacular, but appropriate when it comes to the series penchant for current satire. When Homer dumps waste into the already over-polluted Lake Springfield, the government controls the problem by encasing the town in a giant dome. Other than a few bold jokes typical of some loosened censorship (Bart's exposure, Homer gratuitously flipping the bird to an angry mob), the humor that ensues is warmly familiar and keeps the audience chuckling throughout. Even when some observations become tiresome (we get it - you hate Disney), there's always a gem following to redeem it.
The quality of the show has suffered over the past couple of years, as the comedy has become more sarcastic, almost to the point of nihilistic. Previously, the family had their problems, but each episode ended with someone learning a lesson, even if that lesson was forgotten again soon afterward. The movie returns to this original formula, pulling the series out of it's recent stagnation period by enlisting a few harsh and touching moments. "You just bought a load from the world's fattest fertilizer salesman," Bart declares when, after the family is run out of town and hunted by the cops, Marge agrees to stick with her husband. Overall though, the movie focuses on Homer and his struggle to redeem himself with everything at stake, even the destruction of the town which he damned with his inconsiderate behavior.
A surprising aspect of the movie is its ability to find a spot for almost every member of its huge cast of characters. From Comic Book Guy to Stampy the Elephant, every one receives a moment in the spotlight, even if for a few seconds of screen time. When Dr. Nick has his brief cameo towards the end, for example, privileged viewers are offered a huge laugh. Inevitably, a few celebrities show up to pay their dues. Albert Brooks, who's no stranger to the series, voices the movie's villian, a power mad federal agent, and what would a big summer blockbuster be without an appearance from Tom Hanks?
The movie should please hardcore and new fans alike. While it didn't blow me away, it's impressive that the integrity of the numerous delightful side observations and sight gags weren't lost in the big picture. Unlike other series, The Simpsons Movie proves that successful comedy can be achieved without relying on shocking imagery and irreverant, almost non-sensical pop culture humor. If there is a sequel, something suggested by Maggie herself during the credits, hopefully it will stick to the same formula that made it so appealing in the first place.
by Amanda Waltz