There had been talk of a Simpsons movie dating all the way back to 1994, but it is only now, thirteen years later, that it has become a reality. I was definitely interested in seeing it, but I had some concerns going in. I've enjoyed the show on and off since its inception, however I always thought that it should have ended many years ago, as there has been a creative drought for a number of seasons now. I was worried about the quality of writing for the movie, as anyone who has been watching the past few years will have to have seen the drop in number of laughs per episode, although the last season was a step up.
In addition to the writing, I was also concerned that with 18 seasons of episodes so far, and with many in perpetual reruns, would people be interested in paying for it? The answer is, and should be, a resounding yes. While the movie did not open up any new ground, it delivered a steady succession of laugh-out-loud jokes, and was a sufficiently bigger story that it didn't feel like a couple of episodes run end to end.
The movie answered the question of viewership in its opening sequence — an inspired violent bit featuring Itchy and Scratchy, the lovably vicious mouse and cat combo. It appears to be a short to open the show, but it is quickly revealed to be an Itchy and Scratchy movie, with Homer complaining they could have stayed home and watched it on television for free. It is a funny bit, defusing what was likely an actual concern for the studio.
The Simpsons Movie begins by introducing us to the town on the big screen, and it is a hilarious jaunt through familiar territory. It is not a town tour, but rather it is the setup material to get the actual plot moving. It is also the most fertile joke territory of the entire movie. I was laughing out loud at numerous points during this opening, but the frequency of laughter decreased as the movie progressed. I can honestly say I was surprised by the sharp wit, and how fast the jokes came early on. Any worries that I had that this would fall in line with past weak seasons was quickly erased. It was almost as if the writers (of whom there are 11 credited) saved up all of their best bits to weave into a feature length tale.
Article comments
1 - RJ
Thanks for the well-written review. And double-thanks for not including any serious spoilers! :)
2 - Jose
Frankly, I would have given the movie a 4 precisely because of that delicate balance. I was hoping they wouldn't mess it up, and so did most of us Simpson fans. They did not disappoint. The movie was actually better than most of the Simpson episodes as of late. It actually took me back to the Simpsons' Golden Age (season 6-8)
Anyways, good post.
3 - The Spewker
Love Matt Groening. Can't wait to see the movie. Thanks for the good review. One caveat: next time, go easy on giving away key points of the plot, i.e. the Itchy and Scratchy opener. I probably won't laugh as hard when I see it on the big screen because I'll lack that element of surprise. By the way, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? opened in a similar manner.
4 - Tom
I saw this last night, I have never laughed so much in 87 minutes. Ok so the plot was a bit weak, but who cares. It was certainly a laugh a minute, they sure saved up the good jokes for the movie. The simpsons episodes of recent years have been weak and overall not very funny. This movie made me think of those early seasons.
5 - tom
where did the simpsons originate? [personal contact info deleted]