The Simpsons Movie

It’s very strange seeing the family of five, along with the rest of Springfield on the big screen. After years of seeing them on the small tube at home, it’s almost shocking to see so much of them (and so much of Bart!). It’s also different to watch them at a cinematic pace, for an hour and a half – as opposed to simply 22 minutes. I have to agree with how film critic Richard Roeper put it, that it’s a solid film but nothing that makes you really laugh out loud, but it keeps you chuckling throughout. The comedy here is much more subtle, just like the show, with hidden and off-to-the-side jokes. The storyline is good, with Homer putting all of Springfield in peril and then of course dealing with the problem by fleeing to the “country of Alaska,” and in-the-now topics like global warming and bad reality shows (Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?) are cleverly present. Of course, as many episodes have turned out, there is a heart to the movie with the Simpson family having doubts about one another and Lisa falling in love. However, I would have liked to see characters like Sideshow Bob or more of Apu and Milhouse and even more celebrity cameos. Nonetheless, The Simpsons have a good time on screen, but they’re best in your living room, where they’ve been a whole 18 years. But at least one thing got cleared up in the movie, which was hands down the best line/moment of the movie – we finally know Ralph Wiggum’s sexual orientation.

Directed by David Silverman
Runtime: 87 minutes