Monday, July 30, 2007

Review: The Simpsons Movie (2007)



So here we are, at the end of all things. No wait, that was another movie.

After many years of waiting, you can imagine this film in particular would have a lot to live up to.

The Simpsons Movie was put together by the people who have loved it for as many years (even longer) than we have. Matt Groening, creator and writer, director David Silverman, and a large cast of voice actors including regulars Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner and Hank Azaria. All the familiar people are involved and the very familiar characters, so where d'oh where is that Simpsons' charm?

Many people have asked, why now for a movie? Why not after year one or two when it just started to gain notoriety? Many of the answers coming from the creators of Springfield sound like "Why not now"? Fair enough I say. It's time they could call the shots. However, one can't help but notice that 12+ Kwik-E-Marts erupted around the U.S. and the film debuted during blockbuster season. Another big screen toy commercial you say? Perhaps, but one I can't help being suckered in to watching. Come on, it's THE SIMPSONS!

This Simpsons misadventure begins when Homer dumps a big tank of pig poo into Lake Springfield following a massive clean-up campaign. His actions prompts the Environmental Protection Agency to solve the problem by sealing the whole town (and its occupants) in a giant dome with no way out. Mission: Save Springfield.

So what was the movie like? The plot was messy, the characters didn't seem like themselves, and many of the political jokes fell flat. I admit, they have balls for making fun of the EPA right now. Not too sure the Live Earth crew will be happy with the film, even though it's overall messages are probably fine. However, this time it's not just Springfield that's coated in crap.

I might be too harsh here, but I know how I feel after I've seen a movie, and in this case it certainly wasn't 'enthusiastic'. The Simpsons Movie had its moments, but by the end I was wishing I had just stayed at home and watched the TV show.

See this if you are a huge fan but if not, wait for DVD. Even a fan like me couldn't shake the feeling that 'something just wasn't right'. Matt Groening - Don't quit your day job!


2.5/5 Donut Stars

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