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The Simpsons Movie (2007)
Director: David Silverman
Synopsis
It’s taken 18 years, but The Simpsons, the phenomenally successful animated sitcom, has finally made the transition to the big screen.
Movie review
From Time Out New York
For years, we devoted Simpsons-ites have clutched our Moe the Bartender action figures and hoped—nay, prayed—that we’d one day watch the exploits of Springfield’s finest at the local multiplex. Our dreams have come true, but with the first feature-length outing of Homer, Marge et al. comes a painful reminder to be careful what you wish for. Qualitywise, The Simpsons Movie doesn’t come close to the brilliance of the early years, nor is it, to paraphrase geek-critic Comic Book Guy, the Worst. Cartoon-TV-series-to-film adaptation. Ever. The problem is that fans who’ve patiently held their breath for a big-screen adventure have been rewarded with nothing so much as several crushingly mediocre episodes strung together and stretched out to nearly 90 minutes. Seriously, we’ve waited 18 years for this?
Mind you, there are a handful of funny, inspired moments scattered throughout—the opening Itchy & Scratchy preamble is hilarious, and you’ll find yourself singing the lyrics to “Spider-Pig” for weeks. But Matt Groening & Co. always said they wouldn’t commit to a movie until they had a worthy script, and despite a whopping 11 veteran Simpsons writers contributing their various two cents, the film’s premise (it involves a silo full of pig shit, a huge dome and Homer saving the day) is just another misbegotten high-concept hodgepodge filled with recycled gags. Obsessives will be heartbroken, especially since most of the beloved supporting characters barely make a blip. Even casual viewers—or those who know TV’s yellow-hued family only from their cultural omnipresence—won’t feel like they got their d’oh’s worth.
Author: David Fear
Time Out New York Issue 618: August 2–8, 2007
User reviews of this film
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- Scottemus said...
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Posted on Aug 01 2007 06:09
I was impressed by the film, it was much better than I was expecting. The plot itself wasnt very good and it was as CJ said, "too political", but the jokes were hilarious - Seeing Bart's wang, and the bit where Homer jumps into the hole whilst giving the finger - AMAZING!
p.s ET - everything after season 8 has been dissapointing - stop fooling yourself! - Report as inappropriate
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- ET said...
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Posted on Jul 31 2007 19:17
You're all wrong; the film was fantastic. You really ought to check your expectations - what did you think this was supposed to be? The plot was epic enough to fill the format, and the writing supported the production perfectly.
Those of you who disregard everything The Simpsons has done after season 7 or so will of course be disappointed, because nothing will ever be good enough for you.
Those of us who wanted an appropriate big-screen adaptation got exactly what we wanted, and it's a beautiful production all around. - Report as inappropriate
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- cj said...
- Posted on Jul 30 2007 22:41 gotta agree with markie, i was soo stoked to see a movie come out, and was greatly disappointed, all it was, was a cartoon version of "an inconvient truth" and seemed like al gore funded the movie, it wasnt funny at all, and was way too political.... dirty shame that the simpsons have stooped to that level : /
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- vd said...
- Posted on Jul 30 2007 16:55 Honestly, I didn't laugh once for the whole movie. It's a terrible shame.
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- markie said...
- Posted on Jul 28 2007 07:10 there was nothing to the film just a whole heap of dumb jokes. as a movie it has little plot nothing clever and superficial interaction of characters. the only thing its got going for it is that its a simpsons in reality if anybody gave the public and said it was from the simpsons you would like it. i say its a lame film that is over rated
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- Alan said...
- Posted on Jul 27 2007 17:41 I'm an obsessive and I was far from hartbroken. Infact, It was better than I thought it would be. Homer and a Pig. It's nother less than genius.
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- andre said...
- Posted on Jul 25 2007 11:55 the best film ive ever seen in my life, pure laughter
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- George Bush Jr. said...
- Posted on Jul 21 2007 22:53 Best.
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- Gumpy said...
- Posted on Jul 21 2007 22:52 Better.
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- pinky said...
- Posted on Jul 21 2007 22:51 Good.
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- roger said...
- Posted on Jun 30 2007 03:24 pretty funny but not haha funny...
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Cast & crew
Director: David Silverman
Producer: James L Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Mike Scully, Richard Sakai
Genre(s): Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Duration: 87 mins
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