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The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Director: David Silverman

Critics' rating

Average user rating

24 reviews

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

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User reviews of this film

will said...

Posted on Jun 25 2008 04:39 amamzing

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parmz said...

Posted on Oct 24 2007 03:07 The simpsons movie was easily the most disapointing piece of garbage I have ever wasted money on. The jokes were random and weak, I didn't laugh once (WTF is this spider pig BS?). It has been really disapointing for me to see one of my favorite shows of all time take the biggest downward spiral ever culminating in this shitty ass movie. The show itself should have been done after a maximum of 9 seasons. It's just sad to see

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hitler said...

Posted on Oct 11 2007 08:43 i comepletly

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brian said...

Posted on Sep 02 2007 18:18 avid fan of the TV series for years and I'm 59. BUT the film was simply not funny

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ben said...

Posted on Aug 21 2007 07:22 i hated it the story line it has been done some many times before homer does something wrong marge leaves him and in the end it all goes back to normal

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Ben said...

Posted on Aug 16 2007 02:16 ET, you are wrong. I do not discount any Simpsons after season 7. I in fact think seasons 17-18 are amongst their best. So why this film raised barely a chuckle is what is disappointing here. (Ok there were a couple laughs) Homer got it right at the start of the film. Why are we paying to see something we can see free on TV? Cos this is one decent episode padded out for 75-80 minutes.

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Sam said...

Posted on Aug 06 2007 15:08 Not good, Rehashed gags, narrative left a lot to be desired. Just NOT funny in any way shape or form. Terrible beyond all proportions

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Frank said...

Posted on Aug 04 2007 20:08 Even a friend I know who isn't a Simpsons fan like it. Perfectly entertaining. Once again, a TONY critic shows why their reviews can't be trusted. Really, your other critics are good and the magazine's invaluable, but you need to fire your film critics.

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robuk said...

Posted on Aug 03 2007 05:47 To underline my earlier review, I just caught an old Halloween special episode (Ned as a werewolf, Stretch Dude, Clobber Girl and The Collector) . The comparison made me realise how the movie really lacked enough of the sharp satire and superb visual gags from a 20 min show and reflect where the Simpsons are today.

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bob said...

Posted on Aug 03 2007 02:23 I was greatly disappointed by "The Simpsons: The Movie." I can honestly say that I didn't laugh once. The movie was too "safe," too political, and apart from the first 20 minutes not even remotely funny.

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Jeffy said...

Posted on Aug 02 2007 18:27 There was nothing wrong with this is movie is was very funny and had a good plot

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Scottemus said...

Posted on Aug 02 2007 09:57 I agree about the Lisa episodes thing Robuk - I hate those so much, and I do think it was a bit too Green.
I still liked the gags though.
You are also right about the other characters that were missing, Mr Burns should have had a much bigger part in it!!! he only really had one scene which was used in the damned trailer!!!

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robuk said...

Posted on Aug 02 2007 09:17 I'm a huge huge fan and from the trailers, was anticipating a cinematic triumph! Overall though, it's more an extneded 'Lisa' episode, which is heavy on the morals and less on outright laughs - always my least favourite TV episodes. Yes, there are funny laugh-out-loud moments but not as mnay as I expected going on the reviews to date. The thin eco-plot doesn't sustain and there is not nearly enough of the really good characters fron the golden days. Burns, Smithers, Willie or Skinner to name a few. Oh well, we're spolit I guess..., for the gags that are good it gets 3.

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Scottemus said...

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!

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ET said...

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.

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