Still on after 18 years, “The Simpsons” has become a go-to repository for the finest in humor. Arguably, it’s the best show on television; the Simpson family has dissected more about life via absurdity than most television shows ever even consider. And now, after a decade plus of development, “The Simpsons Movie” is here, and it doesn’t disappoint. But the best part about it is that you don’t have to be a die-hard fan to have a good time.
- Jessica Boullion
- Holy crap! (Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox)
The film is about family ties and Homer Simpson’s heroic redemption as the Simpsons take on an environmental catastrophe – one that Homer created with a silo full of pig crap. The incident dooms the town of Springfield, thus forcing TV’s first family to flee. In their flight they realize the need to save the town, but that’s merely an afterthought for the film’s joke-a-moment fervor. Nude skateboarding, jabs at disorganized government, random acts of wacky violence, imaginary chainsaws and about a million other jokes abound in this masterwork of American comedy.
Capitalizing upon the expanse of the medium, this is the best script ever written by 11 acknowledged writers. The verbal and the visual are married to perfect union. Not a second goes by without something genuinely clever or on the floor laughable happening.
There’s some great stuff here. Mister Burns gloats that finally “the rich white man is in charge.” Homer almost successfully threatens a mob with an imaginary chainsaw. Bart gets loaded and calls Homer the “world’s fattest fertilizer salesman.” And President Schwarzenegger claims that he was “elected to lead, not to read.” In line with classic screwball comedies like “Animal House” and even “My Man Godfrey,” we are given jokes that are both brainless and thought provoking, but never unfunny. What makes “The Simpsons” a cut above most comedy is its energy and exemplary craft.
If a film can be measured by it’s quality and longevity, then the “The Simpsons” is as funny and memorable as “A Night At The Opera.” Just try to not repeat Homer’s already infamous “Spider-Pig” ditty. Rarely does contemporary comedy transcend regular crap to become a benchmark for well-staged humor. With “The Simpsons Movie,” we get our chance to laugh our asses off. This is an American comedy classic, or as the Simpsons would say, it’s perfectly “cromulent” film.
The Simpsons Movie
At the Showcase and Quality 16
20th Century Fox
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars