Woo-hoo!

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2008)

I've been waiting for the Simpsons Movie for a long time. To get it out of the way, I thought the Simpsons peaked about ten years ago. Therefore, I originally thought the movie was about ten years late. Fortunately, the Simpsons, Bigger, Longer and ... whoops. I mean the Simpsons Movie delivers. I recall seeing South Park, Bigger, Longer and Uncut in a vacuum, meaning I knew nothing about the show itself before seeing the movie, but still walked away somewhat entertained. If I was a fan first, I might have enjoyed it more. As for The Simpsons Movie, I think it has more direct appeal to the fans and probably won't find new ones. Essentially, Homer screws up Springfield once and for all by dumping pig poop into the Springfield Lake, forcing the EPA and President Scwharzneggar to encase the city in a plastic dome. Once the Simpson family is exiled, Homer must make up his mind who he cares about more: himself, his family, and the people of Springfield. All along, the story and pacing is laced with subtle satire, irony, and quick-witted lines the Simpsons is known for. It will make you laugh out loud, and like many Simpsons episodes, you might want to see it twice to catch all the jokes (be sure to stay for the credits, too). The only drawback is that it cannot be seen in a vacuum. You have to know about Homer's stupidity and impulsiveness, about Flander's religiosity, and about the cold-heartedness of C. Montgomery Burns. It also feels like a 90 minute Simpsons episode instead of being an actual movie. What it does not do is go overboard like South Park did in their profanity-laden movie. Instead of a relentless attack on the American Puritanical Culture like South Park, the satire is more subtle and not as cynical. The Simpsons evens pokes fun at the idea of a Simpson's Movie itself. The best part, though, is that the fans will definitely give a resounding "Woo-hoo!" instead of "D'oh!"