Long-awaited movie lives up to the hype

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2007)

For a series which has been as long running (currently into its nineteenth season) and as influential as "The Simpsons", you figure the much anticipated movie would be on a hiding to nothing. Seemingly, anything less than a box-office smash would bring out the doomsdayers, calling for the show to die an honourable death. Fortunately, "The Simpsons Movie" lives up to most expectations. There are plenty of jokes in its ninety minute duration, pop-culture gags (including Homer's Spider-Pig routine, which is sure to gain cult status amongst most Simpsons fans), and special appearances by Green Day (putting their own spin on Danny Elfman's theme, before being drowned "Titanic" style) and Tom Hanks, as well as plenty of self-referential gags (including Homer stating 'why would we pay money for something we can see for free?'). Considering Homer Simpson's been the focal point of the show from the beginning, it's appropriate that everyone's favourite bald, yellow-skinned oaf dominates the main story. After throwing a silo of pig excrement  in a vat which suspiciously looks like a wang - into Lake Springfield, the US Government are forced to entomb Springfield into a giant dome, and the residents want Homer's blood. Facing a lynching, The Simpsons flee to Alaska to rebuild their lives. While I won't spoil the fun by giving away too much, suffice to say Homer must pull his family  and the town - from their do (o) med existence. There's also a small subplot of Lisa finding love with an Irish boy named Colin (who, he stresses, is not Bono's son). For a show which has garnered such a following, it's good to see that the fans are looked after in this movie. Not only are we treated to revised credit sequence (including a new chalkboard gag from Bart), but subtle references to past episodes (such as Homer calling Jesus "Jebus"), and the added factor of nearly every character on the show making an appearance (with a hundred speaking parts), most of who can be seen in the angry mob marching to Homer's house. If anything, this movie is visually stunning; the animation is fluid and colourful, and the longer format allows for a lot more action-orientated set pieces than the show's usual twenty-two minute platform (literately starting with a bang with a scene from an "Itchy and Scratchy" movie). It's quite a contrast to the early episodes of The Simpsons, which look almost prehistoric in comparison. While many believe the show is long past its prime, making this movie now, as opposed to a decade ago, allows for the more expansive action, which a show like this certainly deserves. Overall, The Simpsons movie lives up to expectations - though some hard-to-please fans are sure to find fault somewhere  and is, at times, laugh out loud funny, with plenty of its trademark topical humour, pop-culture references and the obligatory celebrities. Bring on the sequels.