'I've become everything I ever hated!'

Rating: 4/10 (23 August 2007)

Anyone remember that line? It's from the great man himself, Homer J. Simpson, perhaps the greatest TV character ever, and that quote sums up the Simpsons Movie.
Quite frankly, compared to what it was in the 90s, it's complete rubbish. The best jokes are the ones you've already seen in the trailers. There's one great line from Ralph, and a couple of decent 'Homer gets hurt' gags but thats it. The jokes are all stupid, slapstick comedy designed for people who find somewhere injuring themselves over and over again hilarious. It's almost as if it is 'Jackass', but in cartoon form. Gone are the brilliant observations, the masterful one-liners, the superb songs, and yes, the occasional superb physical comedy gag( Homer falling down Gorge is my favourite) I know it's asking a lot for it to be as fresh and witty as it was but come on! How can 'Spider-pig, spider pig' compare to 'No-one who speaks German can be an evil man'
As for the story, it's an episode stretched too far with a schmaltzy finish and few guest stars thrown in. In short everything the Simpsons has been circa 2002. I mean Marge and Homer splitting up? That was old back in 1998! Entertaining and much loved characters such as Krusty, Chief Wiggum, Burns, Smithers and Apu have about 20 lines between them, replaced by Green Day and Tom Hanks. The focus is entirely on the Simpsons, which is a shame because they themselves have become painfully one-dimensional. Compare the Homer seen here to Homer in 1992 and you'll see what I mean. The Simpsons no longer have any depth. Homer is stupid and selfish. Marge is kind-hearted and nags a lot. Bart is stupid and rebellious and Lisa is always on her soapbox. As Lisa said a long time ago 'You don't want to be a one-dimensional character with a silly catchphrase'. Sadly you have become one.