Decent, not a classic

Rating: 6/10 (11 August 2007)

Before I start, let me say that I grew up with the Simpsons, and consider it the greatest animated series of all time. There was a time in my life when I absolutely would not ever dare to ever miss a new episode, and would then meet up with friends the next day to rehash the funniest parts. Part of what made the series so hilarious was Homers' utter irresponsibility, naïveté, and failure as a role model. (His response to a question about why he litters: "It's easier. Duh.") Bart was also a total brat who would steal things, vandalize, and get in trouble at school. It was one of the few animated programs on at night instead of Saturday mornings (there are far more today, however). It was wildly popular. I can still remember way back to the ads they ran for the second half of the "Who shot Mr. Burns?" episode (real people off the street were being interviewed on who they though the killer was).
The Simpsons is a truly excellent series, but one that should have been ended around the years 2000-2001. The creators of Seinfeld knew to quit while they were ahead. The Simpsons, unfortunately, is not the show it used to be. Granted, it would be impossible for it to be the same after so many years and hundreds of episodes, but that's the reason why most television series eventually have to end. In the "Poochie" episode, Lisa makes the same point about the Itchy and Scrachy show to a man wanting feedback: "Um, excuse me sir. The thing is, there's not really anything wrong with the Itchy & Scratchy show, it's as good as ever. But after so many years, the characters just can't have the same impact they once had." This is a pretty good summary of the gradual decline in quality the Simpsons has been experiencing.
I first saw a teaser ad for The Simpsons movie sometime in late 2005 or early 2006, I believe. I thought right off the bat that it was a bad idea. South Park and Beavis & Butt-Head had churned out movies relatively quickly, when the characters and material were still fresh, which was the wise thing to do. If there was ever a time for a Simpsons movie, it would have been in the mid-to-late 90's.
Nonetheless, I knew I was going to be dragged to the movie by my friends one way or the other. I went hoping for the best, and was even excited that I would at least get to see The Simpsons on the big screen.
So how did things turn out? Well, it at least kept me entertained and involved throughout, and it was better than I expected it to be. It's nowhere near the hilarity of the show at its peak, but far better than the most recent episodes. The first half hour is particularly decent, because it's close to an early Simpsons episode.
While I of course enjoyed the mocking of the US government, I have to admit that I just didn't really care for the "sealed in a dome" story and wish they had come up with a different plot. It seemed like they just wanted the most "huge," "epic" plot ever, so they came up with the dome thing. But the stories on the show were rarely "epic." They were totally asinine and got laughs because of the ridiculous behavior of the characters (like when Homer and Bart make "garbage angels" on the floor of their living room). You have to wonder what kind of opportunities they missed by introducing such a gargantuan idea for a plot. Oh well.
The Simpsons movie is an easy and fun watch, but by the time the credits roll you realize how underwhelming it is. Maybe I'm being too hard on it, because my expectations were so high, but dangit's The Simpsons movie, man!! Ah well. It still has its moments. Who can possibly keep a straight face when Moe yells, "The top of his head is showing! Claw at it!" Not me.
All in all, while not a classic, The Simpsons movie will probably keep most fans entertained throughout.