A Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 8/10 (21 January 2008)

If you've been an avid or even infrequent viewer of The Simpsons over the last few years, I'm sure you've noticed the stark difference between the newer and earlier episodes - not just in a superficial sense, but also at the core & heart of the show. It has become much less poignant, and much, much less humorous.
I don't agree that this movie is in any way whatsoever a reprise to the original format and humor of The Simpsons television show. It is in no way reminiscent of the early days in which The Simpsons actually represented a certain indescribable something for which everyone was yearning.
HOWEVER, I don't think that anyone can argue the fact that almost every scene in The Simpsons Movie was funnier than any scene in the more recent episodes of The Simpsons television show.
The movie is definitely entertaining, and definitely much more enjoyable than watching 3 or 4 recent episodes of the show back to back.
The Simpsons Movie does capture something that the more recent episodes have failed to capture, but I wouldn't say that the movie is akin to the earlier episodes of the show.
All in all, The Simpsons Movie is well worth watching, and I think it deserves at least a B+.
Also, just as a side note, I think this movie is being judged much too harshly based on the longevity of The Simpsons television program - and the simple fact that The Simpsons IS a television program. People should definitely try to separate the movie from the show. Obviously, a different format is required for a movie than is required for a television show.