A good effort, but it was wrong to have made a film once the franchise had weakened.

Rating: 2/10 (31 July 2007)

This film to me did not really fulfil what The Simpsons is about, as it was made once the franchise had gone downhill.
The way the film started was OK, with a mildly funny Itchy and Scratchy cartoon followed by a slightly comical title sequence. However, then came along the appearance of Green Day, which is fair play, but obviously only made their appearance to promote their tacky version of The Simpsons theme tune.
Then there was the amusing scene with nude skateboarding Bart, which was just revisiting a used gag in a previous episode, apart from being a bit more revealing. However, the writers did manage to squeeze in the humorous gag when the Flanders family are praying. On a rarity you were able to feel a little remorse for Bart, which strengthened the scene.
Then came the introduction of most probably the worst character to ever be a part of The Simpsons, a pig. Although it had something to do with the plot, each scene it was in made the film cringing to watch, why the writers thought that Homer blowing raspberries on a pig would be funny is beyond belief. I also have no idea why the song Spider Pig was so funny? OK its a rip off the Spiderman theme tune, but the writers gave it lyrics that sounded as though they had been improvised by a 2 year old.
The overall destruction of Springfield lake was also a revisit from a previous episode. Which introduced you to President Arnold Schwarzenegger, which if the writer's were on the ball should have been President Rainier Wolfcastle. This was an attempt to make a stab at the Governor of California, but it seemed like they had based him more on President Bush. Therefore the writers shot themselves in the foot there "CRETINS!". Then they once again introduced an out of the blue character who just so happened that he wanted to destroy Springfield.
There is then every attempt to squeeze in as many of the characters as possible, giving the odd one liners, which really was a let down.
From then on Bart shows more of an interest in Flander's as a father, Lisa finds a boy she likes and Marge questions her relationship with Homer, sounds very familiar!
Therefore, its up to Homer to put things right as usual with a happy outcome with a little aid from Maggie and a poor special appearance from Tom Hanks.
All in all it could have just been another episode, it hurts me to say this. There was barely any sign of originality, more just retracing previous jokes and predictable gags.
The Simpsons has given us a great ride, but enough is enough, you have gained much achievement in your work and you will provide enjoyment to audiences for the rest of eternity. For now though drink your final rounds of Duff from Moe's and head to Springfield Canyon to watch the sun set over Springfield and leave everyone in a happy state of mind.