4 reviews

I realise now that there were some slight plot holes in The Simpsons Movie, but while I was watching it, I definitely couldn't care less. The film is very funny - even to me, not generally a Simpsons fan. I'm not going to summarise the plot as it is worryingly difficult to remember, but I do remember the jokes, which were hilarious and very witty, including the "spider-pig".

Have you seen that advert on the side of some buses which says this film is "better than sitting at home in your pants"? I certainly agree with it.

Rosie 7 Aug 2007

Despite the enthusiasm of many reviewers, I felt The Simpsons Movie to be an utter let down.

Plumping for a PG rating and the summer audience of parents and young children meant certain compromises were necessary. The often bitter sarcasm and mildly subversive innuendos make way for slapstick, and then some more slapstick. The heartbeat of Simpsons episodes is the manic cast of characters living in the town. In the movie none (with the exception of Flanders) are given more than a token line. Why, for instance, wasn't Monty Burns the villain? Obvious, perhaps, but it would have used arguably the shows best 'non-family' character. I could have done with less Bart and more of the sleazy cheesy Mayor Quimby, the prissy Principal Skinner (did he even get a line?), the mildly sub-normal Lenny, and the disillusioned Rev. Lovejoy.

Simpsons episodes, while they always have a plot of sorts, are not 'plot-driven': it rarely matter to you whether everything 'works out in the end' and the adventure resolves itself in often ludicrous ways. In the movie, however, you are left waiting for the inevitable and boring resolution to a vaguely political plot which has trundled on for about an hour.

Even the fact that they go to Alaska rankles, it would be difficult to find a place with less character for the Simpsons to have an adventure in. All the writers could come up with was a gag about some throat-singing Innuit shaman. They may as well have temporarily re-located to Milton Keynes.

On the plus side, however, there is spider-pig. If only he had been allowed more time to shine...

cb 1 Aug 2007

This is easily the best comedy of the summer, if not the year. The Simpsons Movie perfectly carries off the show's classic mix of intelligent and stupid humour from start to finish.

For the first decade or so of its life, The Simpsons had a heartfelt core that amplified its comedy and somehow made its storylines more resonant. It's a genuine pleasure to see that formula alive and well on the big screen, even if the last half hour is perhaps too sentimental for British tastes. Family values may be present and correct, but so are jibes at corporations and literary references; this is what happens when west coast lefties get movie contracts. More, please.

Ben Werdmuller 31 Jul 2007

It was just plain great. It was a little odd watching a TV cartoon show on the big screen and I couldn't help but think where are they gonna go with this but...

It was funny and enjoyable and I say see it!

SJ 30 Jul 2007