The Simpsons: No "D'Oh" About it

Just the other day I had an conversation with a friend about whether or not a movie disloyal to a book should have any affect on whether it is a good movie. As luck would have it, I was put in that situation with The Simpsons. The TV show has expanded all my growth, and I am only a year or two apart.

Most critics were disappointed the movie didn't take risks so to make it larger than any episode dreamed of (what did they want it to do, invade Canada?). I, on the other hand, saw the shining point of it a TV-show movie that is very aware it's a TV-show movie. It states so in the first five minutes when Homer stands up in a theater, turns around, and asks "why would anyone spend money to go see what they could watch on TV for free?" The movie starts by insulting its audience and the audience laughs and cheers for it. Bart writes on the chalkboard, "I will not illegaly download this movie," and language and nudity is taken where TV stations would never allow it to go on primetime. I list it as a successful movie-going experience.

What is the plot? Lisa tries to save Springfield's enviroment while Homer dooms the whole town. Anyone familiar with the Simpsons' episodes knows this can go anywhere and then does. Political messages are abundant, as wellas movie spoofs, such as Austin Powers and any family drama cliche. If on TV the series made fun of TV, here it makes fun of watching movies, like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz makes fun of horror and action movies while becoming such a movie, the Simpsons makes fun of being given the chance to overdramatize and stretch reality to save the day in the end, and adds humor where other movies would have characters professing untold love through cheesy lines.

Entertaining? Fans of the show will be happy to see its finest work in years, making it a shot up, not down, in an institution of American entertainment. I can even promise, if you're not laughing by the time the family sits on the couch, you can go get your money back. This is not a movie for you. For everyone else, wise investment.

Marketable? This is probably the best time to pull the movie out. It wins its fans, and you don't need to be a fan to enjoy it. As the preview has everyone laughing, then no one should feel this movie doesn't appeal to them. Harry Potter can move over from the top of the charts spot for this week.

Memorable? Personal favorite, and not just becuase I'm a fan, but because it points out when its being cliche and completely turns itself around. It is a long awaited escape from having to choose between popular movies that are predictable and seen from a mile away, and those that no one is interested in. It finds a middle-ground where no one complains about the other. If everyone else will find it as enjoyable is a different story.

I approve this movie, encourage you to see it on a big-screen while the theaters are full for the best results.