Scan and Pan
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Simpsons Movie
Homer Simpson (voice of Dan Castellaneta) causes a massive environmental disaster in Springfield and must find a way to redeem himself. That's all of the plot I care to divulge because to say more would spoil some good gags.
There are eleven writers credited, including Simpsons creator Matt Groening, yet the film has a cohesive storyline and consistently funny jokes. Although the momentum sags a little toward the end, for the most part it feels like it's right where it belongs on the big screen rather than like a long television episode. If it isn't quite as good or as bitingly satirical as the show's greatest years, it's still much funnier and irreverent than the broadcast version has been in a long time.
Director David Silverman has worked in various capacities on the television show since it debuted in 1989, so his familiarity with the characters allows for a smooth transition to the cinema screen, and it's even in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio to make it more visually expansive than on the small screen (the wider image is used as part of a gag). The animation is also far more detailed and colorful than ever before. Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End) contributes a fun score that also manages to sound epic at times, while finding ways to use Danny Elfman's famous Simpsons theme. Green Day also contributes their own version of Elfman's theme.
Castellaneta, Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Harry Shearer (Ned Flanders), and Hank Azaria (Chief Wiggum) could effectively voice their characters (and also the secondary ones they perform) in their sleep at this point, but they seem especially inspired by the good script here. Kavner in particular has one scene that may be her best ever as Marge. Among the guest stars, Albert Brooks is spot on as the power mad head of the EPA while Tom Hanks has a funny cameo as himself.
If you're a Simpsons fan who's been disappointed by recent seasons, then The Simpsons Movie will renew your faith in Groening and the funniest dysfunctional family in Springfield, _____.
[4 out of 5 stars]
For far too many seasons, The Simpsons television show has been in decline and not living up to its own legacy. Apparently the creative staff were just saving all of their good ideas for a movie.
Homer Simpson (voice of Dan Castellaneta) causes a massive environmental disaster in Springfield and must find a way to redeem himself. That's all of the plot I care to divulge because to say more would spoil some good gags.
There are eleven writers credited, including Simpsons creator Matt Groening, yet the film has a cohesive storyline and consistently funny jokes. Although the momentum sags a little toward the end, for the most part it feels like it's right where it belongs on the big screen rather than like a long television episode. If it isn't quite as good or as bitingly satirical as the show's greatest years, it's still much funnier and irreverent than the broadcast version has been in a long time.
Director David Silverman has worked in various capacities on the television show since it debuted in 1989, so his familiarity with the characters allows for a smooth transition to the cinema screen, and it's even in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio to make it more visually expansive than on the small screen (the wider image is used as part of a gag). The animation is also far more detailed and colorful than ever before. Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End) contributes a fun score that also manages to sound epic at times, while finding ways to use Danny Elfman's famous Simpsons theme. Green Day also contributes their own version of Elfman's theme.
Castellaneta, Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa), Harry Shearer (Ned Flanders), and Hank Azaria (Chief Wiggum) could effectively voice their characters (and also the secondary ones they perform) in their sleep at this point, but they seem especially inspired by the good script here. Kavner in particular has one scene that may be her best ever as Marge. Among the guest stars, Albert Brooks is spot on as the power mad head of the EPA while Tom Hanks has a funny cameo as himself.
If you're a Simpsons fan who's been disappointed by recent seasons, then The Simpsons Movie will renew your faith in Groening and the funniest dysfunctional family in Springfield, _____.
[4 out of 5 stars]
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