The Simpsons Movie

Since its debut in late 1989, The Simpsons, an animated TV sitcom, has become an integral part of contemporary American culture. Now the Simpsons have also finally landed in local theaters around you.

For people who have been faithfully watching the show for years, the movie is simply a longer, most satisfying, commercial-free (sort of) version of the TV show. For someone, like me, who has only caught glimpses of the notorious Simpson family while channel surfing, the movie is a relaxing and enjoyable introduction to this most famous American family.

The writers have the Simpsons mired in current hot button issues: environmental preservation, government eavesdropping program and etc. Homer unintentionally pollutes Springfield’s water supply by dumping his pet pig’s wastes into the river. The federal government under President Arnold Schwarzenegger and a manipulative EPA head decides to put the entire Springfield under a dome to quarantine it from the outside world. Homer and his family start their lives on the run to escape the angry town people. When the town faces ultimate elimination, can Homer save the day?

I think anyone can guess the answer. Watching The Simpsons Movie does not require much heavy thinking. It is the humor we go for, so expect many raunchy and irreverent jokes. What I didn’t expect is the many tender, loving moments between Homer and Marge. To me, a new Simpsons-initiate, that is quite a pleasant surprise.

I laughed a lot more during the first half of the movie. As it passes the midpoint, some of the jokes become repetitive and the storyline also bogs down a bit. The Simpsons may really works the best as a one hour show on TV instead of a half-hour one or a feature length movie.