The Simpsons Movie
After 18 years, I am one of the few people that still enjoys The Simpsons and feel it hasn't lost its bite. While Family Guy, South Park and Futurama are undeniably funny, The Simpsons is the granddaddy of them all.
So this movie was important to me, I've grown up with the show, seen it's influence play across numerous comedies, one of the best examples being Father Ted. The decision to take the show into a surreal direction has been one heavily criticised, but when it can mixed such surrealism with satire, it is a truly strong format.
The Simpsons Movie manages to pull off this surreal/satire mix with incredible aplomb, I was delighted. It has a go at the government, Fox, environmentalism, Disney, liberals and conservatives. Everyone was a target. A good example is that President Schwarzenegger has been elected to office ("I was elected to lead, not to read") while Lisa forces the whole town to see her environmental warning lecture-come-film ('An Irritating Truth').
At the core of The Simpsons has always been the family ideal. This has been put to the test continuously, and is tested to breaking point in the movie. It again raises the question why Marge stays with Homer, but this movie, probably better than many episodes, answers it.
Homer is the star. Those of you worried about the whole pig-thing, well it's over by the end of the first third. He's dumb, impulsive, but most of all funny - and that's what matters the most.
This is the trailer, I thought about posting clips, but I don't want to ruin the jokes... 5/5 - go see!
Sunday 5 August 2007
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