SNMR 5.7: "The Simpsons Movie"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "The Simpsons Movie" (2007, PG-13, 87 minutes, animated), starring the voice talents of Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, Julie Kavner, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille and Albert Brooks. The film was directed by David Silverman.

PLOT SUMMARY: Homer has messed up again and has to try and fix his mistake to win back his family and the residents of Springfield before it's too late.. Polluted Lake Springfield can't take anymore waste. when Homer can't bring his silo of pig crap to the dump he hastily tosses it into the lake, turning it from polluted to toxic. When the residents of Springfield (and the EPA) find out, Homer and his family are forced into exile outside of Springfield. Meanwhile the EPA has domed off Springfield as hazardous waste and plans to annihilate the city.

MY OPINION: Three times as long does not equal three times better. It also doesn't mean three times worse, either. As far as The Simpsons go, we're dealing with the same stuff you'll find in the weekly show on television. If you're looking for something more, you're not going to find it here. When The Simpsons first debuted on television in 1989, I was a regular viewer. In the last 10+ seasons I've watched the show only occasionally; sporadically at best. Watching this movie was like going back in time that way.

As usual, the voice cast is excellent, ably helming the characters that have made The Simpsons part of American television history. If you've ever liked The Simpsons, then you'll like this movie. If you can't stand the television series, just go about your business like this movie never existed.


**½ out of *****