The Simpsons Movie

Director: David Silverman
Writer(s): Matt Groening, James L Brooks and all these guys!
Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith
Running Time: 87 mins approx.
Rating: PG
On Release: Out Now!

Synopsis
When Homer Simpson violates Springfield’s new anti-pollution order, he brings down the wrath of the Environmental Protection Agency upon Springfield. As the EPA seal the town inside a giant glass dome to prevent its pollution contaminating the rest of the country, the Simpsons (duly chased by an angry, torch-wielding mob) escape into the outside world to begin their lives anew — but when Springfield becomes threatened by a greater danger, will the world’s most dysfunctional family rise to the occasion and save the day?

Review
With a production cycle spanning ten years — the domain name simpsonsmovie.com was registered in 1997, as discussion of a motion picture began — and a script that was begun in 2003, you’d be forgiven for expecting great things from THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. Had the film been produced during the TV series’ golden run (fans generally agree that the show was at its best between its fourth and eighth seasons) you’d probably have got it — but the problem with having the entire writing pool of an eighteen-year-old TV show spend three years developing a cinematic spin-off is that, inevitably, you’re going to get a script laden with ideas held over from the series that spawned it. And in the case of THE SIMPSONS it is, sadly, *all* you get.

That’s not to say that the movie is bad; certainly that isn’t true by any stretch of the imagination. No, the cast are on fine form, the animation is gorgeous, and the ninety minutes of screen-time are packed full of great set-pieces and sharp one-liners — the issues lie entirely with the film’s sense of scope. Fluctuating between the epic(ish) action movie-styled main plot and smaller comedy skits, the writers never seem to decide what level they’re writing on, leaving the film feeling less like a cohesive motion picture and more like a loose collection of sketches that didn’t fit anywhere else. The balance also feels all wrong in many places; whilst popular and long-serving characters like Ms. Krabappel, Principal Skinner, Patti, Selma and Smithers have their contributions whittled down to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameos, an entire subplot featuring a simpering Oirish boyfriend for Lisa is clumsily (and pointlessly) shoe-horned into their place. True, there are so many brilliant characters in the show that you’re never going to please everyone, but little effort would have been appreciated.

Ultimately, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE has fallen afoul of its own hype — all eighteen years of it. Hilarious on occasion, mildly amusing throughout, it’s nowhere near the Potter-conquering masterpiece that Fox were hoping it would be, but it *is* an enjoyable screwball comedy worth investigating — just don’t expect fireworks.

Matt Dillon


It’s not sci-fi as we know it but the yellow-skinned inhabitants of Springfield certainly live on another planet. Now this hugely popular TV show is getting its big screen debut. It’s going to be anarchy as Homer tries to save the world from a catastrophe he has created. And because we love THE SIMPSONS we are going to give you a chance to win one of three deluxe Simpson Movie goodie bags (pictured below) with a towel (as we know, you should never go anywhere without one), a T-shirt, an iPod cover (iPod not included), stress donut, key chain and coasters.

To be in the draw answer the following question: In keeping with the Stars Wars 30th Anniversary celebration, which episode of The Simpsons starred Mark Hamill? E-mail your answer by August 15 2007.

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE is in cinemas now.

Watch the trailer here (QuickTime and broadband required).