Dysfunctional Simpson family generates comedy on big screen

By Matthew Price

Published: July 27, 2007

"The Simpsons Movie” brings the dysfunctional family from Springfield to the big screen, in a movie that goes beyond the scope of the show, and does so fairly successfully.

After more than 400 episodes, it may be tough to figure what brand-new features "The Simpsons Movie” could bring to the fore. Well, it's more irreverent, more risque and more detailed in animation. The film is also wider in scope than a typical episode, with cross-country treks, sci-fi elements and doomsday devices.

In "The Simpsons Movie,” Springfield Lake has reached near-toxic levels of pollution.

Lisa Simpson (voice of Yeardley Smith), the conscience of the Simpson family, is campaigning to save the lake. The city acts in time, barricading the lake, as just one more pollutant would send the town over the edge.

Portents of dangers to come are foretold by Abe Simpson (voice of Dan Castellaneta), Homer's father, who has a vision of "a twisted tale” and a beast with "a thousand eyes.”

Meanwhile, Homer (also voice of Castellaneta), unable to connect with his mischievous son Bart (voice of Nancy Cartwright), has decided to bring a pet pig into the family. (Without giving too much away, the "Spider-Pig” scene that follows is almost worth the price of admission.) But like most things, Homer can only deal with the pig halfheartedly, and when not distracted by donuts.

Homer's nonenvironmentally friendly solution to his pig waste problem puts Springfield at odds with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. government. The town turns on Homer, forcing the Simpsons to flee Springfield — with some help from Maggie, the baby of the family.

Homer must find a way to reconnect with his family, regain the respect of his wife Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) and save his hometown while dodging government agents and EPA chief Russ Cargill (Albert Brooks).

Some of the jokes don't flow naturally from the plot; but overall "The Simpsons” does succeed in providing some laughs.

For fans of the show, "The Simpsons Movie” manages to give each major character an arc, and nice story beats to minor and supporting characters such as Comic Book Guy and Ned Flanders. Newcomers — if there are those who are unaware of the Simpsons at this late date — should be able to follow the plot and characters easily enough.

— Matthew Price

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