http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx It&rsquo;s perhaps fitting that even reviews of THE SIMPSONS MOVIE are played out. Admittedly, it&rsquo;s difficult to devise a fresh angle for a movie review when the handful of catch-phrases have been eviscerated by a deluge of reviews more about the longevity of the material than the film itself. After all, as the longest running animated series on television, THE SIMPSONS needs no introduction. Matt Groening&rsquo;s cartoon has influenced pop culture for nearly two decades, but his legacy today shows the signs of age. I have to say, I grew up on THE SIMPSONS and I was a huge fan for basically my entire childhood. But when things got stale, I was one of many fans who deserted the show. By the end of the &lsquo;90s, the family that once had personified new-kid FOX&rsquo;s edgy persona had been outdone by the likes of SOUTH PARK and FAMILY GUY. It&rsquo;s probably about time Groening hangs up his spurs. The film opens with a dimly-lit theater filled with Springfield residents. Homer shuffles to his seat amid the jeers of those seated behind him before asking the audience (real and animated) why we have chosen to pay to see something that we could have watched for free on TV. He makes a great point.&nbsp; After 17 years, bringing America&rsquo;s favorite family to the silver screen was a surprise. Sure, there was a market for it, but shouldn&rsquo;t theatrical adaptations have a purpose? en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1051 This was a great movie. Sure, it basically is like an extended, commerical free simpsons episode. I dont see the problem in that. my only complaint is that I wish the plot line involved some of my other beloved characters (ralph! and WIGGUM!) more , instead of leaving springfield. This movie is totally child appropriate ( the bong refrence will fly over their heads...bart's junk looks like an upside-down middle finger in cartoonland). I highly recomend! JB http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1051 Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:19:28 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1054 Saw this over the weekend and I gotta say I enjoyed it. I do wish it incorporated more of the random charachters and a lot of cameos (the TV show always has guest appearances) but it was still a quality movie. Yeah Homer was right, why pay when you get it on TV but there are some things worth paying for. The Simpson's long iconic run is a fond memory for me as well as many others. Getting Bart and Homer on the big screen is something that should have been done long ago but the wait made it more enjoyable. I'm just glad this had a major release and wasn't a straight to DVD affair a la the Family Guy movie (another great work, which was ruined by not mass marketing it). C. McA http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1054 Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:26:03 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1140 Never having seen the TV show, this wasn't quite the cultural landmark for me that it is for many others. I found it mildly amusing but innocuous. The plot line seemed like the sitcoms I've tried so hard to avoid over the years: stumblebum dad does something stupid that causes lots of trouble, and alienates his family by his unwillingness to correct his mistake; he redeems himself at the end, and everyone lives happily ever after, or at least until the next episode. <br /><br />The movie wants to be edgy, with little topical references and jibes about the uncouth swarm inhabiting these shores. (Telling a group of Americans how vulgar they are is a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Apparently, being a jerk and not having to say you're sorry is the meaning of democracy for some people.) Despite the sprinkling of cynicism - like the colored bits clinging to a donut - the heart of the movie is sweet, soft, and bland. It affirms "family values," community, responsibility, etc., as the graces saving our otherwise unworthy selves. "The Simpsons Movie" tells us we haven't come that far from "Leave It to Beaver" after all. Hazelnut http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1140 Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:55:16 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1186 Totally agree wait for DVD. I don't really watch the Simpson but I just found this movie not very funny. another6655 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#1186 Wed, 15 Aug 2007 04:53:00 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#2158 yea waiting for the dvd here to:) tinkluvspan http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/07/30/The-Simpsons-Movie--Wait-for-the-DVD.aspx#2158 Sun, 11 Nov 2007 13:34:20 GMT