During the past year, fans have been both excited and nervous about the box-office opening of what many might deem the most-anticipated movie in the history of film. The reason "The Simpsons Movie" caused such anxiety was the fear that many's favorite television show might fail to live up to its reputation. Some were worried that Simpsons lifers might "have a cow, man," out of disappointment; luckily, those fears were unwarranted as theatres were packed with hysterical fans.
According to 20th Century Fox, "The Simpsons Movie" raked in almost $168 million in its opening weekend.
Throughout 18 seasons, "The Simpsons" has generally taught its audience that no matter what the circumstances, the love bond between Homer and Marge is ultimately indestructible. "The Simpsons Movie," however, puts that bond to the ultimate test: pig love. That's right; Homer falls in love with a pig.
It is this unnatural relationship that leads Homer to irresponsibly dispose of the pig's "leavings," thus creating an ecological catastrophe in Springfield. While the entire town of Springfield is out for Homer's blood, the government finds its own way of dealing with the problem.
The Simpson family escapes impending burning-at-the-stake by fleeing to Alaska only to return to save the town they love, or hate, as is Homer's case.
While the narrative itself doesn't sound terribly funny, the dialogue and adventures that occur along the way make "The Simpsons Movie" an extraordinarily funny, yet touching experience.
This big-screen version pokes fun at itself as a movie, criticizes the current political climate and yet again mocks the FOX network. Simpsons creator Matt Groening and crew take full advantage of the film's PG-13 rating without being offensive or crude as film versions of "The Family Guy" and "South Park" have done in the past.
What might knock your socks off the most about "The Simpson's Movie" is the animation. Four years worth of work on this film has provided a product more detailed than the TV version.
While every other studio has sought help from computers for its animated films, Groening's animation team hand-drew the movie in almost its entirety. To illustrate my point, one mob scene utilizes more than 3,500 separate drawings.
The only complaint about "The Simpson's Movie" would be the length. The movie runs just under 90 minutes, with an additional half-hour it would have allowed for larger roles for many of the side characters - Sideshow Bob is MIA. Considering the amount of work that went into this project however, and how much it still delivers for die-hard Simpsons fans, the film still works.
To borrow a line from Comic Book Guy: best ... movie ... ever.
Rachel Buccicone can be reached at buccicone.2@osu.edu.
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