The longest running prime time animated show in television history finally makes it to the big screen. After 18 years on the air, I wondered if The Simpsons had any laughs left in them. Luckily for us, they do.
Lisa Simpson is trying to save a polluted lake. Her "An Irritating Truth" presentation convinces the people of Springfield to build a protective wall around a lake and to stop dumping garbage in it. However, Homer wants some donuts, and has some pig shit to get rid of first, so he pollutes the lake and contaminates the town. Under President Schwarzenegger's leadership, the EPA encases Springfield in a huge glass dome. The town revolts against Homer and family and things get even worse when Tom Hanks announces that Springfield will be turned into the new Grand Canyon.
The best moments come when the Simpsons interacts with their fellow Springfield citizens. I laughed hardest when the Simpson family arrives late to church and they think no one can hear them. Bart's humiliating nude skateboarding is likewise hilarious. The movie only loses its way with a detour to Alaska. The only reason the movie seems to have in going there is to make a slam on big oil drilling in Alaska.
Some of the more creative moments are when they comment on other cartoons. In one scene Homer and Marge go about getting naked, so as to have sex, with the help of a bunch of woodland animals that you might see flitting around Cinderella or Snow White. Another great moment is when a tap dancing penguins gets shot. Man, I hate Happy Feet!
Nearly the entire cast of characters are present, although some, like Mr. Burns, have very small parts. Homer, as in the television show, is the star of the movie and deservedly so. He is the funniest character as well as the most sympathetic. He is amazingly flawed and as such, the heart and soul of the franchise. He is a complete idiot yet he always tries to come through for his family, at least after Marge forces him to.
