Movie Review: The Simpsons Movie

For long time Simpsons fans this movie is a dream come true. I can't remember being this excited about a new movie since the first Spiderman movie and Star Wars Episode 1. Well it was with nervous anticipation I waited for the movie to start as I did not want to be disappointed as I was with Star Wars. Well I can tell you I was laughing after about 5 seconds and didn't stop until the movie was over.
This movie was like a super-sized episode of the Simpsons meaning that the first few minutes have nothing to do with the overall plot of the movie. This doesn't mean that they aren't worth watching because many times that is the funniest part of the show. This is not the case here as the movie gets better and funnier as it goes along.
The writing is excellent as it has been since the show's inception as a short feature on the Tracy Ullman Show back in the 80's. You will have to see this movie more than once to get all the jokes as they are subtle and quick. In a crowded theatre the laughing will drown out some of the subtle humor. Trust me when I say, you will have no problem wanting to watch this movie over and over.
The writers had more room to be edgy since this is a movie and not television. So you might be shocked as there is some cursing (Marge no!), cartoon nudity, and obscene gestures (that felt good didn't it Homer?). That isn't saying the entire movie was full of foul language and adult humor, it wasn't. I did however get the feeling the writers put some things in they have been dying to do but have not been able to on the television show.
I did notice a lot of children in the theatre which surprised me since The Simpsons is not really a kids show. My advice to parents would be if you don't let your kids watch the TV show you might want to leave them at home.
There are also the typical celebrity appearances but they are not overwhelming. Tom Hanks has a memorable cameo and a priceless line. The band Green Day does their punked up version of the Simpsons theme song then a hilarious exit during the opening of the movie.
They also put every character that has ever appeared on the show in the movie. Some have smaller parts than other obviously after 20 years there are many great characters. There are some main characters that could have had more screen time. We do not see much of Monty Burns and Smithers. Also Selma and Patty did not have a big part, but with the storyline I don't think their characters would have added much anyhow.
I also recommend staying in the theatre to the end of the credits. Most people leave as soon as the movie is over. If you leave you will miss some funny stuff that's all I will say about that.
To sum it up the Simpsons movie was a rousing success. The crowd I seen it with gave it a round of applause at the end. It will truly be a classic. If you don't leave the theatre singing, "Spiderpig, Spiderpig, does whatever a Spiderpig does".then shame on you. I can't get it out of my head.