- Homer Simpson (voiced by Dan Canstellaneta)
THE SIMPSONS MOVIE (Dir. David Silverman, 2007) This being my personally most anticipated movie since THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK I’m pleased to report that is beyond mere cromulence. I will not divulge plot points or quote dialogue (except that line above - D'oh!) or give any other spoilers like so many other reviewers are doing – I’ll just say that this film delivers a lot of big laughs, small laughs, and well...just a lot of laughs.
Homer and family are great to watch on the big screen with animation that has a nice new lush look. Of course, there is not enough time to indulge in the second tier series regulars such as Barney, Gil, Principal Skinner, Apu, Moe, Disco Stu, etc but it's THE SIMPSONS MOVIE for Christ's sake! They do have some choice moments involving Mr. Burns, Ralph, Krusty, Milhouse, and Mr. Teeny (Krusty's monkey) among others but again no spoilers here.
Understandably to make for time lots of material has been cut from trailers and previously released rough-cut material. Reverend Lovejoy’s “here’s the money shot” is cut and though most of the Homer’s whipping of the Alaskan sled dogs scene remain - this bit: “that’s enough whipping for now...with this arm!” (switches arms and continues whipping) is not in this theatrical version.
I can only hope for a deluxe DVD edition with some of the best of the excised footage. Also making long-time character Ranier Wolfcastle (voiced by Harry Shearer) who was created as a parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger just become Schwarzenegger as President of the United States seems to just pander to a multiplex crowd.
But those are just the bitchings of a fanboy - the movie is out and out wonderful - a lavish cinematic 87 minutes that is a worthy addition to the Simpsons classic canon. Go see it.
More later...
