Simpsons Movie

There's always some concern when producers take a television classic and move it to the big screen. This usually happens a few years after the show has gone off the air. That is not the case, however, with "The Simpsons Movie" as the 18-year old show is still going. Is it possible to take such a long-running show and still come up with something fresh, funny, and unique? Indeed it is!

"The Simpsons Movie" will not disappoint fans of the show, or even those of you who have caught an occasional episode. The uninitiated (are there such people?) may not appreciate all the individual nuances of the characters, but there is enough straight comedy to keep you laughing.

The plot is simple as Springfield faces an environmental crisis that is compounded by Homer dumping manure from his new pet pig into the local lake. Soon, the government places a dome over the entire city, trapping the residents who want to kill Homer Simpson. He and the family manage to escape to Alaska, but eventually return to save the town.

Every one of your favorites get their moment to shine, and the writers seem to have found a resurgence of irreverence as they mock Fox, Disney, the government, themselves, and us. There are a few slow scenes as Marge struggles with her love for Homer, but most of the pacing moves along. This is not simply a drawn-out episode but a full blown story with a fresh looking family that we have come to know so well over the years. I, as well as the audience around me, applauded at the end. I give it an A.

"The Simpsons Movie" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 87 minutes.