Ramble with Me

The Simpsons Movie July 26, 2007

The Simpsons Movie had some big shoes to fill. Coming from what has to be one of the most popular TV shows in American history, what would the movie be like? Given the bar set by similar TV-to-Movie adaptations, apprehension as to whether the movie would work or flop were obvious.

It worked. In the first 20 minutes of the movie, there was never a silent moment in the audience as the crowd laughed and laughed. Stunt after stunt hit the mark with perfect timing, and the movie was off to a wonderful start.

A bit slow in the middle, the movie moved into the development of a decent plot, with the story of the struggles of the Simpsons family, and Springfield in general (and yes, the movie places where Springfield is geographically…well, sorta).

What one word could I use to describe this movie? Timing. Timing of the jokes and stunts; transition from the slapstick fun of the first part of the movie into the slower plot development; at a mere 87 minutes, timing of when to end; timing in all aspects was near perfect.

At the end of the movie was something I haven’t heard in several years, audience applause…and in case it isn’t obvious, stay for the closing credits.

Oh, of course, the single word uttered by Maggie at the end with her pacifier finally removed: “Sequel”.

In the words of Homer Simpson near the beginning of the movie, “Why would anyone pay money to see in the theaters what they could watch for free at home?”. The answer is obvious. Good or bad, The Simpsons Movie was going to be a financial success. But it was a success in other ways too. For fans, it was worth the 20 year wait…