The Simpsons Movie finds Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta), rescuing a pig from certain death, bringing it home to raise as a house pet--over the objections of Marge (voiced by Julie Kavner). One leaky silo full of pig poop into the town's water supply later - and you have an environmental disaster the likes of which Springfield has never seen. Soon the entire town turns into a vengeful mob, heading straight for the Simpson household. As the family makes a narrow escape, they soon finds themselves divided by conflict.
The citizens of Springfield have every reason to be very angry. The events triggered by Homer has drawn the attention of U.S. President Arnold Schwarzenegger (voiced by Harry Shearer) and Environmental Protection Agency chief Russ Cargill (voiced by Albert Brooks). Cargill tells the president that he has a plan to contain the disaster.
The "plan" Cargill puts into motion means the end of Springfield...Can Homer save his marriage, repair his fractured family, and rescue the town he calls home from certain doom?
The movie is a riot! Written by series creator Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks--along with a gaggle of the show's most talented writers--the screenplay offers us plenty of good old fashioned belly laughs. I think the film does the impossible: It will please not only fans who have been with the show since day one--but also those folks who may have been away for awhile and new fans as well. The main plot of the film works because those responsible didn't mess with the tried and true formula of their past success.
Many of the best episodes of the series have Homer screwing up and then having to make good--The film does just that--but with a much bigger canvas. The PG-13 rating also allows for a few more adult oriented gags--seeing Bart (voiced by Nancy Cartwright) buck naked on his skateboard for example. Thank goodness the flick also has plenty of that wicked topical satire that is a staple of the series..
Subplots involving Lisa (voiced by Yeardley Smith) finding a boyfriend and neighbor Ned Flanders getting closer to Bart provide a few chuckles. You'll also hear vocal cameos from Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool, Mike Dirnt--Better known as the rock band Green Day--and Oscar winner Tom Hanks...I have to say, I expected there to be a few more star studded cameos given the circumstances though...
The film is a winner! It's only fault is that it does drag a bit in the middle but fortunately the pace picks right back up and it's conclusion is worth it. To get the most bang for your movie buck--Be sure to stay right through the end credits for truly funny stuff.
I close with one suggestion as the producers move forward--More Mr. Burns and Smithers in the sequel! And Spider-Pig Rules!!
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