DVD Review: The Simpson’s Movie

Homer Simpson must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. It all begins with Homer, his new pet pig, and a leaky silo full of droppings – a combination that triggers a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. A vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict. The Springfield citizenry has every reason to be out for Simpson blood. The calamity triggered by Homer has drawn the attention of U.S. President Arnold Schwarzenegger and Environmental Protection Agency head Russ Cargill. As the fates of Springfield and the world hang in the balance, Homer embarks on a personal odyssey of redemption – seeking forgiveness from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his hometown.

Review:
Full of both intellectual and slap-stick humor with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, “The Simpson’s” has been an American entertainment household staple for nearly 20 years. Finally, they’ve jumped from the small screen to the silver screen and with every crazy character you’ve come to love. The storyline is typical of the series: outrageous and wrapped up in a lovely bow by the end. However, the transition to the silver screen was a bit disappointing to some in that it really was just a Simpson’s episode stretched to three times its normal length. If you are a fan of the show, you should be pleased but newcomers might not find the movie living up to the hype.

The DVD release, however, was disappointing. With a scant amount of Special Features including a few deleted scenes, a handful shorts including Homer on “The Tonight Show” and the Simpsons judging on “American Idol” plus two audio commentaries – one with some cast members and writers and the other with the directors. Unless you are a rabid fan of the show, I would suggest skipping the commentaries altogether though the other Special Features are entertaining enough to warrant the half hour it takes to breeze through them.

Review by Marie Holzer

Grade: B-
Official site: http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/
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