The Simpson Movie

For many years, and I do stress many, we have sat around the glow of our television sets to enjoy our favorite animated family. We became comfortable with the characters and their antics. Perhaps becoming comfortable was exactly why the movie is such a hit. It is not because of fans, but rather that we get to see the Simpsons in a new light.
There is a large difference between watching the Simpsons on the theatre screen (beside the obvious time extension from twenty two minutes to eighty-seven). There are certain things that are allowed in film that are not on television; bad language, crude ideas, sexuality. Thank goodness Matt Goening didn't allow the last to rear its head in full view, with the exception of a few woodland critters that get full viewing, as read from the looks on their faces. The first two however are present, but not grossly present. The Simpsons have always had an acceptable amount of bad language and in many episodes the ideas can be pretty crude. However, in a lot of films these two elements seem to be crammed in until there is nothing else. This movie kept everything in moderation and stuck with the jokes they are good at with a little movie lime twist to spice them up.
So what was this dire crisis that Springfield is facing? Oddly enough it is not space aliens, terrorists, or an ancient evil family curse; pollution is he culprit of this movie. Lake Springfield has reached toxic levels thanks to a certain some one dumping a giant silo of pig crap in it. So the EPA, under the orders of President Schwarzenegger and overseen by our villain Russ Cargill, seal the town in a giant dome. The locals blame Homer and would have killed him if not for the sink hole in the Simpson's back yard which leads outside the dome. Obviously, the Simpsons are the only ones that can save the day, but of course they won't get to that right away.
So let's talk about Homer. You can't have the Simpsons without him. He is the worlds most unless with the exception of perhaps Mr.Burns. After he is chased out of Springfield he convinces the family to move to Alaska, which is the reason for those dog sledge shoots we saw in the trailers. Apparently, Alaska is Homers plan B in case Springfield didn't work out. I was surprised there was no reference to them living under the sea like Homer always does. The family settles into a small valley and life is perfect. So perfect in fact that the woodland animal dance with them and help with undressing. Of course it all can't end there because if the Simpsons continued in Alaska then the creators of Chilly Beach would be out of a job. So Homer must face his inner turmoil for probably the hundredth time and realize how much he loves Marge, the kids, and Springfield. Let the world be warned, Homer Simpson is on the warpath.
The only thing I did not enjoy in the movie was the lack of secondary storyline that went on. The movie focuses on Homer as is expected, but any good movie has a second story going on in the background. There are two contenders, but neither one stand up very well. Bart wishes Homer would be a better father and starts to regard Ned Flanders as a good substitute. Lisa falls in love with an Irish Boy named Colin. Both cute stories in their own respect, but not enough to make us interested. A good subtitle for this movie would probably be Homer Saves Springfield (After Dooming it).
Before I wrap this up I would like to add two things in the movie I absolutely loved. First was the appearance of the band Green Day, I'm just a big fan and was happy to find out they all supplied their own voices. Second on the list is the new family pet Plopper. He is a pig that Homer rescues from certain death in a Krusty Burger commercial. I loved this element to the story simply because it would make sense for a fat slob like Homer to have a pet pig. There is a lovely bonding scene in the movie where almost kiss. Plopper is the son that Homer should have had if not for the species bar.
I would recommend the Simpsons Movie for fans and first timers. It has a hilarious story and an important message about cleaning up the environment, however I'm sure the message is missed completely.