Confession: I am a Simpsons fanatic. I think I've seen every episode (it's hard to be sure nowadays with so many seasons under its belt), and some multiple times. I quote the show. I say "woo hoo" a la Homer J. a lot. I think even when the Simpsons are at their worst, they're so much funnier than so many other shows, cartoons, and concepts at their best. Hence the reason it's about to go into its 19th season.
When I heard they were finally releasing the long-awaited, long-discussed movie of this dysfunctional family of five to the big screen, I was elated. "Woo hoo," said I. It's like watching an episode not at home, only I pay for it, and it's three times as long!
Well, as Homer says in the film's opening sequence, I'm a sucker for the Simpsons.
The movie is really just one long episode. Homer neglects his children, specifically Bart, in favor of an endearing animal and/or scheme (this timr, a pig). Homer screws up. Marge scowls and laments how Homer keeps screwing up. Springfield (which borders Ohio, Nevada, Maine, and Kentucky) gets encased in a giant dome. A fire-wielding mob threatens Homer's life. The Simpsons escape to Alaska. Homer has an epiphany (what's an epiphany?). The Simpsons return to normal when Homer learns another lesson he will soon forget.
That's all you need to know, and it's not spoiling anything because that's how an average episode goes. Except, this is three times as long. The animation is a bit more complex (there are wider shots of the town, more interesting movements on the part of the characters, realistic two-dimensional fire, and so on). And the usual hijinks are more epic to befit the widescreen and longer running time.
The movie stays true to the format and features some of our favorite Springfielders. It does have some drawbacks. There are some cringeworthy moments and some jokes that fall flat, like in many of the latest episodes. Yet, the film is consistently funny and pokes fun at an awful lot with its usual candid, ascerbic brand of satire.
I can't say much more without spoiling it, so I will quickly rate the Simpsons an 8 for minor flaws (but still very good). Also, I would say this movie easily passes the test. I could watch this movie repeatedly because the Simpsons are consistently funny, even when they are hit or miss. And their big screen debut is definitely a hit!