“D’Oh!” Or “Woo-Hoo?”

Which would be the assessment when the long-awaited Simpsons Movie finally reached the big screen? Clearly. “Woo-Hoo!”

The movie is a home run. It was created by the geniuses who have been doing the hit television show for the past 20 years, including co-creators Matt Groening and James L. Brooks. The writing was handled by a committee of some of the best writers in the show’s long run, and their deft touch is on display throughout. The characterizations are dead-on accurate, and the story feels big enough to be in theaters. The humor is laugh-out-loud funny, and the movie just makes you wish a sequel were around the corner.

The Simpsons Movie starts with a concert featuring Green Day speaking to the residents of Springfield about the dangers of pollution. Spoofing An Inconvenient Truth, Lisa finally gets through to them, and the townsfolk change their ways. All except for Homer, that is. Homer’s lazy streak brings him to destroy the environment, forcing the government to crack down on Springfield once and for all. Homer and the family escape (to the wonderland of Alaska!) but finally decide to go save the day back home. Being the Simpsons, though, there is much, much more to the story than that basic plot outline.

People haven't become devoted to this show because of the complex story lines, though. They come for the inside jokes and slapstick, and both kinds of Simpsons humor flourish on the big screen. Targets include government spying, religious experiences no one understands, and more. The one-liners are fantastic (Homer, holding a Bible: "There are no answers in here!"), and every major character gets a moment. It is a cartoon, but I think one minor character even dies!

The DVD is well worth a look for those who saw the film in the theater. The bonus features are crafted in the same spirit as the film. Extra shorts made for Fox are included, and they mock everything from American Idol to the concessions trailers from old movie theaters. The features are definitely for hardcore fans, but casual fans will chuckle at bits, too. For hardcore fans, of course, a mere rental will not suffice; you'll need this.

So, is a movie based on a long-running animated TV series capable of appealing to anyone other than the show's considerable fan base? Overall, yes, the movie is fun for everyone. The show's fans will especially enjoy the complete package that the DVD offers. As Comic Book Guy would probably say, "Best ... movie ... ever!"
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