Parents' Guide to The Simpsons Movie

Movie PG-13 2007 86 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

Sandie Angulo Chen By Sandie Angulo Chen , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Same hilarious but in-your-face, edgy humor as TV show.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Simpsons Movie Trailer

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 38 parent reviews

 

 

See all 38 parent reviews
age 10+

Based on 262 kid reviews

Kids say that while the film captures the beloved essence of the show, it features more adult themes, including brief nudity, language, and violence that may be inappropriate for younger audiences. Many fans enjoyed the humor and storyline, but noted that certain scenes, particularly those involving nudity and comedic violence, could be seen as edgy or offensive.

  • adult themes
  • brief nudity
  • mixed humor
  • edge of appropriateness
  • fan favorite
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 262 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Springfield lovers have been waiting, like Homer drooling over an out-of-reach donut, more than 18 years for Matt Groening and James L. Brooks to get the merry geniuses behind The Simpsons to create a feature-length film. Finally, followers can see their beloved first family of animation on the big screen, and it was it worth the wait. Homer's (Dan Castellaneta) up to his usual tricks in THE SIMPSONS MOVIE when his selfishness (in this case, adopting a pig) triggers the worst emergency in Springfield's long and disaster-prone history. Meanwhile, Bart (Nancy Cartwright) starts wishing okalee-dorkily neighbor Ned Flanders (Harry Shearer) were his father, and Lisa (Yeardley Smith) falls for a young Irish activist. Marge (Julie Kavner), as always, sums up all her patience to deal with the latest family crisis.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 38 ):
Kids say ( 262 ):

While The Simpsons Movie probably can't compare to any fan's favorite episodes, it's a triumphant collaboration of nearly a dozen of the series' best head-writers and producers. The result is a film that's true to its episodic roots -- tons of characters, A-list cameos, meta references -- but also appealing to even the casual or non-viewer.

Simpsons adventures are really best seen and not explained. Even a straightforward visual gag, like Bart skateboarding in the buff or Ned preparing a cup of hot cocoa, is side splitting. And then there are the deliciously intricate crowd -- or more accurately, mob -- scenes when primary, secondary, and occasional characters mix seamlessly together. Ahhh, sweet, sweet laughter. The audience at several points roared so loudly that it was hard to hear the dialogue. But you don't have to be a line-memorizing Comic-Book Guy to enjoy the film. Even the uninitiated or usually unimpressed should find plenty of opportunities to laugh so hard you cry during the 86-minute treat. Be warned though, you won't be able to stop humming "Spider-Pig" once the end credits (a perk for those who stay 'til the very end) roll.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the impact of The Simpsons on popular culture. Is the animated show's popularity even greater than that of Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Harry Potter? Is it wrong to show Bart drinking? What would really happen if a 10-year-old drank a miniature bottle of alcohol? Parents can also discuss caring about the environment and how even one person's actions make a difference.

Movie Details

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