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The Simpsons Movie
By Sandie Angulo Chen,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Same hilarious but in-your-face, edgy humor as TV show.

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The Simpsons Movie
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Based on 43 parent reviews
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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?
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
- In theaters: July 27, 2007
- On DVD or streaming: December 18, 2007
- Cast: Dan Castellaneta , Julie Kavner , Nancy Cartwright
- Director: David Silverman
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 86 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: irreverent humor throughout.
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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