The Simpsons Movie: The Last Gasp of Simpsons Greatness

2007's The Simpsons Movie is, I think, fairly underrated. Featuring a great script from the Fox show's best writers, it mostly succeeded in recapturing what made the first 9 seasons so amazing. In this video I talk about how the movie uses Homer, Bart and Lisa and why this represents the real end of a great comedy.

[captainmidnight]

Do you have a favorite episode of The Simpsons?

[jayb]

Having Marge tape over their wedding video really was one of the most emotional moments in all of Simpsons. The only other moment I can think of in the franchise where I really felt something is Homer’s “do it for her” sign at work, with all the pictures of Maggie. Those rare moments when they’re more than silly cartoon characters and they show real emotion.

[ComicalRealm]

Fun fact: In total, The Simpsons Movie (2007) took 9 years to complete. This is because Fox greenlit the project back in 1997 but in the years up until release, they had to get the voice cast to sign deals, which they didn't do up until 2001. Producing a final script also took several years because almost 160 different versions were written before choosing the final one as plots were continuously being repurposed for the television episodes.

[samdiego]

- Sir you’ve gone mad with power

- Of course I have! You ever try going mad without power?! It’s boring, nobody listens to you!

[goORIOLES]

I think the people who wish Hank Scorpio was back as the villain really don’t understand why that character works. It’s not just because he’s a funny and memorable Bond villain, but he’s also the best boss that Homer ever worked for, as well as a genuinely nice guy. The idea of him actually becoming an actual antagonist to Homer doesn’t work for me because it goes against what makes the character funny, to begin with. I’m glad the writers decided to go in a different direction.

[InReserveProductions]

"There's a couple of things they don't teach you at Harvard Business School. One is how to cope with defeat the other is how to handle a shotgun. I'm going to do both right now." is still one or the best lines from anything Simpsons related and it's a damn shame most people forget about it because it's from the movie. In fact the entire character of Russ Cargill is a stand out who really deserves more credit.

[audoodle]

There’s a bit in this movie where the NSA finds the simpsons and the NSA agent says “we actually found someone we’re looking for!” And when I used to work retail I would think that to myself whenever I was able to find something a customer wanted.

[bigtimetimmyjim]

Celebrities who play themselves in the Simpsons universe can be done well, it just ironically requires them to be side characters who play off of a larger premise. For example, James Woods a a Kwik-E-Mart employee and George Harrison as "the guy who shows Homer a plate of brownies" are both excellent.

[trequor]

I like the movie a lot. The "There's something strange about that SOP sign" joke just gets me every time. It's so stupid, yet wonderfully delivered

[BugsyFoga]

Found it humorous that “Evil corporation”’was left on the Disney + version.

[StrangeDad]

I recently started watching Futurama. I've seen some episodes, but never the whole thing. Gotta say, as someone who used to love The Simpsons, what a great show! The spirit of the early Simpsons is palpable. Feels like being back in the early 00s.

[wvu]

In all honesty, I wish they would have made this the series finale. Imagine how much we would have been spared.

[SamAronow]

I was born literally the day after _The Simpsons_ premiered and was all about it as a kid during that classic period. I saw the movie in theaters, and it still felt a bit off to me. Not as bad as the show had gotten by then, but still nowhere near the quality of seasons 3-8. I think the last gasp of Simpsons greatness was _The Simpsons: Hit and Run._ This franchise really excelled with both video games and comics (especially the special Halloween comics) long after the show.

[qqwertyuiop]

I'm so glad they didn't go back to Scorpio. They captured lightning in a bottle with that character for one episode, and lightning doesn't strike in the same place twice. It's almost always best to leave the crowd wanting more in cases like that.

[trinaq]

I totally concur with this analysis! The movie COULD have been a decent way to wrap up a long running franchise, and a wonderful character arcs for Bart, Homer and Lisa. Instead, it has aimlessly continued just for the sake of the cash cow.

[Kobe.T]

The Simpsons movie was my first and only introduction to the Simpsons for many years. I loved it when I first saw it, and still think it holds up. When I finally started watching the show a few years ago it blew my mind how much better the show and its characters were. Still a good movie but it doesn’t hold a candle to the classic episodes.

[thefunkinator]

I grew up on The Simpsons and I just want to say thank you for this unintentional birthday gift. I love your channel and a video on the most defining tv show of my youth on this day is just a beautiful cherry on top. Have an awesome weekend!

[mr.moviemafia]

I really love *The Simpsons Movie*, I hold it up there with the golden era seasons and think it retains the most important part of the show: it’s heart

[LaneyStudios]

My favourite part of the entire movie is when he awakes from his epiphany and just chucks the shaman lady over to the side

[IcyDiamond]

Fun Fact: Hank Scorpio was originally gonna be the villain in this movie