The best films based on television series don't try to reinvent the wheel; they add a new spin to a familiar concept. That was my thought this past Saturday night as I sat in my local multiplex watching "The Simpsons Movie."
Like many people, I have been a fan of everything Simpsons since its premiere as a weekly series in 1990. (Even before that: I loved the family when they were short cartoon segments between the skits on the little watched but much-praised "Tracy Ullman Show.") But in recent years, I have not been a constant watcher of the show. Other series demand my time; I don't think about setting the hard drive--or maybe because they are so familiar, I usually catch the missed episodes in syndicated reruns.
But watching the first-ever film version of what is now the longest-running American comedy series in history (animated or not) reminded me anew of what drew me to the clan from Springfield in the first place. Sure, some portions of the movie were slow-going; a few scenes were needless; and I missed some of the familiar Springfield residents (where was Sideshow Bob and Marge's sisters-from-hell Patty and Selma?)
But yet, I loved "The Simpsons Movie"--because it didn't forget the basics of the characters and their behaviors, yet put them into unique situations that a 90 minute film could only do justice to.
Always irreverent, creator-executive producer Matt Groening and his team continue to bit the hand that feeds them--watch for the TV-like graphics promoting a fictional Fox network show. It's only fair: The network has run endless reminders about "The Simpsons Movie" for its sister studio, 20th Century Fox. All hail Rupert Murdoch, the omnipotent master of synergy and cross-promotion! (That's sarcasm, folks!)
"The Simpsons Movie" is the latest example of how to make a film based on a television series. It's up there with my favorites--"The Brady Bunch Movie;" "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut;" at least one or two of the "Star Trek" films; "The Addams Family (not the sequel)" and "The Naked Gun" films based on the short-lived 1982 series "Police Squad!" (Among the worst: "The Honeymooners;" "Sgt. Bilko;" "Bewitched;" and a few others I can't remember at this time.) And even better: You don't have to be a "Simpsons" fan to enjoy it.
Until next time, happy viewing!
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About Television Heaven
- Laurence Marcus
- Television Heaven began in 1999 and was one of the first websites to take a general view of all classic television programmes rather than just specialise in one in particular. It is still privately owned and non-profit making and remains very much a labour of love. Classic doesn't necessarily have to mean old. Some programmes become 'classics' while they are still running. I remember that originally I included a review of the US TV show 'Friends'. After publishing the site to the net an associate of mine dropped me an email which read "Not a bad attempt but spoilt by including 'Friends.' I don't think anyone is ever going to regard this as a classic in any sense of the word." This blog is only a very small extension of Television Heaven. There's a forum as well to which each and everyone with a comment to make on television is more than welcome. I will use this space to pass comment and observations on TV shows both old and new. I probably won't do it very regularly, you probably won't agree with what I write and you might even visit once and never come back. I have no expectations, no agenda, and no definite plan at this stage. After all - that's how it started.