OK. So. I saw The Simpsons Movie today…
Cats: culture, odd things|And that’s no big deal. Right?
Well, no big deal until I tell you that I’ve never seen an episode of The Simpsons before. (Well, there was that time in the 90s when I saw part of an episode in Czech and I didn’t speak Czech at the time. Long story.)
When I came out on my Simpson’s virginity during the 400th episode hoopla, Tanya Espanya was desperately worried. “I, I don’t know what to say,” she gasped, capturing the general tone of response to this confession.
Let me be clear. I’m not anti-Simpsons. I love the idea of the The Simpsons. TV needs The Simpsons. America needs The Simpsons. It’s just that I’ve just never managed to
1) live in a country where it was available on TV
2) own a TV when it was on
3) know when it was on when I did have a TV and live in a country where it was available
So, today the planets lined up and I took my eight-year old son off to the movie theatre for the historic first viewing (not on TV, funnily enough.)
And what did I think? Well, I liked it. My son liked it too. It was funny and witty and we laughed. Out loud sometimes, especially in the first 15 minutes. I can’t say I busted a gut laughing, but it was an enjoyable 90 minutes.
I must confess that I expected the quips and humour to be slightly more hard-hitting and dark. Perhaps this expectation grows from having seen South Park and Family Guy which seem more biting than The Simpsons. Perhaps this had something to do with securing the all-important PG-13 rating. I don’t know.
But it’s OK because The Simpsons is the template. Without The Simpsons blazing the trail, none of these other animated commentaries on American life could have existed.
I’m glad I’ve finally seen it. I am a Simpsons virgin no more.
So you can stop worrying Espanya.
July 29th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
I wanted to go see it today but the weather was rainy and I didn’t feel like moving from the couch. I’m glad you both enjoyed it. I’ve been a Simpsons fan since the beginning so it’s nice to know they didn’t screw up a good thing by making a movie.
July 30th, 2007 at 3:55 am
Does this mean you’ll start watching the show now?
July 30th, 2007 at 5:27 am
Hey! Fantastic!
I’m glad to hear you liked it, and like Chelene, I’ve also loved it since the beginning.
And Deepti asked the question I had: will you start watching it?
July 30th, 2007 at 5:45 am
Hmmm, the question is: when is it on….
July 30th, 2007 at 5:49 am
5 pm every weekday on CBC
Sunday nights at 9? I think on Global
And a plethora of other times if, unlike myself, you have cable!
July 30th, 2007 at 11:46 am
I heard from YA’s one and two that it’s pretty good, like the tv show only longer, just like the review in the paper said.
I feel kinda left out when everyone in the family cept for myself can recite lines from the Simpsons tv (should that be in caps?) show and, even though I haven’t actually seen the episode they’re referring to, it’s still quite funny.
July 31st, 2007 at 3:30 am
Guess what? I met someone else last night who has never seen an episode of the Simpsons. I guess you’re not alone…
July 31st, 2007 at 3:49 am
Aha, so there are others that walk amongst us…
Did they look like an alien that had just landed from the planet Zorg?
Maybe we should start a club or something
July 31st, 2007 at 3:53 am
Nope, she looked normal like you. You are all very clever at covering up your alien-ness. Yes, you should form a club and discuss your most awkward public “I’ve never watched the Simpsons” revelations.
July 31st, 2007 at 4:13 am
Ahh deepti, is there no end to your sweetness…
July 31st, 2007 at 4:20 am
Yeah, Deepti, maybe GT can find that 12 step support group…