The 90s Simpsons is actually very cinematic in that it's often pastiche and heavily inspired by film, but also the transitions, scenes, audio etc. I feel frustration actually that this will be Kermode's forever impression of the Simpsons. Mr Kermode - The Simpsons Movie is not "The Simpsons" in any way shape or form, it is the "New Simpsons" (season 9ish onwards) and it is an entirely different cartoon.
yeah i get such a breath of relief when i click on the next review and there's simon mayo again, mayo and kermode have an undeniable chemistry that just is lacking here :)
There was an interesting thing in the Guardian not too long ago where they made him sit and watch lots of TV boxsets. He got on quite well with a lot of it. I'm not sure he'd like 24 though. I think he'd find it a bit ridiculous. I'd guess he'd be more of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer man.
How can Mark not watch TV, when it's rivalling film for quality. Breaking bad is one of the greatest things I've seen. You just can't avoid stuff like that.
He reviews films not TV. While the quality of TV lately is excellent that won't make him a better or worse reviewer for it. I don't watch or own a TV but i still watch box sets and love Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Mad Men et all. From his other reviews I think he does the same.
Yimello this was also reviewed in 2007 when it was released, before the so called "TV renaissance" of shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Louie, Fargo, etc etc.
Seasons 2-10 is some of the funniest shit you'll ever see on TV. The seasons after 10 and before the movies also had their moments and I laughed a lot at the movie too. After that the show declined in quality for me, with the humour going from 'we know you're pissing yourself with laughter right now and we didn't even try ' to 'PLEASE JUST FUCKING LAUGH!!!' humour. You go from the best Flinstones parody ever created to trying so hard to get as many famous people on the show to attract some giggles.
The fact that he hasn't seen the series may make his review the most unbiased. He comes in not knowing the quality of the early Simpsons stuff, I think many people dislike the new Simpsons episodes partially based on their comparisons with the earlier quality. Its a normal thing to be disappointed with inferior product if we are used to high quality. This aside, the film made people laugh, i guess it did its job.
I am a big fan of Kermode and I agree with almost all his opinions, but I just don't feel he's qualified to review this film without having watched the TV show, they're too inextricably linked
I love the simpsons, I grew up with it. Still think it's still one of the best shows around. It is the general consensus that the later seasons [12-now basically] are not as good as the early ones which is something i agree with to a large extent, they're not as consistantly good [although every so often a modern classic is produced]. Saw the movie when it came out and thought it was good, but really nothing more than an above average new episode [which i guess ain't saying much]
I wholeheartedly agree; it's good, but still a little disappointing simply because of how good The Simpsons has been in the past. On an at most vaguely related personal note, Mark mentioned The West Wing twice in this clip, and having watched all 7 series over the last couple of months, I have to say it's possibly the best drama I've ever watched. I've seen Lost, X-files, Sopranos, the Wire etc and it (at least the first 4 series or so) still rises above them.
I liked the Simpsons movie but I had exactly the same problem with it - it wasn't cinematic enough. It didn't *need* to be a film; it was just a long episode.
@PomBare I don't know I enjoy the new and old stuff, All the seasons for me have been hit or miss. Some episodes have been awesome some not so good. But so far each season has offered me something to like. The movie I found great.
@BigBoss7777777 - Not true - he isn't reviewing the show in its prime, or The Simpsons as a whole, just the movie. In a way, it's better that he hasn't seen much of the TV show - he can comment on whether the movie stands up on its own.
On a side note, after recently having watched the latest Futurama season I worry that it too may be dragged out for longer than it's worth after having been resurrected. It was enjoyable, but not laugh out loud funny. One recurring theme I got sick of was Bender worrying about his mortality (which had been done before), which seemed to happen in about three episodes. I didn't buy the continuation from the last film either, "Oh yeah, the wormhole...lead us straight back here" @@"
Gah, does Mark still not watch any television series? Would be a shame to not have watched Breaking Bad, True Detective and Game Of Thrones, they really play on the strengths of what television is capable of and film isn't.
The Simpsons Movie is like a great episode from the late '90s stretched out to an hour and a half. Not great but still rather amusing. It's twice as good as any episode they've done since 2000 though.
I sort of have to agree with alot of commentators. the new seasons are I utterly utterly agree pretty much as bad as people have been saying they are and for sure the film is definitly not as good as the Simpsons in its prime because Simpsons in its prime was simply THE best comedy of the 90s and is still a benchmark. Having said that the film was a genuinly funny, smart and faithful installment of the Simpsons that was at least funnier than the majority of the new seasons
I agree Route19 - the early series are classics. Even the 1st and 2nd season were great but they really came into their own from series 3 to about 8-9 imo. It is quite sad to see the forced humour of the later series and I haven't really seen episodes from season 15 on. They really should stop it now and let it's take its place in the annals of TV gold.
I'd be inclined to agree with you there. I think they should have axed the Simpsons a while ago. If it was British they would have. American TV tends to flog a show to death and then flog it a bit more - especially comedy shows. The characters become exaggerated versions of their idiosyncrasies which is what the Simpsons has become and not why it was so brilliant in the early days.
Well, I was 1 when the show started to be fair but I have seen every other episode. I'm not saying I hate the simpsons (although i do hate the film) but I think its has gone so far downhill it would do the show better justice if they finished it now. If they keep on going and dont improve then the show will be remembered in a negative way I think, which would be disappointing.
I couldn't help but compare the movie to my favourite episodes and it didn't even come close to the likes of Frank Grimes episode, the stone cutters, marges fear of flying, the springfield files and quite a few more. The film did have occasional moments of class, but overall I was disappointed.
The Simpsons movie is good and Mark, just from the film alone, can see the intelligence in the show, which makes me wish he would watch a full series (between 2 - 7). Then he can see the real genius.
They should have packed it in after Season 9, it had a lot of classic episodes but also 'Armand Tanzarium', which was the first sign things were going downhill.
I used to believe that myself. I had a mate who always said it hasn't been good in about 10 seasons and I used to say he was exaggerating. I bet him 5 euro I could find a good episode from the past 10 seasons and I really couldnt. Throughout the past 10 years, the characters have become predictable and in some cases just plain annoying. When the show started Bart was pretty much the main character and everything Homer did was hilarious. Now however the writers focus only on Homer and its boring.
Series 4-8 are the best series of any comedy, animated or not. Every show was packed with humour, wit and warmth. To see how shit the new episodes are is just sad. Smug guest stars and plots that make no sense and plots that degrade the characters we know and love. It should have ended many years ago.
Of all the telly he hasn't watched (and I also rarely watch any) I can't believ he's never watched The SImpsons. I almost feel compelled to buy the boxsets (yes - just the first 8 seasons! However I do remember liking 'The Joy of Sect' from season 9 and maybe some others...) and mail them to him. Of the later seasons (and even this is probably about 10 years ago now lol) one funny exchange does stick in my head: "Why did you think a big balloon would stop them?" "Shut up, that's why!"
Not sure why they called it a movie. It was just an extra long TV episode. Same formula as always. Homer gets an idea, Homer screws up, spends rest of time fixing the mess.
he only watched ONE EPISODE!!!??? whu......bu......HOW!!!! How is that possible!! The man's got taste. Why is he not a huge fan of what is arguably the best TV show ever made? I've lost alot of respect for you Mark. You'd be best to quit your job so you have time to watch some good TV, instead of forcing yourself through every single (often rubbish) movie of the year. The Simpsons movie was passable BTW. About a 6/10. Don't judge the show on the movie. It's a shadow of the glory days.
i think mark's being too picky here. I agree that the Simpsons Movie is more a longer Simpsons episode and not a movie, but it is enjoyable, funny, clever and you are engaged with the story and the characters: That's what any TV show, film, book, song is about: Coherant and enjoyable story and engaging characters
Ya. Series 2-6 is some of the funniest things ever made. The subtlety of the jokes is unbelievable. Not like Family Guy that has to shove it in your face. And THAT, for an American show, is truly amazing.
@soundslave couldn't agree more. after season 9 they should have called it a day, then Groening should have put all his energy into Futurama and making the simpsons movie better. if the Simpsons ended at season 9, it would've been remembered as the greatest cultural phenomenon since the beatles, not as the crap drivel which is currently loosing the battle against Family Guy.
It went stale because matt groening left to do Futurama, Mike Judge who did King of the Hill used to write for it as well apparently. The simpsons have been terrible for ages, it used to be really cleverly funny.
I like Kermodes reviews, but yeah you've mentioned two excellent comedy programmes that he's missing out on. The Office is quite a bit better than Extras in my opinion.
I feel disappointed that Kermode's introduction to The Simpsons is current Simpsons, he likes this awful film, but I'd really like to stress to Kermode that this really pales into comparison next to earlier Simpsons
The Simpsons movie is the best thing they've done in about ten years. But not even close to being as good as a mid-nineties episode. I honestly think the South Park movie is funnier and more cinematic.
I liked the movie alright. It was decently funny-I got a lot of little laughs but no big laughs but the climax and emotional moments were good as well. On a different note, I wouldn't even calll thge Transformers movie adolesent; I watched it when I was 6 years old and hated it. To this day, it's one of my least favourite movies.
I liked the old Simpsons. Well before the movie came out that series was DONE in my opinion. And the movie was nonsensical and stupid, and the characters bland and silly, just like the series at that point (and ever since). However, it's terribleness pales in comparison to Transformers. I had to sit through Transformers while sharing a hotel room with someone who was watching it. That movie offends me as a human being and makes me seriously worry where this country is heading.
I didn't like the movie because the jokes were no were near as fresh as even the TV series. For example, when the Simpsons are on the run and they see a wanted poster with their picture on it, I think it was Bart drew moustache glasses and silly stuff on the picture. That is almost a complete carbon copy of a scene from the little known Leslie Nielsen spoof "Wrongfully Accused" that was actually far funnier. So many of the other jokes seem like they have been done before and done better.
The jokes were not clever enough. They were on par with current Simpsons writting (i.e. terrible). Matt Groening should have canned The Simpsons years ago.
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I love the Simpsons, the movie just showed how far the show has fallen. Simpsons season 1-9 best show ever, forget everything else.
Amen! U r so right!!
Haha GREAT editing on the Transformers bit :D
hahahaah, when he said Ren and Stimpy lol
Murray got it spot on , just a really good long episode , which for me isnt a bad thing .
There was a time when the Simpsons' was unmissable. By the time this film came out though.... it had run its course.
The 90s Simpsons is actually very cinematic in that it's often pastiche and heavily inspired by film, but also the transitions, scenes, audio etc. I feel frustration actually that this will be Kermode's forever impression of the Simpsons. Mr Kermode - The Simpsons Movie is not "The Simpsons" in any way shape or form, it is the "New Simpsons" (season 9ish onwards) and it is an entirely different cartoon.
somebody should send some dvd boxsets of the simpsons to Dr K.
The last ten seconds of this review. So funny. Lol
nice transformers review at the end there mark haha ;)
Seasons 5 to 8 golden. The funniest things to ever grace television
“...made by a blithering half~wit!” Is a perfectly contemptuous way to sum him up.
yeah i get such a breath of relief when i click on the next review and there's simon mayo again, mayo and kermode have an undeniable chemistry that just is lacking here :)
It was just an extra long TV episode. Same formula as always. Homer gets an idea, Homer screws up, spends rest of time fixing the mess.
And it was an awesome movie
The final 15 seconds when he gives us his thoughts on the Transformers film was my favourite part.
Betcha he watched The Wire.
Betcha.
Mark Kermode is a very smart man. He knows when he sees a good film. I agree with him about Transformers. But then again, every one has an opinion.
It wasn't a movie? Well, I had popcorn While I watched!
It was a great movie but it didn't crack me up as much as Team America and South Park did.
Those films had me in tears of laughter.
I thought it was just like the earlier Simpsons, it even had the old writers back.
There was an interesting thing in the Guardian not too long ago where they made him sit and watch lots of TV boxsets. He got on quite well with a lot of it. I'm not sure he'd like 24 though. I think he'd find it a bit ridiculous. I'd guess he'd be more of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer man.
How can Mark not watch TV, when it's rivalling film for quality. Breaking bad is one of the greatest things I've seen. You just can't avoid stuff like that.
He reviews films not TV. While the quality of TV lately is excellent that won't make him a better or worse reviewer for it. I don't watch or own a TV but i still watch box sets and love Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Mad Men et all. From his other reviews I think he does the same.
***** Of course no TV show is going to match a top quality film like There Will Be Blood, mainly due to the fact of time and budget constraints.
***** Well in my opinion, a great season of a TV show can rival any movie for storyline and pure enthralment.
Yimello this was also reviewed in 2007 when it was released, before the so called "TV renaissance" of shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Louie, Fargo, etc etc.
+TheTelepathicKid Well even then you had The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood and The West Wing
Seasons 2-10 is some of the funniest shit you'll ever see on TV. The seasons after 10 and before the movies also had their moments and I laughed a lot at the movie too. After that the show declined in quality for me, with the humour going from 'we know you're pissing yourself with laughter right now and we didn't even try ' to 'PLEASE JUST FUCKING LAUGH!!!' humour. You go from the best Flinstones parody ever created to trying so hard to get as many famous people on the show to attract some giggles.
all in all, seems fair enough
The fact that he hasn't seen the series may make his review the most unbiased. He comes in not knowing the quality of the early Simpsons stuff, I think many people dislike the new Simpsons episodes partially based on their comparisons with the earlier quality. Its a normal thing to be disappointed with inferior product if we are used to high quality. This aside, the film made people laugh, i guess it did its job.
Old Simpsons episodes used to always take digs at Ren and Stimpy.
TV and film are not genres, they are mediums.
I am a big fan of Kermode and I agree with almost all his opinions, but I just don't feel he's qualified to review this film without having watched the TV show, they're too inextricably linked
I love the simpsons, I grew up with it. Still think it's still one of the best shows around. It is the general consensus that the later seasons [12-now basically] are not as good as the early ones which is something i agree with to a large extent, they're not as consistantly good [although every so often a modern classic is produced]. Saw the movie when it came out and thought it was good, but really nothing more than an above average new episode [which i guess ain't saying much]
Maybe 90 minutes is no longer the standard length of movie Mark. Maybe 2 hours is normal now...
I wholeheartedly agree; it's good, but still a little disappointing simply because of how good The Simpsons has been in the past.
On an at most vaguely related personal note, Mark mentioned The West Wing twice in this clip, and having watched all 7 series over the last couple of months, I have to say it's possibly the best drama I've ever watched. I've seen Lost, X-files, Sopranos, the Wire etc and it (at least the first 4 series or so) still rises above them.
I liked the Simpsons movie but I had exactly the same problem with it - it wasn't cinematic enough. It didn't *need* to be a film; it was just a long episode.
@PomBare I don't know I enjoy the new and old stuff, All the seasons for me have been hit or miss. Some episodes have been awesome some not so good. But so far each season has offered me something to like. The movie I found great.
Did you like the film?
@BigBoss7777777 - Not true - he isn't reviewing the show in its prime, or The Simpsons as a whole, just the movie. In a way, it's better that he hasn't seen much of the TV show - he can comment on whether the movie stands up on its own.
On a side note, after recently having watched the latest Futurama season I worry that it too may be dragged out for longer than it's worth after having been resurrected. It was enjoyable, but not laugh out loud funny. One recurring theme I got sick of was Bender worrying about his mortality (which had been done before), which seemed to happen in about three episodes. I didn't buy the continuation from the last film either, "Oh yeah, the wormhole...lead us straight back here" @@"
Gah, does Mark still not watch any television series? Would be a shame to not have watched Breaking Bad, True Detective and Game Of Thrones, they really play on the strengths of what television is capable of and film isn't.
He's watched Breaking Bad as he's talked about it from time to time on his show.
Just watched South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut again. I forgot what a great film it is
I just wanna be pedantic and say it's Ralph in the 20th Century Fox sign... not Martin
The Simpsons Movie is like a great episode from the late '90s stretched out to an hour and a half. Not great but still rather amusing. It's twice as good as any episode they've done since 2000 though.
I sort of have to agree with alot of commentators. the new seasons are I utterly utterly agree pretty much as bad as people have been saying they are and for sure the film is definitly not as good as the Simpsons in its prime because Simpsons in its prime was simply THE best comedy of the 90s and is still a benchmark. Having said that the film was a genuinly funny, smart and faithful installment of the Simpsons that was at least funnier than the majority of the new seasons
you must have a mind of a five year old , there was some brilliant wit in this movie
I agree Route19 - the early series are classics. Even the 1st and 2nd season were great but they really came into their own from series 3 to about 8-9 imo.
It is quite sad to see the forced humour of the later series and I haven't really seen episodes from season 15 on. They really should stop it now and let it's take its place in the annals of TV gold.
I'd be inclined to agree with you there. I think they should have axed the Simpsons a while ago. If it was British they would have. American TV tends to flog a show to death and then flog it a bit more - especially comedy shows. The characters become exaggerated versions of their idiosyncrasies which is what the Simpsons has become and not why it was so brilliant in the early days.
Well, I was 1 when the show started to be fair but I have seen every other episode. I'm not saying I hate the simpsons (although i do hate the film) but I think its has gone so far downhill it would do the show better justice if they finished it now. If they keep on going and dont improve then the show will be remembered in a negative way I think, which would be disappointing.
Simpsons movie was great, but team america world police was even better. Comedies are very subjective among critics though.
Subjective amongst EVERYBODY!
I couldn't help but compare the movie to my favourite episodes and it didn't even come close to the likes of Frank Grimes episode, the stone cutters, marges fear of flying, the springfield files and quite a few more. The film did have occasional moments of class, but overall I was disappointed.
Glad that he dislikes Transformers and Michael Bay as much as I do.
I really want to know what he thinks of Game of Thrones (if he's watched it which he probably hasn't).
He and Simon Mayo have referenced it a few times in recent shows, but he's never outright said he watches it.
Marge's sisters Patty and Selma didn't make an appearance in that movie, I noticed
Season 3 to 10 were superb, dropped off after that.
I reckon Kermode would love The Wire. Who's with me?
The Simpsons movie is good and Mark, just from the film alone, can see the intelligence in the show, which makes me wish he would watch a full series (between 2 - 7). Then he can see the real genius.
They should have packed it in after Season 9, it had a lot of classic episodes but also 'Armand Tanzarium', which was the first sign things were going downhill.
I used to believe that myself. I had a mate who always said it hasn't been good in about 10 seasons and I used to say he was exaggerating. I bet him 5 euro I could find a good episode from the past 10 seasons and I really couldnt. Throughout the past 10 years, the characters have become predictable and in some cases just plain annoying. When the show started Bart was pretty much the main character and everything Homer did was hilarious. Now however the writers focus only on Homer and its boring.
Colin Murray shut up and let the man speak.
Series 4-8 are the best series of any comedy, animated or not. Every show was packed with humour, wit and warmth. To see how shit the new episodes are is just sad. Smug guest stars and plots that make no sense and plots that degrade the characters we know and love. It should have ended many years ago.
If there's one thing Mark Kermode is not, it's ignorant. His knowledge of culture and cultural theory is so vast.
Of all the telly he hasn't watched (and I also rarely watch any) I can't believ he's never watched The SImpsons.
I almost feel compelled to buy the boxsets (yes - just the first 8 seasons! However I do remember liking 'The Joy of Sect' from season 9 and maybe some others...) and mail them to him.
Of the later seasons (and even this is probably about 10 years ago now lol) one funny exchange does stick in my head:
"Why did you think a big balloon would stop them?"
"Shut up, that's why!"
Not sure why they called it a movie. It was just an extra long TV episode. Same formula as always. Homer gets an idea, Homer screws up, spends rest of time fixing the mess.
he only watched ONE EPISODE!!!??? whu......bu......HOW!!!! How is that possible!! The man's got taste. Why is he not a huge fan of what is arguably the best TV show ever made?
I've lost alot of respect for you Mark. You'd be best to quit your job so you have time to watch some good TV, instead of forcing yourself through every single (often rubbish) movie of the year.
The Simpsons movie was passable BTW. About a 6/10. Don't judge the show on the movie. It's a shadow of the glory days.
The film’s well acted, well directed, humourous, well written, stylish & has A great premise that everyone will like. (82%) (4/5 stars) (positive)
i think mark's being too picky here. I agree that the Simpsons Movie is more a longer Simpsons episode and not a movie, but it is enjoyable, funny, clever and you are engaged with the story and the characters: That's what any TV show, film, book, song is about: Coherant and enjoyable story and engaging characters
I think Mark's point was that it's not cinematic. He said it's both funny an inteligent and generally gave it a good review.
I what sense?
I know he's not exactly a avid tv fan but I'm sure that he'd appreciate something like 24.
It was funny and therefore a good movie.
Ya. Series 2-6 is some of the funniest things ever made. The subtlety of the jokes is unbelievable. Not like Family Guy that has to shove it in your face. And THAT, for an American show, is truly amazing.
@soundslave couldn't agree more. after season 9 they should have called it a day, then Groening should have put all his energy into Futurama and making the simpsons movie better. if the Simpsons ended at season 9, it would've been remembered as the greatest cultural phenomenon since the beatles, not as the crap drivel which is currently loosing the battle against Family Guy.
"Its not what the cinema is there for"
Who died and made Mark Kermode king?
i agree its too long maybe a hour special maybe
It went stale because matt groening left to do Futurama, Mike Judge who did King of the Hill used to write for it as well apparently. The simpsons have been terrible for ages, it used to be really cleverly funny.
@TheRoute19 I agree with you for about 90%. I truly like the pre s4 seasons as well.
It warms me to see that other people recognise it's decline. Seriously, some people don't know what the problem is. The new episodes are soulless
I like Kermodes reviews, but yeah you've mentioned two excellent comedy programmes that he's missing out on. The Office is quite a bit better than Extras in my opinion.
One episode????? shame on you mark!!! lol
2-8, although it's 3 where it really gets going for me. The first series is poor. And I haven't even checked if 8 is right.
The only funny thing about the Simpsons movie was spiderpig.
I enjoyed the movie, but I agree it did just feel like an episode thats been stretched out.
If the Good Doctor found this film funny, I'd probably worry about his kidneys falling out if he watched anything from series 1-8.
I feel disappointed that Kermode's introduction to The Simpsons is current Simpsons, he likes this awful film, but I'd really like to stress to Kermode that this really pales into comparison next to earlier Simpsons
The Simpsons movie is the best thing they've done in about ten years. But not even close to being as good as a mid-nineties episode. I honestly think the South Park movie is funnier and more cinematic.
i have so much respect for kermode just because he totally bashed mindless and painfully dumb movies like transformers
@51yourtimeisup yesyes before series 9= legendary!, after= average.
This review is absolutely worthless if he never watched the show in its prime.
I liked the movie alright. It was decently funny-I got a lot of little laughs but no big laughs but the climax and emotional moments were good as well.
On a different note, I wouldn't even calll thge Transformers movie adolesent; I watched it when I was 6 years old and hated it. To this day, it's one of my least favourite movies.
The movie sucked.
seasons 1 - 7 are decent. crap since then. movie useless
I liked the old Simpsons. Well before the movie came out that series was DONE in my opinion. And the movie was nonsensical and stupid, and the characters bland and silly, just like the series at that point (and ever since). However, it's terribleness pales in comparison to Transformers. I had to sit through Transformers while sharing a hotel room with someone who was watching it. That movie offends me as a human being and makes me seriously worry where this country is heading.
I didn't like the movie because the jokes were no were near as fresh as even the TV series. For example, when the Simpsons are on the run and they see a wanted poster with their picture on it, I think it was Bart drew moustache glasses and silly stuff on the picture.
That is almost a complete carbon copy of a scene from the little known Leslie Nielsen spoof "Wrongfully Accused" that was actually far funnier.
So many of the other jokes seem like they have been done before and done better.
Futurama is much better
Get to the point quiffy.
That Irish guy is annoying
Dave his name is Colin,and how is he annoying
The jokes were not clever enough. They were on par with current Simpsons writting (i.e. terrible). Matt Groening should have canned The Simpsons years ago.
its possibly one of the worst films ever made!!!...and yet the series, clearly not.