The feature-length film debut of creator Matt Groening’s classic cartoon series is a real treat. After nearly two decades of ongoing television success, The Simpsons made the jump to the silver screen last summer. Despite the media and marketing blitz that heralded its release, The Simpsons Movie is simply a terrific extended episode of the best television show ever made.

Life in Springfield, USA, goes on as always, until outsiders notice that the town is an environmental nightmare. As always, little Lisa Simpson petitions for change, and the community begins cleaning up its act. Leave it to Homer Simpson to screw the whole thing up; his adoration for a new pet pig results in the EPA’s quarantine of the entire town. Springfield is sealed in a giant dome, and the townsfolk turn on each other in panic and desperation.

When it is discovered that Homer has sealed Springfield’s fate, he and his family are cornered by the angry townies. They make a last minute escape and head north to a fresh start in Alaska. It becomes apparent that Springfield is to be destroyed, but Homer refuses to help save the very town that he has doomed. Marge, Bart, Lisa, and little Maggie leave him and return to Springfield—signaling an end for both the town and the Simpson family unit.

All of the fantastic and funny characters from the TV show are present and accounted for. There are some hilarious bits featuring Ned Flanders, bartender Moe, the evil Mr. Burns, Chief Wiggum, and others. The sharp, satirical story pokes more than a little fun at the current Al Gore/global warming fracas. Composer extraordinaire Danny Elfman’s classic theme-song is transformed into an amazing film score (including a recurring musical cue borrowed from another 2007 summer blockbuster). The show’s typically wonderful animation is even further enhanced for the widescreen presentation. Overall, this is a classic episode of a series that will continue to entertain viewers for years to come.

Walter Simpkins is Senior Writer for www.featurefilmreview.com. Walter celebrated his birthday the first week of January. Send Walter a virtual cake or e-mail comments to walter(@)featurefilmreview.com.