And the Countdown Begins
It's been one of the most highly anticipated, speculated, and debated movies for over a decade - long before the decision of a release date was even announced. Slowly, news surrounding the eventual production of a Simpsons movie has trickled from the cast and crew to the show's faithful, and while only release date projections were ever provided, this week (April, 2006) fans were finally given a day to mark down on their calendars. A 25-second trailer, informing viewers of a July 27, 2007 debut, has transformed rumour to fact, and with a date for anticipators to anticipate, fans can now avert their attention to speculation. What will the plot be about? Will they change the style of the show? And the one question on everyone's mind - Will it be good? Every anticipated movie has been coupled with controversy, and while some fans strongly oppose the transition, others eagerly await the step to the silver screen. Should there be a cause for concern? Clearly, a theatrically released movie bears more expectations than a 22 minute episode. Whereas a poor episode can be brushed aside with brighter hopes for the following week, a poor movie has the capacity to upset fans on a global scale - with a sting that doesn't easily fade away. More than anything else, fans want the movie to be produced properly and tastefully, and from the early concrete news we have gathered, it appears the show's staff is correctly aligned. James L. Brooks, whose involvement in the movie is only positive, suggested they break the release date to the world through a trailer instead of the media, and although the trailer may look rushed, it builds excitement for the movie far greater than any newspaper. Second, the writing and directing credits were released. Long time writers joining Matt Groening and Al Jean include Mike Scully, Brooks, Ian Maxtone-Graham, George Meyer, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, Matt Selman, John Swartzwelder, and Jon Vitti. There are names missing and names included that may stir debate, but with a strong foundation of writers, a weak gag will not easily find its way onto the final script. From a directing front, no one can argue with the selection of long-time episode director and current supervising director David Silverman, whose resume also includes Monster's Inc, and various scenes in Ice Age. The final question many Simpsons fans pondered - why 2007? Whenever a release year was asked, the response "after the series" quickly followed, and with the show's recent renewal through 2009, why have they decided to overlap? It appears that the staff closely involved with the series didn't necessarily expect the show to be renewed yet again two years ago when the script penning began. Matt Groening, acknowledging the possible misunderstanding, cites good ratings has kept the series afloat, and with movie production well underway, something had to give. Fortunately for fans, it means the long-anticipated Simpsons movie is finally within reach, and while millions of fans have waited over ten years to witness the Simpsons clan on the big screen, they'll take comfort knowing that the momentous occasion is now merely one year away.
By Jason LevyLegal Notice and Disclaimer: "The Simpsons" TM and FOX and its related companies. All rights reserved. This site, its operators, and any content on this site relating to The Simpsons are not authorized by FOX.
