In general though, the movie plot plays out much like an extended episode of the show. In fact many of the story elements have been used frequently during the series run: Springfield has been threatened by pollution on multiple occasions, in one instance requiring the entire town to move five miles down the road. Similarly, to varying degrees, Homer and Marge’s marriage is put in jeopardy several times a season. Even minor points like Lisa’s crush on a fellow eco-friend (in this case an Irish boy named Colin) has played out on the small screen once or twice.

The movie is able to get away with a little repetition for a couple of reasons: first off, after so many episodes there really is very little they haven’t done already at some point. Secondly, in terms of the Simpsons universe, continuity is practically irrelevant- seldom is the plot of one episode directly affected by something that has happened previously. Finally, the film’s redone story elements work, because they are done well. The story is funny because it is funny, if that makes sense.

Beyond that, everything about the film is done well. The main vocal cast of the show is, as always, in top form. The additional voice actors, particularly frequent guest star A. (as in “Albert) Brooks as Cargill, also perform well. As for the animation, this is the best the Simpsons and Springfield have ever looked. The hand drawn characters look sharp, and the computer generated backgrounds are breathtaking- easily as gorgeous as a typical episode of “Futurama.”

Does ““The Simpsons Movie” make up for the recent down years of the show? Probably not. However, as a film version of a classic American institution, this film is well worth the wait.

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