Comic genius, Matt Groening, can gleefully take credit for much of the muscle tone around America's cheek bones after making us laugh out loud at least 400 times since 1989. If you're not yet a Simpsons fan, you have some catching up to do but lucky for you, it's not nearly as complicated as a Harry Potter book, or even a game of Tic-Tac-D'oh. To enjoy the new Simpsons Movie this Friday, all you need is your brain, your funny bone, and those well-toned cheek muscles.
So, by now you've heard that in spite of their lack of a Monorail (Season 4, 1993), Springfield, VT was selected as the real-world adoptive town for last night's premiere of the fictitious Springfield, USA. It's a bit of silliness that at one point, featured my Senator Kennedy, who has been lampooned by this show for years, lobbying for Springfield, MA. But there was something about Springfield, VT's video entry that was irresistible to the most of the 100,000 fans who cast their vote. Good for them but you have to wonder if anyone looked into the plot line before applying...
When Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from the power plant, he loses his job and forces evacuation from Springfield, possibly forever.
But after watching the trailer above, I'm a little concerned. Simpson aficionados will easily recall one minor scaly character, Blinky, the three-eyed-fish who can blink one eye at a time. In fact, the adorable little irradiated mutant remains the ONLY character to survive into the future (rama) appearing in episodes of both of Matt Groening's ingenious creations. (Well, unless you count Bender's brief future cameo on The Simpsons and that Bart doll in Futurama. But I digress.
Now, given the plot line, I thought for sure Blinky would make an appearance in the movie, but he wasn't mentioned in the trailer along with all of the other characters. Where's Blinky?
This doesn't really have anything to do with the Simpsons Movie but the bridge has been built so alas, I will walk across. For those of you in the Boston area, be sure to stop by The Museum of Fine Arts for the Hopper exhibit (click for comparison). You will absolutely not see this picture to the left but when you do encounter the original in this iconic but rather serious collection, do try to contain your laughter. They're still wondering about me at the MFA!
**WARNING: And while you're laughing your head off at the movie, green-leaning T&P readers should be prepared to laugh at yourselves too. Keep in mind that Groening's parodies of sacred cows, usually end up making just the opposite point.
And remember, Al's daughter Kristen used to write for Groening's Futurama show where Al voiced his own character and did a great job of laughing at himself. I trust it'll be okay. And if you are a fan, understand (fascinating spoilers galore) you'll enjoy knowing that Albert Brooks and Green Day make cameo appearances but the Erin Brockovich and Minnie Driver segments were cut. bummer. Maybe outakes'll surface someday.
I have one more little frosted donut for you from Vanity Fair which includes a Q&A from Conan O'Brien (former Simpsons writer) and their unscientific listing of the top 10 episodes ever. See if you agree or you'd like to nominate another like, oh, "Boy Scouts in the Hood", let us know.