This month, the cast and crew of The Simpsons confirmed rumours of a movie deal after years of speculation that such a film was already in the works. Nancy Cartwright, voice of Bart Simpson, was quoted as saying, “We’ve just done the table read for The Simpsons movie…we’re actually doing it and are in production.”

So there it is.

After what seemed like eons to diehard fans, the inevitable has happened, and The Simpsons will take Hollywood. In other words, the show’s producers have given the final push to a show that has been teetering on the edge of mediocrity for over five seasons.

Don’t get me wrong, I am one of the biggest Simpson fans on the face of this planet. In fact, it is a result of my devout love for the show that I have formed such a passionate opinion about this movie. And about my disdain for recent episodes? Apparently I’m not the only one.

Harry Shearer, voice of such characters as Mr. Burns and Dr. Hibbert, told interviewers the show is no longer funny and that he is thankful he has other work in his life besides the long-running cartoon.

Despite anyone’s opinions on the show’s current quality, the fact of the matter is The Simpsons ceased to exist as a mere “television show” several years ago. After hundreds of books and articles, several certified university courses and a legion of fans all analyzing the show?s social significance, The Simpsons is less a cartoon and more a cultural phenomenon. It became so successful at parodying pop culture that it subsequently created an entire cast of celebrities. It is witty, it is insightful, and despite what my mother says, it is important.

Because of this cultural significance ? memorable quotes and entire episodes parodying social battles over gay marriage, gun control, legalized gambling and medicinal marijuana ? we can’t afford to lose The Simpsons to the silver screen curse. Although I haven’t truly enjoyed an episode with the same laugh-out-loud enthusiasm since seasons five and six (when Homer Simpson was paired with television’s second funniest man, then-producer Conan O’Brien), this show has no place in the same league as other series-to-movie flops such as The Flintstones, The Mod Squad, Scoobie Doo, Inspector Gadget, and, as I’m anticipating, The Honeymooners.

Many believe the movie will mark the end of the series, and though the show isn’t now what it once was, I can’t think of a less fitting send off. The show I fell in love with ? the show that had me crying with laughter over lines such as, “We’ll live like kings! Damn hell ass kings!” - does not belong in a movie theatre. It should be enjoyed on the small screen, where it was born and perfected, and it should be allowed to drag on until producers finally acknowledge that they’re brainchild isn’t so funny anymore.

For those of you who still aren’t convinced that this movie is a horrible idea, did I mention that, according to producer Mike Reiss, there’s a decent chance this will be a non-animated, live action picture?

I think it’s a little more than obvious that this movie is a disrespectful way of making a final buck off the Simpson name, and more importantly, it’s too typical of a Hollywood the show was always so quick to satirize. I think Comic Book Guy said it best.

“Worst idea ever.”


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