Sunday Night Recap

Feeling a bit of writer's block this evening, which is part of the reason for a shorter list of posts today. Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for pinch hitting, by the way.

The computer woes have continued. After seeing The Simpsons Movie, I braved the über-mega Fry's store, and picked up a heavy-duty data ready coaxial splitter and cable. I installed them, and everything seemed peachy.

But I've had three outages already this evening. Considering the fact that I've replaced everything between the cable and the computer (to the tune of $150), it almost has to be the cable company's problem. So, at some point, I'm going to have to slog through the COX automated helper-lady thing again (sigh).

I swear, if they tell me I just can't have a TV and a computer in the same room, I'm going to scream.

Anyway, tomorrow a new week begins. To quote ABBA, another row of early mornings in an almost never-ending stream. Who knows, maybe my mood will improve? See you tomorrow.

The Simpsons Movie: A Review

Image from Wikipedia.com

Loved it. Looovvved it!

The very first Simpsons short aired on FOX's The Tracey Ullman Show on my 21st birthday. I was watching that night, and I've been a rabid fan ever since. In fact, I believe a shared love of all things Simpson probably was key to keeping my relationship with The Other Half going in the early months. After all, when you can each complete the other's every thought with a Simpsons quote, you're obviously meant to be together right?

So after their inauspicious start on a critically lauded but largely ignored variety show, and 18 seasons of their own show (over 400 episodes so far), The Simpsons Movie is finally here. Was it worth the wait? In my best Comic Book Guy voice: Best. Movie. Ever.

OK, that may be overstating it, but it was one of the best TV to movie adaptations, right up there with South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut. Maybe better, because this one can be enjoyed by a much larger audience. It's also our first chance to see the Simpson family in wide-screen--a very wide screen! Some people may wish their favorite characters were in it a little more (Patty, Selma, Apu), and there wasn't a way to get Lionel Hutz or Troy McClure in there (sniff), RIP Phil Hartman. Most do appear at least briefly, though, and I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Hartman's characters are somewhere in the mob scenes.

In short, they managed to pull it off. The Simpsons Movie is a laugh a minute (several, actually), and probably will require repeated viewings to capture all of the gags. It plays like an especially good (and especially long) episode of the series, but with more grand backgrounds and artistic effects. The movie format also allowed them to go a little further with language, gestures, and yes, brief nudity. Jokes about sexuality, religion, and a doofus President (Arnold Schwarzenegger subbing for W) are also especially pointed, and appreciated.

I saw the film at The Orleans here in Vegas, and I was surprised by the light crowd (for all of the movies)--I'm not sure what that's about. But even so, with only a smattering of people in our theater, the laughter was raucous. It was an unsual feeling to watch The Simpsons with a laugh track!

Stay tuned, I'm going to try to get the Stupid Monkey to write a review as well. I'm sure he'll agree with my review, which is: Highly Recommended

Meanwhile, check this out the boffo box office: HuffingtonPost.com

1/3 of Simpsons Fans Conservative

Photo from source, Politico.com

So, do we have to admit that some conservatives might have a sense of humor? Maybe they're just hypnotized by the little FOX logo in the corner?

[Excerpt]

Conservatives learn to say 'ay carumba!'

Nearly one-third of “The Simpsons’” adult audience describe themselves as conservative, according to the Simmons Research National Consumer Study conducted in fall 2006.

Of respondents who had viewed the show in the last week, about 34 percent said they were “any conservative,” compared to about 42 percent of average American adults who’d describe themselves the same way.

Conservative columnists have lauded Homer has a hero, and GOP strategists discovered that the show does well among young Republican male viewers. The experts say it’s because the longest-running sitcom in history paints every political gag with the same brush.

Read more at: Politico.com

Simpsons Movie!

In a much needed frivolity break, I bring you the trailer for the most anticipated movie of the summer, year, decade, century, nay the new millennium: The Simpsons Movie!