The Simpsons Movie
In theaters: 2007
Runtime: 87 minutes
Seemed like: 120 minutes
aaaaaaa out of 10 checkmarks

I am a Simpsons fan from the start. I watched them on the Tracy Ullman Show. I remember the first Christmas special before the premier of their primetime show. I purchased cels from their first season. The Simpsons were fresh. Bart was irreverent. The comedy was complex and simple at the same time...the only way I like comedy.

This movie was a tame reflection of what the Simpsons used to be. The movie should have been called Homer's Odyssey, based on its obsession with the father figure. Where was the ironic banter of all of the sidekicks? The beauty of the Simpsons is the depth provided by the Patty and Selma's, or the Apu's, or the Barney's. Their ability to make Homer seem even more simple is what makes the show tick.

I will give kudos for the roles of Chief Wiggum and the comic book guy("worst episode ever"), but what happened to Monty Burns, the billionaire we love to hate. He just had a cameo. Lisa was strong at the outset, but essentially pushed aside by the end. Marge was classic Marge. But Bart was NOT Bart. When would Bart EVER want Flanders for his father??? Bart was barely mischievous.

Maybe I'm too close. The animation was the best I've ever seen on the Simpsons, but that's not saying much. Part of the Simpsons charm has been the lousy animation. Great music...kudos to Hans Zimmer.

I'm glad I saw it, just for history's sake. If you're not a Simpsons fan, and are over 25 don't waste your money.

PS If you go...wait through the credits!

Bourne Ultimatum
Released in theater 2007
Runtime: 111 minutes
Seemed like: 95 minutes
aaaaaaaaa out of 10 checkmarks


Wow! A movie in the theater! The big screen, the big speakers, the way the Bourne movies were meant to be seen. Lots of great chase scenes, great action scenes and fantastic music make this a great show to spend money on. Fortunately, we didn't have to spend any money to see this sneak preview (thanks Marcey!) we just had to put up with some local radio personality for 10 minutes.

This is a fun summer movie. If you haven't sen any Bourne movies, this guy is an uber-spy that the CIA is trying to rub out. That's all you need to know. The rest is just rooting for the underdog against the big bad government. Matt Damon gives as much expression as he can to this nearly robotic character. Most of the acting is understated, shall we say. Since there's no humor or intimacy throughout the movie, it's really just a matter of being very tense.

So, if it's not up to the actors, the success of this movies lies with the director and writers. What a fast-paced movie! Paul Greengrass must have stock in Red Bull. This movie never stops. But the writing is the glue that rises above the action and transcends the series of chases and fights into a fun, semi-intelligent, suspenseful thriller.

But I can't give it a perfect score. I wonder if the DP ever heard of a tripod? It's a great device that holds the camera steady. I understand the use of handheld cameras to enhance action and suspense, but give my eyes a break when the action slows down. Finally, Greengrass pushed my suspension of disbelief too far a couple of times. It's great to see Bourne escape from terrible predicaments with only his wits and resourcefulness, but he crawled out of one too many car accidents for my taste. The guy's supposed to be human after all.

Watch this movie. It's fun.