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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Simpsons Movie (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The film commences with Ralph Wiggum enthusiastically singing along to the iconic 20th Century Fox logo. We then transition to a fictional film within the movie, Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie, which opens in a cosmic setting on the moon. In this tale, Itchy eliminates Scratchy, subsequently returning to Earth where the media hails him as a hero. Not long afterward, Itchy ascends to the presidency. While in the White House, he sees what he believes to be the deceased Scratchy waving a sign stating, “I’m telling,” which sends President Itchy into a panic. In a fit of rage, he retaliates by launching a hundred missiles at Scratchy, a scene witnessed by the reluctant audience at a movie theater, including the Simpsons.

Homer, feeling disengaged, jumps to his feet and exclaims, “Boring!” to which Lisa responds, “Dad, we can’t see the movie!” This ignites Homer’s humorous rant lamenting why they are shelling out money to view something that is typically aired on television, dubbing the audience—a bunch of “gigantic suckers.” This leads into an incredibly stylish rendition of the classic Simpsons opening theme.

After the credits roll, we find Green Day hosting a concert at Lake Springfield, where they perform the Simpsons theme song. Their post-performance dialogue about environmental issues incites fury from the crowd, who retaliate by tossing trash into the lake, subsequently causing their barge to dissolve and sink, resulting in their demise. The following day, during a brief memorial service at church, Grampa is overtaken by divine inspiration, forewarning the residents of an impending catastrophe. Responding to this ominous message, Marge is determined to decipher its true meaning.

Simultaneously, Lisa passionately advocates for environmental preservation, yet struggles to garner support. She eventually encounters Colin, an Irish boy who shares her ecological concerns. Meanwhile, Homer receives a chore list from Marge, one of which involves addressing a growing sinkhole. Instead of tackling it responsibly, he cleverly conceals it under Maggie’s sandbox. When another chore requires him to repair the roof, Homer and Bart engage in a daring contest, with Homer challenging Bart to ascend the antenna. As Bart gets stuck, Homer shakes it to bring him down. A new dare tasks Bart to skate at Krusty Burger while unclothed. Initially balking at the idea, Bart reluctantly agrees after being threatened with being branded a coward.

After a series of misadventures, Bart finds himself temporarily detained while Homer comically shows up with socks and a shirt, completely omitting pants. Ned Flanders, ever the helpful neighbor, comes to Bart’s rescue by offering him a pair of pants, prompting a budding friendship grounded in mutual understanding. Meanwhile, Krusty is filming a commercial which, after completion, turns dark when he orders the pig used in the shoot to be slaughtered. The terrified pig rushes to Homer, who adopts it and affectionately names it Spider-Pig.

That evening, Lisa organizes a conference titled “An Irritating Truth,” focusing on the alarming pollution levels threatening the town’s lake. In response, Mayor Quimby declares a state of emergency to initiate protective measures. As part of these efforts, a barrier is put in place around the lake to prevent further contamination, humorously proven foolproof when Cletus attempts to dispose of a possum.

As fate would have it, Marge soon questions Homer about the waste produced by Spider-Pig, after discovering a silo overflowing with refuse. In a response filled with well-meaning but misguided logic, Homer admits to aiding in the overflow, shocking Marge and motivating her to insist on proper waste disposal. While waiting at the landfill, Homer learns about free donuts being given away after Lard Lad Donuts shut down. In his eagerness, he takes a shortcut by dumping the silo’s contents into the lake, resulting in severe pollution and grotesque mutations among the local wildlife.

In a critical meeting at the White House, Russ Cargill, head of the EPA, shows President Arnold Schwarzenegger a mutated squirrel as evidence of Springfield’s dire situation and presents five drastic action plans to tackle it. Opting for a random choice, the President unwittingly enables the construction of a giant dome over Springfield to contain the city’s pollution.

As the story unfolds, Maggie accidentally falls through a neighboring sinkhole, ending up outside the dome, before returning home. When the police expose Homer’s role in polluting the lake, an angry mob descends upon the Simpson residence, ultimately leading to its fiery demise. Forced to flee through the expanding sinkhole, the family finds refuge in a crumbling motel, where Homer reveals a secret escape plan: relocating the family to Alaska, a proposition that Marge reluctantly accepts.

The following day, the family visits a carnival where Homer participates in an exhilarating challenge called the “Ball of Death” and, in winning a truck, catalyzes their move. While attempting to adapt to life in Alaska, Springfield’s residents plot to demolish the dome. Russ Cargill proposes new solutions to the President, who again randomly selects a plan that spells disaster for Springfield.

Amidst all the chaos, Homer discovers a heartfelt message from Marge urging him to save Springfield at all costs, leading to a frantic chase across icy terrain after Marge and the kids are captured by the EPA. Guided by a celestial vision of the Boob Lady, Homer embarks on a desperate mission to reunite with his family.

Adventurous mishaps culminate as Homer faces off with Cargill in a climactic moment, leading to a series of events where Bart heroically assists his father in saving Springfield. They ultimately disable the bomb threatening the town, resulting in the dome’s destruction and the community’s revival.

In the end, Springfield begins to reestablish itself, and the Simpson family moves forward, echoing the often-chaotic, comedic tone fans love. The film concludes delightfully with references to potential sequels and quirky post-credit scenes that leave audiences eagerly anticipating more adventures.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Simpsons Movie (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Opening Scene

The film begins with Ralph Wiggum joyfully singing along to the legendary 20th Century Fox logo. This lively moment sets a whimsical tone for the events to follow, establishing Ralph's innocent enthusiasm.

Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie

Transitioning into the fictional film, *Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie*, the opening reveals a cosmic battle on the moon. Here, Itchy triumphs over Scratchy, only to return to Earth as a celebrated hero, marking a turn in his character as he ascends into the political realm.

Moon

Itchy Becomes President

As Itchy rises to the presidency, he experiences a moment of paranoia when he believes he spots the purportedly deceased Scratchy. This triggers a violent impulsive response where Itchy launches a hundred missiles at Scratchy, creating chaos at a movie theater.

White House

The Simpsons' Movie Experience

During the unfolding movie, Homer loudly expresses his dissatisfaction with the film, exclaiming, 'Boring!' Lisa tries to quiet him, highlighting their family's quirks and comedic dynamics. This moment transitions into a visually stylish rendition of the classic *Simpsons* theme.

Movie theater

Green Day Concert

Following the movie, Green Day performs at Lake Springfield, delivering the *Simpsons* theme song. However, their subsequent comments on environmental issues provoke the audience's anger, leading to chaos as trash is thrown into the lake, causing their barge to sink.

Lake Springfield

Grampa's Prophecy

At a memorial service after the concert incident, Grampa receives a divine revelation about an impending disaster. His ominous warning stirs concern among the residents, prompting Marge to delve deeper into its meaning, setting the stage for the ensuing events.

Church

Lisa's Environmental Advocacy

Lisa passionately campaigns for the environment, faced with significant challenges in rallying support from the community. Eventually, she meets Colin, a sympathetic ally who shares her ecological concerns, strengthening her cause.

Homer's Comedic Mishaps

As Homer receives a list of chores from Marge, including addressing a growing sinkhole, he opts to cover it up rather than deal with it. His humorous approach leads to a series of chaotic events where he and Bart challenge each other to extreme dares.

Spider-Pig's Adoption

In a comedic twist, Homer adopts a pig used in a Krusty commercial after it is spared from slaughter. Naming it Spider-Pig, he inadvertently ignites new responsibilities that contribute to the chaos stirred by pollution in Springfield.

State of Emergency

Lisa organizes a conference addressing pollution levels at the town's lake, prompting Mayor Quimby to call a state of emergency. To demonstrate commitment, the mayor sets up barriers to prevent further contamination, a humorous misstep exemplified by Cletus trying to dispose of a possum.

Springfield

Homer's Disaster at the Landfill

Homer learns about free donuts at the landfill, leading him to dump toxic waste directly into the lake for a shortcut. The disastrous act causes severe pollution and grotesque mutations in local wildlife, escalating the environmental crisis.

Landfill

Dome Construction Decision

At the White House, Russ Cargill presents President Schwarzenegger with alarming evidence of Springfield's pollution. Randomly choosing a drastic course of action, the president greenlights the construction of a giant dome over the city to contain the crisis.

White House

The Simpson Family's New Life

Following the pollution revelation, the Simpson family escapes through a sinkhole to a motel. Homer hazards an escape plan to Alaska, balancing the family’s survival with the weight of environmental devastation at home.

Motel

Homer's Heartfelt Mission

Amidst the growing chaos, Homer discovers a touching message from Marge urging him to save Springfield. Fueled by her words, he embarks on an urgent mission across icy terrains to rescue his family from the clutches of the EPA.

Climactic Rescue and Resolution

In a thrilling climax, Homer faces off against Russ Cargill, relying on Bart’s bravery to disable a bomb threatening Springfield. Their actions culminate in the dome's destruction, allowing hope and community revival to return to Springfield.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Simpsons Movie (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Homer Simpson

Homer is portrayed as loveable yet bumbling, often oblivious to the consequences of his actions. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately showing a depth of care for his family's safety and the community's well-being.

🧔 Father Figure 😂 Comedic Relief

Lisa Simpson

Lisa is a passionate environmentalist who often feels isolated in her convictions. She demonstrates intelligence and determination as she rallies for change, forming key alliances in her quest to save Springfield's lake.

👧 Eco-Warrior 🎓 Intellectual

Bart Simpson

Bart is the mischievous son who often gets into trouble, yet he displays bravery and loyalty to his family. His daring antics often bring comic relief while also showcasing his growth throughout the film.

👦 Troublemaker 🚀 Adventurer

Marge Simpson

Marge is the nurturing mother and glue that holds the family together. She balances her domestic duties with a strong sense of responsibility, often driving the family's moral compass, especially when it comes to environmental matters.

👩‍👧‍👦 Nurturer 🌼 Peacemaker

Russ Cargill

Cargill is portrayed as the authoritative figure, representing government intervention. His decisions, often made in haste, lead to the extreme actions taken against Springfield, highlighting themes of bureaucracy and its effects on communities.

👔 Antagonist 📊 Bureaucrat

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Simpsons Movie (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie does not specify a particular time period, instead presenting a contemporary setting where themes of environmentalism and family dynamics take center stage. It reflects current societal concerns, including pollution and community responsibility, as experienced by the animated characters.

Location

Springfield, Moon, Lake Springfield, Alaska

The film primarily takes place in the fictional town of Springfield, a classic setting known for its quirky residents and satirical depiction of American life. It also features the cosmic beauty of the moon during the fictional film within the movie and includes key locations like Lake Springfield, which faces environmental threats, and Alaska, representing a whimsical escape for the Simpson family.

🌍 Locations 🎡 Entertainment

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Simpsons Movie (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🌿

Environmental Awareness

This theme is woven throughout the film, as Lisa Simpson passionately advocates for ecological preservation amid a growing crisis in Springfield. The narrative highlights the impact of pollution and community responsibility, showcasing the dire consequences of neglecting environmental issues.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family Bonds

The familial relationships within the Simpson household are put to the test as they face challenges together. Homer's journey to reconcile his actions and protect his family demonstrates the enduring love and commitment that ultimately triumphs over chaos.

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