Simpsons 5/4- "Any Given Sundance"

Cafe Society
1

KABF11 Written by Daniel Chun

Amusing episode. Reminded me a bit of “A Star Is Burns,” (only this time with Matt Groening’s seal of approval), in that the flashy, big-name film is overtaken by the depressing, emotional film, but I guess that is how the movie business really is. I enjoyed Homer’s interpretation of what a film festival is.

Rather ironic that a reference to Universal Studios (Orlando and Hollywood!) appears in the episode, given that the Simpsons ride just soft-opened in Orlando- and that it comes from a character played by Harry Shearer, who refused to participate in the ride.

Seeing Lisa’s documentary, I was thinking about how interesting it would be to watch a documentary about the Simpson family- then I realized we have for 19 years.

“I’m making a movie about an interesting family.”
“Burns and Smithers?”
“No! Our family!”
“Can I be Smithers?”
“No, you’re playing the role of Homer Simpson.”
“Oh, is it because I’m fat?”

“I didn’t want to be famous for being mean- I wanted to be famous for capturing Santa Claus!”

2

"I like to cry at the ocean, beacause that’s the only place my tears seem small.

3

The plot was a little familiar: in addition to A Star is Burns, the show has revisited the documentary thing a couple of times in recent years, including Springfield Up. But I liked Springfield Up and I liked this one. I think my favorite joke was Homer’s John Facenda, NFL-films style narration in the parking lot. I also enjoyed Jim Jarmusch’s odd cameo and the dialogue between Skinner and Lisa.

During the parking lot scene it occurred to me- it’s actually pretty clever that Wiggum, the police chief, is such a softie with his kid. Of course, he’s a terrible cop, so…

4

I’m actually surprised that Wiggum knows the difference between what food is and what isn’t.

5

I assume he’s had a lot of practice.

6

“Death to Maggie!”

7

::whispers:: “Chalmskinn”

8

The more they show of Nelson’s home life, the more I just want him to get out and get ahead. Sad, but there you go.

Were I the choking up type, I totally would have when he was trying to prop a book up in his passed-out-drunk mother’s hands.

9

Pretty good episode, until Nelson’s film. Holy freakin’ cow! They even did The Shot from the end of “The 400 Blows”. Wow!

And they did it just for me. I mean, really, how many USAns would actually recognize an homage to an old Truffaut film? 3? 4? And how many of those watch “The Simpsons”? Absolutely fantastic.

10

Nelson’s maudlin, self-examining film was a blatant rip-off of Barney’s maudlin, self-examining movie.

Of course I’ve no objection, since both are hilarious.

11

I knew what it was without having seen The 400 Blows thanks to an episode of Siskel & Ebert I saw as a kid.

But “Football in the Groin” had a football in the groin!