Simpsons 5/4- "Any Given Sundance"

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!”

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

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…

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

I assume he’s had a lot of practice.

“Death to Maggie!”

::whispers:: “Chalmskinn”

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.

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.

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.

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!