Surprise Surprise

Yes, this summer was bloated with sequels, some good, some not _ the "Harry,'' "Shrek,'' "Pirates,'' "Die Hard,'' "Ocean's,'' "Bourne'' and "Spider-Man'' franchises all took another waltz around the block.

But the best American movie of the summer was none of the above, by a long shot.

Eighteen years in the making, as it were, "The Simpsons Movie'' has it all _ laughs, wit, political chops and family values, abeit rather skewed values.

A confession: Somehow I've missed the TV version of "The Simpsons,'' so you can't say that I liked the movie simply because it was reinforcement of all those 18 years' worth of viewing. Nicest of all: the theater was filled with kids and adults.


As a newcomer, I could see why the show and now the movie are beloved: Smarts plus humor and no fear of taking on the usual suspects _ especially corporate America. Has there been such a wickedly accurate take on corporatism running amok than Albert Brooks' nutty dome executive?

And you get Tom Hanks thrown in for nothing. Priceless: "I'm Tom Hanks and if you see me in person, please don't bother me.''

Yay.