As bad as show has been (for many years) the movie so makes up for it.
Because it was released between seasons 18 and 19, the movie is a breath of fresh air with how well constructed it is.
They got all of the original writers back, including Swartzwelder, so the movie has a slew of solid gags throughout the story (classic witty dialogue and visual gags included) it’s got a great emotional punch between the family (with Marge and Homer being the main focus, which makes sense) and on top of that, they got David Silverman, the show’s best director to helm the movie, and we got some of the smoothest and brightest animation we’ve seen from the artists, capped off with impeccable comedic timing.
The movie is an underrated gem, and I love it.
(And it looks amazing in widescreen)
Writing Genius Appreciation
Homer's Barbershop Quartet - Episode 82 - S5E1
Episode was written by Jeff Martin.
I apologize as it has probably been brought up countless times on this thread, but whether it was Jeff or another writer doing punch up or a writers room collaboration creation - whoever thought to name the barbershop quartet The Be Sharps is truly a comedic genius.
For non music nerds - on a music scale (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) every single note has a sharp and a flat. The only note on the whole scale, which does not exist… is the B# aka the B sharp. So to turn it into the quartet name, doubling as the wittiest of puns (We/You should be sharp and smooth), is a prime example of masters of craft writing elite comedy, which imo will never be matched.
Another example that gets a hard laugh every time - Jen Crittendon’s writing in the country club - when Kent Brockman’s daughter spits out the food in her mouth and yells at the chef… “Fritz you idiot! I didn’t order a bologna sandwich! I ordered an Abalone sandwich! The play on phonetics and the alarming price disparity is cherry on topped with an 8 year old brat with such a refined palate.
Make Legs a manhatten
Here's the recipe straight from the show
Manhatten
1 oz. Italian (sweet) vermouth
1 jigger (1.5 oz.) of bourbon, blend, or rye
Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)
Stir with cracked ice thoroughly until chilled,
Strain into cocktail glass and serve with cherry
I prefer Wild Tukey