By TRILBY BERESFORD | Reporter
Santa Monica Canyon resident Matt Groening has reached that stage in his career where he needs no introduction. Because even those who have never seen one full episode of his famous cartoon series can usually correctly identify the funny looking yellow-skinned characters as Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge and Maggie Simpson. AKA “The Simpsons.”
The show began in 1989 and is currently the longest-running American sitcom. Far from becoming irrelevant, it was nominated for Outstanding Animated Program at the 2018 Primetime Emmy Awards.
Groening is also responsible for the fast-paced and fantastical delight “Futurama,” which ran from 1999-2013 and received universal-wide acclaim.
While most people would slow down after such a prolific career, Groening, now age 64, is a fast-moving train. His new Netflix show “Disenchantment” premieres on Aug. 17 with 10 episodes.
As one might assume, the show is another adult animation in Groening’s trademark style. But this time, he’s taking his interest in fantasy, comedy and—let’s face it—inappropriateness, to new heights.
“Disenchantment” is set in a medieval kingdom of Dreamland, and follows the adventures of an alcoholic princess and her personal demon.
Comedian and “Broad City” star Abbi Jacobson will voice Princess Bean, with recognizable funnyman Nat Faxon as her elf companion. Comedian Eric Andre will voice the demon.
Many actors from “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” will be featured in guest roles, such as John DiMaggio, Billy West and Maurice LaMarche.
Even with Groening’s track record of unparalleled success, early reviews of “Disenchantment” are luke warm. Some reference its tough competition against “Bojack Horseman” and “Big Mouth,” current animated favorites on Netflix.
However, neither “The Simpsons” nor “Futurama” were obvious successes right off the bat. The worlds and characters that Groening presents are not immediately accessible, though their layering and quirkiness have proven to win over skeptical critics.
A Hollywood Reporter review from Dec. 22, 1989, declared, “This is not exactly a laugh riot by anybody’s standard. But Groening has a talent for understanding stupidity. There’s a redeeming quality that overrides just about everything else.”
Perhaps, amid the discombobulating cosmos of “Disenchantment,” there will be room to relate to the characters in a way that feels natural and human.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
