The Simpsons (TV Series) A Star Is Burns (1995) User Reviews

Is it an ad? Maybe so, but it's a funny ad...

[gizmomogwai · 9/10 · 1 July 2008]

This is actually a controversial episode; series creator Matt Groening took his name off the credits and complained about it. The concern was that A Star is Burns is an advertisement, since a key character is the star of another cartoon- Jay Sherman from the unsuccessful 1990s series The Critic. Sherman's appearance on the show introduced Simpsons fans to the character. But the character's appearance was straightforward- you didn't need to be familiar with The Critic to appreciate it (I don't remember much of the show). With basic ideas like making movies and Homer feeling jealousy regarding Jay, I think I'd even go so far as to say that this episode is timeless, at least more so than other cultural references on The Simpsons.

I loved this episode as a kid. When I got season 6 on DVD, I rewatched it and hardly laughed. I thought I might have outgrown it- this is an episode that utilizes jokes like Hans Moleman being hit in the groin by a football. But on rewatching it again, I enjoyed it. The basic storyline of this episode is an excellent concept- movies have been a big part of Western life and to see the characters of Springfield making movies is fun. A key part is played by Mr. Burns, always an excellent character, here being compared to an ogre and making a propaganda film. Also funny and slightly sensitive was Barney's award-winning movie. Who ever said advertisements can't be art?

Easily the most underrated episode from The Simpsons

[Rectangular_businessman · 10/10 · 21 June 2013]

I simply love this episode. Personally, I just don't understand why Matt Groening apparently "disowned" this chapter removing his name of the credits, because it was brilliantly written, being one of the best episodes in the entire series.

Like the other reviewer said, it is not necessary to know about the animated series "The Critic" to enjoy "A Star is Burns". And more than a "forced crossover" or one "ad" for "The Critic", I see this like this as one episode for the cinephiles, being an excellent parody of films festivals, but serving also as a great tribute to independent cinema and all those short films which sometimes are able to cause a more lasting impression on viewers than the Hollywood Blockbusters.

I also completely agree with what Jay Sherman said: "there are better things in life than seeing a man get hit in the groin with a football." (But I have to admit that the "Man Getting Hit By Football" part was hilarious)

10/10 (And I would rate it with eleven stars if I could.)

that's the joke

[Cinema2kMendoza · 10/10 · 14 September 2021]

This crossover with the critic is another of my favorite episodes, i have watched so many times this. They joke at every movie genre, and do it funny.is one of the best episodes.

The Critic

[safenoe · 10/10 · 9 May 2022]

This Simpsons cross-over with The Critic is one that I looked forward to very much, due to me being a fan of The Critic and of course The Simpsons. I was not let down! Anyway, Jon Lovitz pretty much steals the episode, and it's s shame there were no more cross-overs. Also it's a shame The Critic was unjustly axed before its time.

How do you sleep at night?

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 7 November 2022]

Springfield hosts a film festival and several residents submit an entry.

This is a very funny episode that uses various characters well.

I think the humour is consistently strong. I couldn't care less about the plugging of 'The Critic' as the character Jay Sherman makes a great contribution to the episode and Jon Lovitz is excellent as always.

Several characters have great moments such as Homer, Mr Burns, Barney, McBain and the Flanders'.

I love the design of Barney's film and all the other movie references. Barney's response to receiving the festival prize is a classic line and Homer's obsession with Football In The Groin is a good recurring joke.

Wonderful Parody

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 4 June 2022]

When Springfield becomes a laughing stock, Marge proposes a film festival. They also invite a film critic from New York. The amateur films are hilarious. Burns, of course, uses his power, but the dominant theme is "man gets hit in groin with football." There is also a subplot with Bart getting caught up in the world of ballet. The lines of the school bullies are pretty good.