Past its Prime or Simply Outdated?

It may be one of the longest-running shows in television history, but the fan ratings for "The Simpsons" certainly have not been consistent over that period of time. Although many consider it a classic, for the past several years I have been hearing complaints from many people that the newer episodes have lost their charm.

In some cases, these claims have support (I don't like some of the recent episodes myself), but for a while I have been plagued by a question; what exactly is meant by "new" episodes? Is there a specific point or season where the episodes started to go downhill? Is this point easily noticeable? Does everyone agree on it? Before judging the quality of current episodes, I think that all critics should ponder and be able to answer these queries.

For my part, I think the answer is relatively simple. When it premiered in the early 1990's, "The Simpsons"was a television revolution. Nothing like it had been seen before. In the intervening years, however, the ideas, characters and themes have been copied and parodied so many times that the style has become firmly ingrained in everyday imagination. The original premise no longer impresses viewers. Perhaps some past generations who grew up with the original episodes have matured and simply feel dissappointed?

In any case, I am confident that "The Simpsons" will remain an entertainment icon for years to come. So Mr. Groening, keep up the good work!

Movie Review: Jodhaa Akbar

I first came across this movie as part of a recommendation list on my Netflix account. It captured my attention but I was never overly inclined to see it. Now, however, after immersing myself in Alex Rutherford's spellbinding historical fiction series Empire of the Moghul, I finally decided to try this movie, and I was completely blown away.

The film showcases the early reign of Akbar the Great, the third emperor of the 16th century Moghul Dynasty of India. Descended from a Muslim tribal clan in Central Asia, Akbar was famous for promoting religious tolerance within the boundaries of his empire, and this shines through in the film. This inclusionist policy earns him friends and enemies, both in neighboring provinces and within his oun court and family.

The other leading face in the film is Jodhaa, princess of the Indian region of Rajasthan, played by Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai. Although promised to Akbar in marriage to gain an alliance, the vivacious and headstrong Hindu proves more than a match for the Muslim emperor, and in time their marriage blossoms into a true romance.

Although some features do deviate from the historical record (based on my own knowledge and reviews posted by other Netflix viewers), a powerful love story set against a background of political intrigue and family drama, coupled with some classic Bollywood song-and-dance routines, combine to create perhaps to most moving and dramatic foreign film I have ever seen.