Futurama: Bender’s Big Score

It seemed like such a shame when Futurama was cancelled. After four years of being moved around and preempted by every imaginable sporting event, the show was predictably yet tragically cut before its time.

If there was any silver lining, it was that, whether it was intended to be the final episode or not, Futurama had a nearly perfect finale. But that should come as no surprise. Despite FOX’s best efforts to downplay the show, it consistently delivered hilarious and high quality storytelling.

To be honest, I had mixed emotions when I heard that Futurama was going to release a series of straight-to-DVD movies. The original ending was so beautiful. Why run the risk of tarnishing a legacy that had an amazing run all the way to the bittersweet end?

Did we learn nothing from the Star Wars prequels?

I went into this one hoping that I would like it, but certain that I was going to be disappointed.

Clearly I forgot who I was dealing with

It’s everything that a fan of the series could have hoped for.

The jokes are relentless and the music’s brilliant. The story is completely over the top… as were all the better episodes.

Bender’s Big Score captured the spirit of the show and the overall quality of storytelling has not at all decreased from the original series. It felt just like old times. Obviously, the story was much longer than the typical installment, but it was still pretty tight. Unlike the Simpson’s and the Family Guy, Futurama’s transition to feature length felt very natural.

Personally, I appreciate too that they brought back so many of the original characters. It was great to spend time with them again... even though some probably didn't necessarily need to be there. Take Zapp Brannigan, for example. His scene is very brief and probably should not have made it to the final script, but it wouldn’t have been a great Futurama-entry without him. Same can be said for Robot Santa and, my personal favorite, Seymour.

Though, of course, all of these cameos are overshadowed by Al Gore’s inspired return. His are absolutely the best scenes of the movie.

I can not wait until the release of Futurama: Bender’s Game.

Rent or own: Own

Best Bonus Feature: the full length episode of Hypnotoad.