Watch The Good, the Bart, and the Loki

The Good, the Bart, and the Loki is a short animated crossover that brings together the witty and irreverent world of The Simpsons with the mythic grandeur of the Marvel Universe, especially centering around one of its most charismatic villains, Loki. Released as a Disney+ exclusive on July 7, 2021, this unique mashup was created in celebration of the Marvel character's popularity, coinciding with the release of the "Loki" TV series on the same platform.

The short is directed by David Silverman, a veteran animator and director with deep roots in the creation and development of The Simpsons' distinct visual and comedic style. With a screenplay crafted by the renowned Simpsons writers, the narrative is unmistakably infused with the show's hallmark humor and satire, tailored to create a playful and entertaining experience that appeals to fans of both franchises. What results is a seamless blend of Springfield's suburban charm with the thrills of superhero lore.

Featuring the voice talents of Dan Castellaneta, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith, the familiar vocals backing some of television's most iconic characters once again return to provide the quips and quirky lines that have endeared them to an audience spanning several generations. Castellaneta brings the always bumbling yet lovable Homer Simpson to life while Cartwright voices the mischievous and sometimes trouble-seeking Bart Simpson. Smith lends her voice to the smart and ever-patient Lisa Simpson. Additionally, Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Loki, adding a sense of authenticity and connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The main plot of The Good, the Bart, and the Loki hilariously kicks off with the God of Mischief, Loki, finding himself banished from Asgard once again. Struggling with the prospect of fighting his brother, Thor, and tiring of the endless cycle of betrayal and redemption, Loki searches for a place where he can plot his next big scheme. He unexpectedly lands in Springfield, the archetypal American town, and home to the Simpson family. It's not long before Loki encounters the town's youngest troublemaker, Bart Simpson, and the two form an unlikely and humorous alliance.

Springfield and its colorful inhabitants become a playground for Loki's trickster talents. He quickly identifies with the Simpson family, whose dysfunctional dynamic and accepting nature make them the perfect hosts for a god of chaos. While the citizens of Springfield are no strangers to peculiar events, the arrival of an Asgardian god takes things to an eccentric new level. Viewers are treated to sly winks and playful nods to both The Simpsons' extensive history and Marvel's rich tapestry of lore. Easter eggs abound in the short, delighting eagle-eyed fans.

Throughout the short film, viewers can expect the irrepressible Bart Simpson to engage in his usual antics, now with the added twist of having a mischievous deity to spur him on. Meanwhile, the rest of the Simpson family, along with the broader Springfield community, becomes entangled in the silliness that ensues. From Moe's Tavern to the Kwik-E-Mart, no familiar locale is left untouched by Loki's influence.

In the midst of the hijinks, a narrative thread involving themes of identity, self-acceptance, and heroism are subtly woven into the story. While the primary goal of The Good, the Bart, and the Loki is to amuse and entertain, it lightly touches on these more serious subjects in a way that's palatable for a broad audience, allowing for a bit of depth amidst the playfulness.

The visual style is a hybrid, showcasing The Simpsons’ iconic animation aesthetic while also incorporating elements emblematic of Marvel's cinematic presentation. The energy and vibrancy that one expects from comic book worlds are balanced with the grounded, everyday environment of Springfield. This stylistic fusion creates amusing contrasts and a unique visual atmosphere that supports the narrative crossover.

Fans of the music from both The Simpsons and Marvel films will also find the score of this short intriguing, as it blends the humorous and distinctive tunes associated with the Simpson family with the more epic and heroic themes typically heard in Marvel productions. This treatment helps to establish both a comedic and adventurous tone throughout the short.

The Good, the Bart, and the Loki serves as a fun and lighthearted homage to both The Simpsons and the Marvel Universe, offering a concise yet joyous romp through a world where superpowered antics collide with everyday life in satirical bliss. It's a short that fits neatly within the zeitgeist of contemporary pop culture crossovers, providing fans with a delightful, if momentary, escape into a world that marvelously defies the ordinary.

The Good, the Bart, and the Loki is a 2021 animated movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.