The Simpsons' iconic Bob rake gag was copied by a beloved live-action kids' movie from 2018. The adaptation ofPeter Rabbitoffers more than just fluffy bunnies and charming animation. It is peppered with Easter eggs and pop culture references that appeal to a wider audience.
One particularly delightful nod, sure to elicit a chuckle from long-timeThe Simpsonsfans, is a live-action recreation of the iconicSideshow Bobrake gag. This hilarious tribute to theclassic “Cape Feare” episode perfectly captures the spirit of the original bit. It demonstrates that even a children’s movie can deliver a dose of sophisticated, adult-oriented humor, something that the Fox series has been delivering up untilThe Simpsonsseason 36.
Peter Rabbit’s 2018 Movie Has A Live-Action Version Of The Simpsons' Sideshow Bob Rake Gag
The Original Gag On The Simpsons Was An Instant Classic
Long-timeThe Simpsonsviewers will see a very familiar gag inPeter Rabbit(2018): the classic garden rake. InThe Simpsons,the criminal mastermind is surprisingly vulnerable to this innocuous gardening tool. In the season 5 episode “Cape Feare”, when Bob is out for Bart’s blood yet again, 12 garden rakes catch him by surprise at Terror Lake. This scene became so iconic that the“Rake Take”even has its own page onTVTropes.Sideshow Bob goes on to call the humble rake his“arch enemy”in one of thebestThe SimpsonsSideshow Bob quotes.
The behind-the-scenes detail of the “Cape Feare” episode makes the rake scene even funnier…
The behind-the-scenes detail of the “Cape Feare” episode makes the rake scene even funnier and worthy of a reference inPeter Rabbit.According toCracked,the editors ran into a runtime problem. After despairing that it was still“20 friggin’ seconds short”, theydecided to fill runtime by simply having Sideshow Bob step on a rake multiple times. The exact number of rakes was reportedly chosen because, at a certain point, it stops being funny, but then gets funny again. The result is a bit of comedy genius and aThe Simpsonsgag that took 31 years to be retired.
Peter Rabbit’s Easter Eggs & References Make It A Worthwhile Watch For Older Viewers Too
Its Healthy Mix Of Generational References Make This Movie Fun For All Ages
Because “Cape Fear” aired in 1993, and the gag became synonymous with Sideshow Bob, it was agreat choice to reference it inPeter Rabbitto appeal to both younger and older audiences. Mr. McGregor actor Domnhall Gleeson said in an interview withMovies.iethat the garden rakes were part of a slapstick,Home Alonestyle approach to comedy. It works really well for his character, whose curmudgeonly nature is also reminiscent ofThe Simpsons’Sideshow Bob.
Peter Rabbithas several references that make it enjoyable for all ages. For example, it does not miss the obvious opportunity to referenceWatership Downfrom 1978, reaching a generation of parents who would have grown up with the animated movie. It also referencesThomas & Friendswhich has been popular with viewers since the ‘80s, and the live-action classic 1995 movieBabe.This is well-balanced with more recent references likeTransformers: Robots in Disguise,a TV series that was current at the timePeter Rabbitwas released. That said, itsThe Simpsonstribute is arguably the easiest to recognize.
