The Muppets

The Muppets

2011

Family (Comedy, Musical)

Rated: PG

Running Time: 103 minutes

Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper

Directed By: James Bobin

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review

Three fans help the Muppet gang get back together and try to save their old theatre from being torn down.

Outline

Like a long lost friend the Muppets come back to us after too long of a hiatus. Twelve years have passed since the last Muppet major motion picture and finally the public is reacquainted with the lovable furry puppets. The main storyline of this movie is basically a reflection of everyday reality. The Muppets have become obsolete and their old stomping ground is about to be sold if they cannot raise the money to save it. The problem is the old Muppet gang is split up and pursuing other lines of work all over the globe.

 After a couple of minutes of watching this film you will quickly realize they never should have left in the first place. We have a big thank you to make to writers Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller for their persistence and efforts in getting this film made. Along with anyone else who gave this project the green light after all this time. If you have never seen a Muppet movie before they combine human actors and puppets to create a wide world of entertainment. Led by a Muppet wannabe named Walter and human on screen couple Gary and Mary, they try and get the old crew back together for one more show. This is where the movie gets amazing and nostalgic all at the same time. Led by Kermit, the Muppets are reunited one at a time and it is a journey that will bring laughter and smiles in abundance. It plays out as a musical with original songs and popular chart toppers mixed in. This film even sees a rap interlude by the evil business man Tex Richman. This movie is proof you do not to be crude to be funny. With its multitude of 80’s references, bad pun jokes, and classic Muppet shenanigans, this film will appeal to adults and children alike.

Because of the popularity of the Muppets this film is littered with stars. I will only mention the main three characters as to not ruin any surprises for people who haven’t seen this film yet. The lead Gary is played by Jason Segel and he is just spot on in this film. He is charismatic and happily animated for most of the film. His song voice is well suited for the movie and he is very easy to watch. Amy Adams plays his love interest Mary and she also is a very easy person to watch. She kind of looks like a Disney princess and her innocence is a perfect complement to Segel. They are cute together and work well in their musical numbers both solo and duet. The last character is Tex Richman played by Chris Cooper. He plays an evil oil tycoon to a tee. He has teaed up with two bad Muppets to demolish the old Muppet theatre and he is just a solid character without being too menacing. The host of cameos is worth the watch in on itself. If you like star gazing then this film will not disappoint.

So as the film carries on you will be reintroduced to all the old gang. Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and all your other favorites gather together for one last show. I am not ashamed to say a tear appeared in my eye when they sang the Muppets theme song in this. The film is just an entertaining time as they put on one last show. There may be better movies in 2011 but this was easily my favorite. Somewhere Jim Henson is looking down and would be very proud of this film.

Director James Bobin brings his quirky music routine made famous by the hilarious show The Flight of the Conchords. Because of his work with music in the past it makes this film so special in terms of the song work. It even took home best song at the Oscars that is how great the music was. The pacing is perfect between story and musical interludes. The casting is perfect and the cameos are spread out well as not to be distracting. A combination of adult humor to kid whoopee cushion jokes makes this film super appealing to all. This was just a perfectly put together film you won’t want to miss.

I give this movie a huge recommendation as it is such a great time.

T Factor + If you like the Muppet Show then this could score higher on the rating scale.

T Factor – If you are unfamiliar with the Muppet characters than this could score lower on the rating scale.

If you liked this film reel recommendations: Shrek movies, Toy Story movies