I wanted to do this as a a comic strip but being in the middle of an arc and knowing how quickly movies vanish from the theaters I didn’t want to risk it…
Let’s just start with if you like the muppets, you will like this movie. If you want some details (I will attempt to avoid spoilers) continue, but if you want a fun, film that everyone can enjoy (a rare things these days) then “The Muppets” is for you.
I was a muppet fan back when they were on Sesame Street (I am the age where when it was first released I was the target demographic). I watched them on Saturday Night Live, I watched the Muppet Show, Jim Henson’s The Storyteller, and all the movies (even the bad ones). Jim Henson has been one of my heroes, so I started off excited that a new movie was being made, then a little scared that it would be horrible in some wild attempt to cater to today’s kids, it did not.
The story is simple: the Muppets have long since disbanded, their old studio and theatre are in shambles and about to be sold to the villain of the piece who has discovered oil under the land (“maniacal laughter, maniacal laughter”). Who will inspire them to save the studio? Walter, a new muppet from Smalltown, USA who has idolized the muppets forever. So we find out what has happened to each of the main muppets as Walter tries to bring them together. Walter along with his human brother, Gary, and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary, head out on a quest to save the muppets. While all this is going on Gary & Walter discover the importance of being who they are and choosing their own path even if it splits them up (Am I a man, or am I a muppet?). Sadly, one piece that was missing from the first film were the numerous cameos, there are a bunch, just not to the extreme that the original Muppet Movie had.
It is goofy, fun, nostalgic and brought back so many great memories. As I said, I thought about doing this a comic, but it does such a wonderful job of making fun of itself I couldn’t top it. Now some super serious film- sure, but the muppets? No way. If you have a chance see it (I’m not one for spending money on a movie especially when you can usually buy the film on DVD for half the price of going to see it in a theater). This is one of those franchises that just puts a song in heart and a smile on your face.
I give it at least 5 buckets of Doc Hopper’s French Fried Frog Legs (“All I can see is hundreds of frogs on tiny crutches.”) Sue did feel that it dragged a bit in the middle and “tried too hard” in other places, but we won’t listen to her- she’s a grown-up after all.
While talking about the Muppets- Fresh Aire had a great interview over Thanksgiving, and there is The Green Album showing that the Muppets have not been forgotten as those who grew up with them have grown up. Finally Pop Culture Happy Hour (one of my favorite podcasts) did a great episode (all episodes are great) but this one was on what kids should be exposed to while growing up and one of the things on that list was… yes, Tom Lehrer, & the Muppets! It is 46 minutes, but very insightful for anyone having to deal with small children.
Maybe in these dark days it is time for everyone to be more muppet-like- just sayin’