Review of Muppets Most Wanted (2014) by Sol C — 12 Apr 2014

This film could have been so much better than what it is. It needed a major rewrite. The last Muppets film, was an homage to the Muppets legacy. This one felt like they tried to copy 2 previous Muppet Movies, "The Great Muppet Caper" and "Muppets Take Manhattan." Doing a caper film is in tradition of Great Muppet Caper. Having Kermit and Piggy headed to the alter to get married is like Muppets Take Manhattan. They should have tried to do something new, rather than recycle existing material. They needed a better story.

The songs aren't really good here. The film opens really good and after that it goes downhill. The opening number "We're Doing A Sequel" was the best song in the film. I did like that it ended on "Together Again" which goes back to Muppets Take Manhattan. I did like that they did something creative at the end credits of the film.

The focus of the film should have been on Sam the Eagle and Ty Burrell's character. They had a great on screen chemistry but given very little screen time. Burrell reminded me of Inspector Cleuseu. I could see him playing the role in the next Pink Panther film. Ricky Gervais surprisingly disappointed here. Tina Fey was ok, but felt like her character needed more. There is a lot of celeb cameos in the film. I felt the majority of cameo were not necessary. Only a few worked well. Less is more.

I also wish Jason Seagall would have returned. The last film had heart. So did a majority of the Muppet films. This one lacked heart and was just one comedy bit after another and one song after another. Also I felt that Walter was out of place here with the Muppets. He worked well in the last Muppet film cause he worked off of Seagall.

Despite some flaws, the film is entertaining. The last movie was my favorite in the franchise. I hope for the next Muppet film, they do something new, rather than copying what they have already done.