Review of The Great Muppet Caper (1981) by Rachel B — 13 Jul 2009

I've just watched this again out of nostalgia. It has an entertaining story, familiar lovable characters and some great gags. It's a bit corny here and there but it acknowledges this and pokes fun at itself in some of the films funniest moments.

The songs are, for my money at least, the best of all the muppet films. My personal favourites are "Happiness Hotel" a song about the dump they stay in that will bring a smile to anyone who is used to roughing their trips, staying in hostels and cheap nasty hotels and "Stepping out with a star" which is Kermit's admirable attempt at reinventing himself as Fred Astaire.

Equally is good is the song "Miss. Piggy" along with fantastic underwater choreography. Honestly it's a gem. This film is just as entertaining now as it was when I was little and yes there are a few references for the adults that went straight over my head as a kid.

The only problem is the film makes me want to make a puppet and get film-making. I suppose I should at least outline the plot - some of wealthy socialite Lady Holiday's (Diana Rigg) diamonds are stolen on a trip in New York where twin brothers Kermit and Fozzy (supposedly identical) are working as terrible reporters who miss the story.

The pair, along with photographer Gonzo decide to travel to London where Ms. Holiday lives and get an exclusive interview to make amends. Here the trio become aware of a new sinister plot to steal an even more valuable diamond from Lady Holiday.