Review of The Muppet Movie (1979) by Jamie P — 28 Feb 2012

It's hard to believe it has been 33 years since this movie was released. The Muppets have been a part of my life since I was born, and when they began making movies I was delighted. Amazingly, while most TV shows that attempt to transition to the big screen are total garbage, the Muppets bucked the trend and made something special. So, you may ask, "what made the Muppet Movie succeed where others have failed?" I'll try to explain, in the hopes that other producers can learn from what Henson and company got right.

First and foremost, they kept the things that worked in the TV show. The comedy is sprinkled throughout the film, and has that same classic one-liner style of humor that the show mastered. Plus they fill the movie with guest stars. Seeing people like Bob Hope, Steve Martin, and Mel Brooks interacting with the Muppets is superb. Every scene it seems like another familiar face pops up, adds a laugh, and then walks away again content with the cameo. It always amazed me the caliber of stars that wanted to appear with the Muppets, but they add so much class to the movie.

The next thing Jim Henson got right was pushing the boundaries. He had more budget with the film, so he pushed the limits of what could be done with a puppet. Some of the techniques used here altered and improved the way the Muppets would be used in all future films. From a Muppet dancing, to a Muppet riding a bike, they added a ton to the art. You can see this echoed in all the other movies. The final thing I have to acknowledge is the amazing choice to break the fourth wall. The humor that is created by having the characters fully aware they are in a movie is amazing. I really can't complain about anything with this film. It is Muppet genius and I enjoy every moment of it.