Review of The Muppets (2011) by Hector C — 07 Jan 2013

With The Muppets last voyage into cinema being Muppets From Space, which was ten years before the release of James Bobinâ(TM)s revival film, The Muppets is about Gary (Jason Segel, who also co-wrote) and his âbrotherâ? Walter (Peter Linz), who go to Los Angeles, originally for Gary and his girlfriend Maryâ(TM)s (Amy Adams) anniversary, to visit the Muppets Studios, Gary and Walter being massive fans.

Right from the start, you know itâ(TM)s going to be goofy and cheesy. Gary and Walter break into song a mere fifty seconds into the film, with their toothbrushes rubbing against their teeth the beat. They then dance merrily and the whole of Smalltown, the town where they live, join in and, in classic musical style, know the lyrics and choreography. But the song is quickly over and, even though it is a very catchy song, you think, âThank the Lord thatâ(TM)s over!â? But then literally half a minute later Garyâ(TM)s girlfriend Mary goes over to the window and breaks into sad song. And I thought, âOh no, for the sake of the film.â?

But the songs are all part of the act. The film is stupid, ridiculous, charming and itâ(TM)s nice to see all The Muppets back together as they do one last show to stop evil oil magnate who plans to destroy Muppet Studios to drill for oil.

But what makes this film a real success is how surprisingly funny it is. Tons of Meta movie references, including travelling by map and making a montage to save time, and references to the old show will be enough to satisfy your laughter gland. On the other hand the film has heart too. Gary has to decide if heâ(TM)s whether he wants to help out Walter and the Muppets or have an anniversary meal with girlfriend Mary in one Academy Award (R) winning song and there is tons of cameos (Neil Patrick Harris, Selena Gomez, Jack Black, Whoopi Goldberg) to feast upon.

Yes itâ(TM)s the ultimate cheeseburger, yes itâ(TM)s ridiculous, but itâ(TM)s a genuinely funny film, with heart and a load of catchy tunes that will have you singing along for hours.