Review of The Muppets (2011) by James C — 20 Mar 2014

"The Muppets" Return is Deeply Felt, Anarchic Fun!

"You guys aren't famous anymore!" remarks the television executive in Disney's new holiday tent pole "The Muppets" now in theaters. Muppet veterans have slowly slogged around with that harsh reality since 1999's dismal "Muppets From Space". The mistakes with that picture began when Sony abandoned the story by "Muppet Show" scribe Jerry Juhl in favor of something watered-down and kid-friendly. They also axed the Muppets trademarked original music numbers, they fired "Grease" director Randal Kleiser and hired novice Tim Hill. He's the guy responsible for such films as "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties", "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and single-handedly ruining my childhood memories. Many fans believed Disney was about to do that very thing this Thanksgiving, but those fears have been obliterated by Jason Segel, Nick Stoller and "Flight of the Concords" director James Bobin. They carefully crafted this thoughtful reboot that reintroduces the characters while maintaining the interest of lifelong fans.

Jason Segel, Amy Adams and new character Walter join Kermit, Miss Piggy, the Muppet cast and a slew of celebrities to save the Muppet Studio from an evil oil tycoon played by Chris Cooper. Yes, this story has been done quite a few times before and it's evident from the trailers, movie stills and reshoots that they dramatically reshaped this film in the editing room. Kathy Griffin, Ricky Gervais, Billy Crystal and Wanda Sykes didn't make the cut and the finale seems tacked on, but who cares? We get to see the Muppets put on a show that includes complete musical numbers, sketches and the opening theme song to "The Muppet Show!" The music is back too. This time it's written by Brett McKenzie, also from "Flight of the Concords" fame. The assemblage of talent proves to be a cozy fit for "The Muppets." Let's hope we get all the extra goodies when the movie hits home video next spring.

I won't bore you with any more plot points or give away any spoilers. I'll just say that the Muppets are the stars of this picture and the music, the humor and heart is back in full-force. Any uneven moments are easily overlooked by the genuine sweetness and good intentions of all involved. Kermit and Miss Piggy's relationship is finally explained with a maturity that's never been seen in any other Muppet production. The new character Walter will instantly tug at your heartstrings and you'll be astounded by the return of classic 70's character Uncle Deadly! Robin, Rizzo and several others are not heard and hardly seen, yet Scooter and Rowlf are back in action as major players. That hasn't happened since the days of Jim Henson over 20 years ago. Ultimately the movie is a mixed bag of nostalgia and fun.

Let's face it. The Muppets are bigger than just one film. They're a movement! There was a time when these characters would randomly pop up all sorts of places just for the hell of it. Fozzie Bear would explain the stock market to Ted Koppel, Gonzo would reenact moments in history on network television and Miss Piggy would bake cookies with Martha Stewart. That's the world I want to live in again; a place where these counter-culture characters create a balance between other entertainment properties that either indulge in cynicism or the vomit-inducing squeaky clean. The Muppets exist in foam and felt and unlike the digital wizardry of Pixar characters, Kermit and company can physically show up anywhere at any time! In fact, Kermit recently appeared on the White House lawn to light America's official Christmas tree with the First Lady. It's now clear to moviegoers everywhere that Muppets left a great void. I hope this return marks a fuzzy renaissance of laughter and music for years to come.