I grew up with the Muppets. Between the Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, the Muppet Babies, the Muppet movies, and Henson’s work in other films and television shows, I would definitely say the Muppets had a big part in raising me. So, of course, hearing that a new movie was in the works was equal parts wonderful and terrifying. Wonderful because I thought the Muppets always had the potential for an amazing comeback, and terrifying because with Hollywood’s track record there was a decent chance they would screw it up.
Also, I’ve never been clear on Disney’s intentions with the Muppets, other than being able to pick up a few more bucks from selling new editions of the old works.
Fortunately, Jim Henson’s creations were in very good hands with Jason Segel. He, along with the talented men and women behind the Muppets, created a movie that fits right in with the Muppet Movie, the Muppets Take Manhattan, and the Great Muppet Caper. I’m so glad he fought to get this project. If you had any doubt, perhaps you missed his performance of “Dracula’s Lament” from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
My biggest fear of this revival was that they were going to “modernize” the Muppets; take away their peaceful attitudes and make them more cynical. As it turns out, that was a plot point to the movie and the Muppets were trying to fight it along with their new friends Gary (Jason Segel) and his brother Walter (a puppet who is the Muppets’ biggest fan).
This movie is full of Muppet standards; corny jokes, running gags, breaking of the 4th wall, and all those fantastic things we’ve come to expect from the Muppets over the years. And of course there is some brilliant music from Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords)
If you haven’t seen this movie, what is wrong with you? Afraid you’re too old? Don’t be. That’s the beautiful thing about the Muppets, when done right, they never pander to a younger audience. There is stuff for both old and young. How many kids today are going to get references to Kermit’s “butler,” 80s Robot?
Seriously, you are missing out on some great moments by not seeing this movie. Go. Now!
William, the Movie Nerdfighter
who forgot exactly how much he loved the Muppets until this movie and Disney’s Muppet Vision 3-D reminded him.
The Movie Nerdfighter's Reviews 