The Muppets is on all accounts a fantastic movie. Sure it may be "for kids", but hasn't it always been? And, watching reruns now, don't you pick up on those subtly naughty nuances that flew right over your head when you were a kid? The new Muppets movie is a nostalgic nod to its legendary run, and it uses its own history as a diving board to jump right into a new pool of greatness. The story is simple; the Muppets must get back together for a reunion show in order to raise money and save the old Muppets studio from being torn down. Throughout, the Muppets have doubts that they still have what it's got to entertain, or even if their old fanbase still gives a shit about them. This is a funny hook in itself, as it creates a very strongly palpable sense of emotion within the puppets that parade around the screen. The film has as much heart as it does wit, as I found myself laughing out loud as well as letting a few "awh's" escape my lips. The story is all there, but it never takes itself too seriously, as what would create snags in the plot are simply swept under the rug. The arduous processes of gathering the old crew, driving to Paris, and refurbishing the old theatre are done in seconds with clever ease. The entire movie flows well, and doesn't have many dull moments. With great cameos and witty acts throughout, the film felt like an extended episode of the old show. The Muppets themselves, as always, looked great and interacted with the real world perfectly. Jason Segel was so so funny throughout, as the brother of the Muppet, Walter. He was such a fantastic Muppet of a man that I feel as if he should exclusively do movies that include puppets (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, anyone?). He was a perfect fit, as his overall goofiness was contagious, and his childish blithe was a treat to behold in such a whimsical setting. i don't think I've ever had such good clean fun at the movies since I was 11. The musical numbers are all great, the interplay between the Muppets and humans is so funny, and the guest stars all delivered comedy gold just by being themselves. It was like the Seinfeld reunion on Curb Your Enthusiasm, but in movie form. And with songs. And for kids... Well, you get what I'm saying. For driving home the indubitable fact that the Muppets are immortally awesome, this film gets a perfect score from me. Go see it.
Ryan's Retort:
Let me just say that I have been extremely excited for this movie ever since I first heard about it approximately two years ago. Being a huge geek and a huge fan of the Muppets, I went into this film with outrageously high expectations. And to my elation, The Muppets did not disappoint. It's quite apparent that Jason Segel really gave this movie his all; his passion for the Muppets, and puppets in general, comes through tenfold in this heartfelt, hilarious, musical adventure of a film. Being as this movie is rated PG I feared for a brief moment that it wouldn't be all that enjoyable for a 21 year old man, such as myself. However, that is not the case at all. The humor of The Muppets transcends age, gender, background, and ethnicity relying heavily on sight gags, puns, and even breaking the fourth wall! It really is a treat to see a movie, geared towards children, with such a sophisticated sense of humor. At one point in the film, the Muppets must resort to kidnapping a certain celebrity host for their telethon. Now normally kidnapping is no laughing matter, as we can tell from Kermit's initial adamant disapproval. But not only does this film manage to make light of the otherwise atrocious act of kidnapping, it also somehow forces gaggles of giggles from our gullets. Now THAT'S how you alliterate, Bitches! The hilarity of this film is also perfectly complimented by wonderfully catchy tunes composed by none other than Bret McKenzie, from Flight of the Conchords. Which makes perfect sense when you think about it, being as Flight of the Conchords are all about wonderfully catchy and hilarious songs. There is honestly just way too many good things to say about The Muppets. It is a perfect Muppet movie for a new generation of Muppet fans. If you love the Muppets and have yet to see this film, you are a huge dingus.
Brian's 2-cents:
Drive by map! Why didn't I think of that?!
Overview
Rating: 5 out of 5 very manly Muppets
Did Jelani Fall Asleep: Hell no.
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