4 stars out of 5
The Muppets were huge in my formative years. Kermit had been such a dependable friend on Sesame Street. So it was easy to make the transition to the edgier Muppet Show with Kermit as a guide, as I got progressively edgier myself. The first Muppet Movie came at an ideal time for me (Steve Martin! my hero!). And the Show wound down as I was losing interest: While my mom and sister saw the second movie, my dad and I went to see Superman II.
So in many ways I’m the perfect audience for this—shall we call it a re-boot? No, let’s not. Because that word might indicate the sort of ultra-modern, striving for lowest-common-denominator appeal that this movie steadfastly resists. The plot is wonderfully drawn from real life: Can the long-forgotten Muppets find relevance all these years later? I have to admit I was a little nervous with the reins being handed to Jason Segel and his Sarah Marshall co-creator Nicholas Stoller. I guessed they would make a valiant effort but ultimately fall short.
And while this may not have the manic inventiveness and out-and-out silliness of the original Muppet Show and movie, I’m happy (and relieved) to say it comes very close. Segel and Stoller show great respect to the original material. Subtle nods to Jim Henson abound. There’s a sweetness and gentleness throughout that I won’t call old-fashioned, because those things should never be out of fashion. (The only true misstep I sensed was a goofy version of Cee-Lo’s, um, well, the end credits called it “Forget You.” And even though the lyrics were delivered only as chicken clucks, the understood reference seemed unnecessarily crude.) The story is straightforward enough for any kid to understand; and there are enough random old references for those of us of a certain age to appreciate. And corny jokes for all!
Segel does a terrific job as the human lead. He sings, he dances, he’s earnest as all get-out. Chris Cooper makes an excellent villain. Amy Adams and Rashida Jones do respectable if not amazing work. Leading a long list of cameos, Jack Black is very funny. Other humans deserving credit are Bret from Flight of the Conchords, who wrote several original songs for this (“Muppet or a Man” sounding very Flight-of-the Conchordish). The cleverness of the lyrics and melodies lifts the music above what we might expect from a children’s film (well, one without Randy Newman as composer, anyway). And Conchords‘ director James Bobin keeps the action brisk and easy to follow, and nothing looks too slick; there’s a nice low-budget feel to the proceedings.
Of course, the real stars are the Muppets. It was a true joy to see them again. It took a little while getting used to hearing them again: Except for Gonzo and others voiced by Dave Goelz, these are not the voices I grew up with. But, you know what, they’re close enough, and it wasn’t long into the film when I generally accepted them.
Maybe not as many laugh-out-loud moments as I hoped for, but the smile never left my face. The Muppets did not disappoint.
MINI-REVIEW: There was a Toy Story short before the movie. A quite-clever look at Happy Meal-esque toys, while admirably avoiding product placement (aside from the trademarked toys in the gang, who it was also nice to see again). I did find the ending a bit abrupt, but, it’s a short—I’ll let it slide.
I agree with 99% of this review, except that I thought Piggy and Fozzie’s voices were unacceptable. And I didn’t get the C-Lo reference at all.
Yeah, when Fozzie was talking calmly, it was like the guy couldn’t get the voice started, and it would come out as this weird wimpy noise.
There’s literally nothing you can say that will compel me to see this movie. Furthermore, it must be in my DNA, since Miriam feels the same way. If the muppets had never existed, the world would be a better place. Oh yes! That’s how strongly I feel! It’s more than a yawning cultural gap, it’s a CHASM, a Grand Canyon scale rift in the earth’s geology. No no no no no.
Interesting that you mention that, as another Brit of our general age also has absolutely no interest in Muppets. This is despite the fact that the Muppet Show was produced in dear ol’ Blighty!
I also thought it was sweet and charming. Interestingly, my kids barely laughed (although they liked Fozzie’s fart shoes…of course). It wasn’t a laugh-out-louder for them–I really felt it was more of a sentimental journey for adults who remember the Muppets as they were. I did love the musical aspects. And the MOOPETS.
Want to see this for all the reasons you mentioned. Very curious to see the Chris Cooper/Muppet equation.