Now, the
plot is run of the mill, but its suppose to be. Life long fan Walter, himself a
muppet but treated like a human, and his brother Gary (Segal) go with
George’s girlfriend (the always welcome Amy Adams) to L.A. to go see the
Muppets studio. When they get there, however, its not what it once was. In
fact, a man, hilariously named Tex Richman (Chris Cooper, also always welcome
and perfectly cast), plans to take over the Muppet studio for the oil, I guess
the Muppets neglected to notice that oh so many years ago, but lets not worry
too much about this story shall we. For we then get the Muppets reuniting in a
way only Hollywood would, through montages, songs, and flashback tales of old.
After they are all reunited, they start a telethon to try and save the theater.
Will they succeed? Will Tex see the error in his ways? Will we just stop caring
about the story and just love the fact that Jim Henson’s beloved creations are
back on the big screen?
Yes,
its true that the story is cookie cutter, run of the mill, but that is the
writers (Segal and Stoller) intention, with a wink at the camera every now and
again (such as traveling by map or the whole opening sequence really, which by
the way was flawless and had a cameo appearance that almost had me on the
floor, you can probably guess who it is if you’ve seen it). The songs are what
really make most of the story so endearing, if you aren’t singing the theme
song when you leave (like all of my family was) then check your pulse. The muppets
are the true stars of the film, and with some rather clever cameo work from
everyone involved, this is truly a great film. Again, its not something that
would be considered “greatest movie ever” by Hollywood standards. However,
through the genuine nature of the script, the songs that deserve some Oscar
attention (Bret Mckenzie and Christopher Beck do some rather fine work), the cast and cameos are pitch-perfect, and the loving serenity that is the Muppets, I am sure that Jim
Henson would be proud of this film, even Segal himself puts a tiny nod to the
man in the Muppet studio, one I think perfectly thanks a man who gave us
characters every generation aught to know, and through films like this, will
for many more generations to come, Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s the Muppet
Show!!!Rating: ****/****
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