Monday, November 28, 2011

Review: The Muppets



It’s time to play the music, its time to light the lights, its time to meet the muppets, only this time on the big screen. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the others are back thanks to the collaborative minds of Jason Segal, Nicholas Stoller, and “Flight of the Conchords” co-creator James Bobin. Now after having both read my facebook newsfeed and seen my family this past weekend, I can tell most of you have already seen the Muppets. But I’m getting back into the swing of things in terms of movie watching so here are my thoughts on the Muppets Movie.
            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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