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: ****/****

Oscar Season: Jack's Predictions pt. 2

Welcome back, everyone. Today, for my Oscar predicting, I shall be looking at the nominees in the supporting categories of both actor and actress. That being said, here are the nominees:

Outstanding Supporting Actor:

-Christian Bale- The Fighter

-John Hawkes-Winter’s Bone

-Jeremy Renner-The Town

-Mark Ruffalo- The Kids are All Right

-Geoffery Rush- The King’s Speech

Initial Thoughts: This is probably my favorite category for two reasons: 1) I have seen all of these films, 2) This is a solid lineup in my book (Sorry Andrew Garfield, you were my number 6). I am ecstatic John Hawkes got nominated, this was well earned considering its from such a small film. The same can be said about Ruffalo, they are two of my favorites of the year. So was Jeremy Renner, who delivers some of the best lines in The Town (Sadly, this was the film’s sole nomination, so his chaces are slim).

Prediction: I would give it to any of those men, but they haven’t received as much awards attention as Rush or Bale. These are terrific performances, and all odds arelaced on Bale to win. However, I have been slowly gaining doubt, and there could be the possibility that Firth can overtake him. Granted, I think Bale has the showier performance, but if the King’s Speech gets the amount of love its expected to get, Rush might upset. It’s a tough choice, but I am giving it to Bale because he is beyond due and Rush has already won an Oscar for Shine back in 96. Still, I have my doubts, but its too hard to tell.

Outstanding Supporting Actress:

-Amy Adams- The Fighter

-Helena Bonham Carter- The King’s Speech

-Melissa Leo- The Fighter

-Hailee Steinfeld- True Grit

-Jacki Weaver- Animal Kingdom

Initial Thoughts: Glad to see Weaver get nominated, but I think it ends there, for I think this is one of those, “Man, good for her, maybe I should go check it out now.” Also great to see Carter in a more subdue role than we have seen before. Now, I might have mentioned that there is a potential for her film to sweep. Be that as it may, her chances of winning are probably a lot more slimmer and if she pulls the win, I think it’s a sure fired bet there will be a sweep. Not saying its bad, but I think its more of a three way race at this point.

Prediction: I, like many I assume, consider Steinfeld to be more of a lead in the film, but by putting her in this category, she has a better shot. While its considered to be Leo’s to lose, don’t be so sure it’s the safe bet. If there is a category filled with upsets, its this one (see Mira Sorvino or Marisa Tomei). That being said, her role seems more showier than Adams which might give her the edge. However, I really liked Adams’ performance, in fact her’s and Steinfeld’s were some of my favorite for the year. There is also the possibility that Adams’ and Leo might split (which is often the case for two people nominated for the same film), which may give Steinfeld the edge. Still, the safe money is on Leo, but don’t be surprised if I am wrong.

Come back tomorrow for my picks for Best Original Score and Best Documentary