First, a bit of a disclaimer. I’ve been a big Muppets fan for good long time. When I was still in the single digits, I entered a colouring contest and won two tickets to the original Muppet Movie. I took my mom. And it just grew from there. So, I was very excited to take Jenn to see The Muppets on opening night last week.
I knew that this movie was probably a make or break scenario for Kermit and the gang. Twelve years after the less than stellar Muppets from Space, rumours were that Disney would mothball the franchise if the movie didn’t do well. So, I wanted it to do well. I also really wanted to laugh at the Muppets, like I did when I was younger.
Walter, a Real Muppet
I was sort of concerned about a couple things. First, this Walter guy. Really? A pretty plain looking, “human” Muppet? I don’t know. And he seems to be a pretty major character in the film. Then there was Jason Segel. He was great in Freaks and Geeks. I bet he’s good in How I Met Your Mother, but he’s also been involved some questionable stuff. Fortunately, Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords was the musical supervisor, so the songs have got to be great, right?
Well, within the first five minutes of the film, I believed Walter. Let me assure you, he’s a Muppet of a Muppet. He’s funny and likeable. It’s very clear that Jason Segel gets the Muppets. He has written a Muppet movie that stands up with (and taller than) any Muppet movie from the past three decades. I don’t want to say that The Muppets is a better movie than The Muppet Movie, but given the choice, I’d rather watch Jason’s again tonight than Jim’s. That’s high praise.
The songs were funny, sometimes heartwarming, and very catchy. They were also quite Flight-of-the-Chonchord-y, which is a good thing. Jenn and I found ourselves singing them for days afterwards. All those previews in the trailers that you’ve seen, again, The Muppets did it right. I didn’t find my enjoyment of the movie was spoiled at all for watching them all. They may have set up some jokes, but never gave away the punchline with them. You know how after watching some trailers, you’ve seen all the best parts of the movie? Not so in this case.
The guest stars / cameos were all pretty good. My only complaint is that I didn’t know who those kids were. To be fair, they didn’t know who Kermit was either. Maybe that was the joke.
Now, let me comment on three of the better cameos. Jack Black (as Jack Black) was a good guy for the Muppets to kidnap and torture. Chris Cooper as Tex Richman was a fine villain. Two words, “maniacal laugh.” (Oh, I still laugh at that one.) And Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons was perfect in his role (but I’m not going to tell you what role he plays.)
As far as the best line of the film goes, I’m going to give it to the Sweedish Chef as he channeles his inner Al Pachino. Runner up for best line goes to Rowlf, “Classic.” and Kermit, “What? Children?” You’ll have to see the film and tell me if you agree.
Bottom line: If you like the Muppets, you’ll like The Muppets. Jenn who tolerates the Muppets enjoyed The Muppets. I even think that if you’ve never been exposed to the Muppets before, that you’ll like The Muppets. I heartily recommend you see it, and when you do, let me know, I might go see it again with you.
PS: The Moopets.
