SENSATIONAL, inspirational, celebrational, Muppet-ational. Four words we have used for years to describe The Muppet Show. And four words we will continue to use to descibe The Muppets.
The latest Muppet film sees the gang of 1970s and 1980s-based Muppets trying to launch a comeback and save their theatre in a 21st century world that seems to have forgotten them.
But clearly the world hasn’t forgotten Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear or Animal as Jason Segal’s script and production shows.
Se gal first showed us his penchant for cheesy songs and puppets in Forgetting Sarah Marshal as well as showing off his music talents on television’s How I Met Your Mother.
Add in the fact that Segal can talk, walk, act and dance like a Muppet and it is no surprise he was a driving force behind this film.
Segal stars as Gary, older brother to Walter (a Muppet who has yet to find his place in the world) and boyfriend to Mary (a perfect teacher, girl-next-door sort played by Amy Adams).
As Gary and Mary travel to Los Angeles for their 10th anniversary, Walter tags along to tour the Muppet Studios and meet his hero Kermit.
When they discover the studios to be run down, abandoned and about to be demolished by oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), it forces Walter and Kermit to reunite the performers for one last hurrah.
From there it is your typical Muppet movie and the cast makes a point of letting you know about it.
Statler and Waldorf make sure you follow the right plot points, there is a “getting the gang back together” montage, and a “let’s clean up the theatre quicker” song.
It is all very entertaining, it is exactly what we expect from the Muppets and all our favourites take part – The Swedish Chef, Rowlf, Dr Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, Scooter and Sam Eagle.
For those of us who grew up with The Muppets, it is exciting to see them doing what they do best – bad jokes, random songs and dances, and a hoarde of celebrity guest spots.
Celebrities making cameos include the old-school stars Mickey Rooney, James Carvill, Judd Hirsch, Whoopi Goldberg and Bill Cobb as well as today’s celebrities John Krasinski, Selena Gomez, Jim Parsons, Emily Blunt and Neil Patrick Harris.
The Muppets always make sure their shows are family affairs and this film is no exception. Parents were laughing at the sly one-liners, kids laughed at the slapstick humour, everyone bopped along to the songs, and one very eager child began dancing in the aisle of the cinema.
The film is a delight and when it’s time to play the music. Time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the Muppets, in the Muppet movie. Tonight.
The Verdict: 5 stars.
- The Muppets (PG) is showing at Bendigo Cinemas. See page 3 of the Bendigo Advertiser for details. Follow film reviewer Chris Pedler on Twitter @FilmNerdChris.
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