The Muppets is another movie marketed to kids, but it is really for nostalgic adults. And evil tycoon (Chris Cooper) is about to destroy The Muppet Studios (to drill for oil) and the only way this disaster can be averted is to “put on a show.” Part of the movie shows how Kermit along with new character, Walter, Jason Segel (from “How I Met Your Mother”), and Amy Adams reunites The Muppets to save their past. Cameos by a dozen other “stars” including Jack Black, Emily Blunt, and Alan Arkin pop up throughout the film. However, most kids will find this movie a drag. Adult fans of The Muppets will rejoice. GRADE: B
Exactly how it played out with my grandson and his parents.
THE MUPPETS isn’t a kid movie, Patti. Sorry your grandson and his parents had to find out the Hard Way.
The Muppets truly is a love letter for fans of the original series. Jason Segal was a huge fan as a kid and much of his contribution really did turn this into a personal story of his own feelings for Henson and his creations. I grew up watching The Muppet Show faithfully and have always been in awe of what Henson and Co were able to do with these felt creatures. Being able to ring devotion and emotion out of people with puppets…er, muppets…is a talent that defies logic, but nevertheless has happened for decades now. I loved the film, would give it an A- for a grade based solely on my own personal experience with the film. It was such a sweet ‘thank you’ for all of the longtime fans. I was particularly impressed with the voice work considering that Frank Oz bowed out. Oz’s characters and Kermit also sounded as good as ever. It may not create fans out of kids (although I think kids of a certain age will still connect) but it is a winner for adults who grew up as the audience for the antics of the muppet troupe.
I would have liked to see more of Amy Adams, Carl. And a better plot than “Let’s put on a show.”
And speaking of “not a kid’s movie” – we fianlly watched RANGO last night. It as great but definitely not for kids.
Exactly, Jeff. RANGO was a homage to classic westerns that kids have never heard of or seen.
I’m always down for more of Amy Adams! The “let’s put on a show” theme worked really well for me because it was a fun tie in to the actual show, something the previous Muppet films, as fun as they are, haven’t done.
And I thought Rango was great but agree that it was more of a movie for adults than for kids, although my nearly 4 year old niece laughed a lot and we spent the rest of the evening playing “Rango” (which consisted of walking around bowl-legged) after we caught it on DVD. I thought it was a fantastic homage to Westerns and did not expect that at all.
Gotta say, George, I wish your site had the updated “subscribe to comments” checkbox. That helps so much when I get busy and forget to follow up for a few days.
I’ll speak to my IT guru, my son Patrick (who set up this blog), and see if we can provide a “subscribe to comments” checkbox. Until then, you’ll just have to visit this blog the old fashioned way: daily.
“Let’s put om a show worked pretty well for Mickey Rooney, too.
Mickey Rooney and Shirley Temple perfected the “Let’s put on a show” plot, Rick. It’s a bit tired. I was hoping THE MUPPETS could be a little more innovative and original.
I don’t mind the daily visiting, it is trying to remember which posts I’ve commented on and then remembering to check them for follow up comments that drives me batty. 🙂
Going back to the Muppets, I do think it is all about what you are looking for. I wanted to be reminded of why I loved the Muppets in the first place and the “let’s put on a show” theme did that perfectly. As for innovation I would rather see that happen with new stuff that echoes the things that were innovative back then, like Labyrinth or Farscape.
Then again if this would have been innovative and still retained the spirit of the original stuff I would have loved it too.
Given the political season, how about a movie where Kermit and Miss Piggy ran for President, Carl. Plenty of potential for humor in that plotline!
They would more quickly get my vote over anyone else running!
I’m with you there, Carl! The candidates are weak in 2012.