First, let me say, I saw this movie over Thanksgiving. I’ve had this review sitting on my laptop for awhile, but only now realized that I hadn’t posted it. Oh well… tis the season to be busy. On with the review!
It’s been 12 or 13 years since Muppets from Space came out, leaving Muppets fans ready and waiting with bated breath for a new muppets movie to sink their teeth into. I consider myself an avid fan of the Muppets, and the works of Jim Henson, (my heart really belongs more to Sesame Street, but I just love puppets in general) and look forward to anything that comes out starring Kermit and friends.
In the same regard, I am much more critical of the things that have the Muppets stamp on it. I think it’s mutually agreed that Muppets from Space, Muppets Treasure Island, and The Muppets Wizard of Oz are some of the worst of their movies, which is further reason for them to come out with something that will renew the faith of Muppet fans everywhere.
From what I understand, Jason Segal, who considers himself to be the world’s biggest muppets fan, proposed the idea of doing a new Muppet movie. After seeing his "Vampire Musical" in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, it made sense for him to be responsible for this project, especially because he too is a self described "avid Muppets fan" (yes, I am saying I am also qualified to write a Muppets movie). But would he do it right?
Following the progress of pre-production, we learned a lot about possible cameos, and new Muppets that would be making an appearance, I became more and more excited over the idea of seeing the Muppets on the big screen again, but also very nervous. Would this movie cater to the younger, newer fans? Or would it also live up to the expectations of old school fans everywhere? Looking at recent episodes of Sesame Street, it’s pretty clear that there is a new generation of viewers, and old school viewers are left out in the cold (we don’t like Elmo, you hear me!!?).
With that said, not only did this movie live up to the expectations that were placed on Segal and company, it took it to the next level. This film is easily one of the best Muppet movies, since, well… the Muppet Movie!
I read articles saying that Frank Oz, and some of the original puppeteers had issue with this movie, because it didn’t stay true to the characters as they already existed. I don’t know if I can agree with that. Kermit is Kermit, Miss Piggy will always be Miss Piggy, and if anything did those characters injustice, it’s been some of the ways they’ve been portrayed in the years since Jim’s death.
It’s apparent that Segal knows the characters, and knows the legacy they’ve left on the world. If any Muppets fan was in his shoes, you know that there’s no way this movie could be anything but awesome.
So does that mean I liked it? Hell yes I did! This movie was fun from the minute it started, all the way through the credits. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I saw a movie where I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more, I wanted way more, especially Gonzo, there was just not enough Gonzo (but, I do feel there was JUST the right amount of Miss Piggy, less is more). Really, honestly… that right there was my only complaint. There wasn’t much to complain about, I was happy and excited by all the cameos, especially Dave Grohl, Zach Galifinakis, and Mickey Rooney, but I was also disappointed by the lack of Danny Trejo, who I understand was cut out of the film because the sequence he was in was also cut.
One thing that I was thinking as I was watching the "re-creation" of the Muppet show, it made me think, "How much fun would that be if they brought back the old Muppet show, but with today’s biggest celebrities?" – I could just see the Muppets variety show hosted by Jane Lynch, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey, or Amy Poehler. Perhaps that’s in the cards, perhaps not.
Something that was nailed directly on the head, (and I believe that this is in direct response to the bottom of the above paragraph) is that the Muppets AREN’T as popular as they were a generation before. Kids will go see this movie because they have a recollection of who the Muppets are, but they don’t have as big of a fan base among younger fans. Perhaps it’s no longer "cool" to like the Muppets, but this is why it’s good for a movie like this one to come out.
I’m looking forward to seeing this one again, in fact I have a free ticket coupon sitting at home that I will definitely use before it’s too late. Also, I can’t wait for this movie to spawn more and more sequels, ones that bring the Muppets on new adventures, and not just an adventure that reminds the world that they are still around.
