Some of the tragedies of growing up is seeing what was once of the most beloved things during your childhood become a faded memory and lost treasure that has shrunk over time. The Muppets was one of those iconic figures that were nearly lost in the shuffle of new pop culture in the next generation. I say nearly because, the Muppets have made a big epic return to the silver screen thanks in large part to the writing duo of Jason Segal and Nicolas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall). “The Muppets” is the movie that Jim Henson would’ve made; a film that respects the history and nature of its characters yet introduces them to a new generation of children with excitement and joy. "The Muppets" is one of the best films this year.
When Segal and Stoller set out to make their own “pure” Muppet movie, one that wasn’t a parody, but an original and fresh take; the challenge was whether it could follow in the footsteps as the original movies and make the characters relevant again. The result: Segal and Stoller have both hit a grand slam homerun. The script is incredible and the songs are all very original and catchy. Director James Bobin ignites the screen with sensational song and dance numbers and energy that is alive and bright. As the first opening melody started to play, I felt emerged into a musical that would recall the early days of the Muppets and film musicals like West Side Story and Oliver! Every actor, starting from a glamorous Amy Adams to a richly maniacal Chris Cooper, has a lot of fun with the material. Like in every Muppet movie, there are several surprising and hilarious cameos that also serve the story extremely well. The storyline is pitch-perfect as well as the setups. If I have any gripes about the movie, it would be that it is a tad predictable at times and maybe more focus on more of the muppet characters, but hey there’s way too many, so I can’t fault the makers too much for it.
The story sets up the Muppets as has-been, former celebrities that have now fallen out of the bright lights going into their separate ways. The famous Muppet theatre is now a run-down museum as the evil oil baron Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans to buy the studio and destroy it to uncover more oil hidden underneath. It is up to the Muppet’s biggest fan Walter (a brand new muppet and brother to Segal’s character Gary) to seek out the Muppets so that could band together to save their studio. The only solution is to raise $10 million and the only way to do that: put on one last show!
Even though, the Muppets are at the front of the show, the new characters Gary and Walter certainly have their own moments to shine. One of the many highlights includes the song “Man or Muppet”, a duet between Gary and Walter which should be a shoe-in for this year’s Best Song award at the Oscars.
Bottom line: Memories and sentimental nostalgia came roaring back to me as the movie rolled. I felt tears slowly dripping out as Kermit and Miss Piggy reunited to sing “Rainbow Connection” again. It felt as if years have not passed and the Muppets were never gone. This is a sensational return of one of our most treasured characters in recent memory and this movie should also create magic for the new children growing up. Grown ups and children will have a great time with this one.
PS: There is a short animated Disney film played before the movie. You will not be disappointed.
Comments