I just saw The Muppets this evening. I can’t describe how fantastic it was! (But I sure can try). This was the FIRST muppet movie I’ve had the honor of actually seeing in theaters, what a thrilling experience. Now, I don’t know what has/hasn’t already been said but I’m sorry if I repeat.
First off, Walter is an amazing little Muppet. I like how he is personified as a huge Muppet fan (as we all are). The relationship between him and his brother, Gary, is natural and convincing. It reminds me of the relationship Kermit and Fozzie had in The Great Muppet Caper (“we could be twins”). I admire they’re dedication to each other. Mary I thought was a very nice character too, I like how smart she is with technology and that kind of stuff (Probably why she makes such a good teacher).
The Muppets themselves….where do I begin. Kermit is as inspirational as ever, trying to cope with the thought of the theater and studio being destroyed while dealing with the normal craziness and trying to amend things with Piggy. He’s so strong thoughout the whole thing. Fozzie, while his voice seemed a bit off, (I blame it on him singing those phony hotel/casino songs all day long), was very funny. But I also felt bad for him, and it made me think of those friends you don’t talk to then you do one day later and your like, “I wish we would have talked more”. Gonzo, (who I swear has a thing for plumbing and pipes as much as he does chickens) was also great (pun intended). I do wish he would have gotten more screen time though instead of whirling that bowling ball round and round at the last half of the movie. Rowlf, Scooter, The Electric Mayhem, all just as good as they were back in the 70s. It’s so nice to see (and hear them) on the big screen. Piggy, is well, Piggy. When she came to beat the snot out of Miss Poogy I was like YEA, No one replaces her.
The celebrity cameos, mostly went over my head. Jack Black is hilarious (that whole subplot felt to me like a rework of the John Cleass episode). I’m glad to see Woopie Goldberg again, as well as those kids from the Disney Channel in there. I didn’t really immediately recognize anyone else. I don’t have too much to say about the villains though. I don’t know why Bobo keeps working for the bad guys, is he just easily swayed? Uncle Deadly, his scene on the roof with Richman…fantastic! Tex Richman, is while he’s no Doc Hopper or Nicky Holiday, I like him for who he is. Just a rich greedy pompous boss type character. His little money rap….not my favorite song.
But I’ll tell you what was…the “Life’s a Happy Song” (original and reprise). Such a feel good song, I love it. Rainbow Connection, never gets old. The best non-Muppet song had to be “We Build This City”, and the montage to go with it was probably one of (if not my absolute) most favorite part of the film. Camilla singing “F(rog) You” was another one of my favorite songs, it actually FELT like a Muppet Show.
I love how they kept alluding to and using actual sound clips fom the show, I’d hear it and be like OMG I REMEMBER THAT EPISODE. That and Sweetums being at Mad Man Mooney (and Son’s) used cars (“awe not again!”…priceless). One thing that made me happiest though is the inclusion of some very VERY obscure characters. Droop, Nigel, Behmouth, Link, Strangepork, Beautiful Day Monster, Lips, even Wayne and Wanda (oh yes, I remember what they did when the lights turned back on…..one of the biggest laughs I gave the movie).
The ending, I’m okay with. I like how Kermit pulled the Muppets back together and they all stuck together. I don’t know what to say about the whole “bowling ball to the head” thing, which came literally at the last minute. I’m happy they got the theater/studio back though.
All in all I really enjoyed this movie, and I hope they plan to do another. I am actually wanting to see it again, and again, and even again. Then buy it on DVD as soon as it comes out so I can watch it again and again, all over again. Good Job Muppets, you did amazing.
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