8 Stars

Where’s the line between Man and Muppet?

My recliner’s dusty, because I was tearing up something fierce during The Muppets.

I know I’m a hardcore softy, but I was really touched by this movie.

The Muppets, as always, is a self-referential tale. The plot reflects the current state of the Muppet tradition in reality.

The last time Jim Henson’s puppets had an adventure was back in 2005, with a movie I’ve never heard of. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz stars Ashanti, Queen Latifah and Quentin Tarantino; one of the most baffling casts in an apparent attempt to retell the classic tale in an African American context. It was clearly a major flop.

This current escapade is their attempt to revive the classic mode of storytelling.

What’s most fascinating about this franchise is its own brand of narrative. It’s a cast of characters that a large audience feels nostalgia for. And it’s a romp through self-awareness. The plot (although particularly strong in this feature) is almost inconsequential because it’s just another mode through which the Muppet experience is retold.

I think it’s rare we get to see the full performance of The Muppet Show. By this film’s end, it delivers the whole shebang-a-bang.

Jason Segel plays a big part in getting this film made, because he not only stars, but also is the top-billed screenwriter (besides Jim Henson.) The puppeteer died in 1990 at only fifty-four years old, so it’s doubtful he had a hand in writing this screenplay. But it’s nice to see them remembering his name.

Henson produced a philosophical teleplay in 1969 titled The Cube. It’s tells a smart and funny story in just under an hour and is worth a watch. (It’s online, you’ll find it.) But he wrote, directed and produced all sorts of stuff, like The Cube, which are both brilliant and completely devoid of puppets. He was a true talent that passed before his time.

Also starring in the film is Amy Adams, who may be the best actress working today. She’s top three for certain (along with Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett Johansen).

Fun fact: Segel and Kermit recorded a video (which can be found online as well) asking Amy to costar. Clearly she accepted, she’s a delight and even dances (and potentially sings, I can’t find confirmation though!)

Now I don’t like to talk about myself, but I think my experience with the Muppets is one people can connect with. Before watching the 2011 movie, I’ve never seen a Muppet adventure in full. I’ve watched the 3D experience at Disney World several times, but that’s about it.

I went into the film with an expectation of disappointment. Which can only mean my reaction is bolstered by that bias. At worst, it’s a good movie, not a great movie.

But I’m writing this review several days later, and even with a level head I believe it deserves all four stars.

It seems to be enjoyable to everyone.

I want somebody to look me in the eye while they proclaim hatred for the Muppets. I’m not sure it’s possible.

So after that heap of praise, let’s discuss what doesn’t work.

I thought the budget was pretty small because, well, they say so in the movie. Fozzie Bear makes a comment about how he’s surprised they could afford an explosion with the budget. (IMDB estimates it around $45M, which doesn’t seem all that shallow to me.)

But when you think about it their machine involves a lot of moving pieces, including a bevy of backup dancers, seat-filling extras, music composition, an orchestral performance (I’m assuming), etc.

And as soon as he said that, I started noticing ways in which they may have cut corners. For example, the ‘muppet man’ gag is oddly poor in comparison to the rest of the film. It’s not painfully long, and the film’s so self-referential, it allows forgiveness for certain weaknesses in the narrative.

The slowest parts of the movie are, as always, any moment focused around Miss Piggy. I don’t care what anyone says, Miss Piggy is by far the most boring Muppet!

She always has been. I don’t understand why this problem still exists. People like to paraphrase to me, “Well, she’s supposed to be played in opposition to the other characters. She’s written to be cringe-worthy.”

Well, okay, that doesn’t detract from my point that Miss Piggy has proven to be boring, regardless of the writing’s intent. Regardless of the source material she’s satirizing, or the dichotomies drawn between her and other Muppets; scenes and music solos featuring Miss Piggy aren’t enjoyable, therefore can’t we cut down on her screen time?

Sorry. That swine really sets me off.

I generally dislike scatological humor. And if you’d asked me ahead of time, I would have agreed with the puppeteers, that Fozzie Bear’s ‘fart shoes’ would be lowbrow.

But they aren’t over-the-top, cheesy or stupid. In fact, it’s one of the funniest gags in the film. Which is exemplary of all the humor in The Muppets: It’s fast-paced and calculated.

The soundtrack, written by Bret McKenzie (famously from TV’s Flight of the Concords) is excellent. Even Chris Cooper’s rap number (which gets glossed over) is good. The best is “Man or Muppet” which is quite brilliant, and fun.

The cameos are thoroughly delightful.

“The Rainbow Connection” is a part I’m roaring to dislike. But I surrendered, there’s some crying involved, I don’t want to talk about it.

Overall, The Muppets is a fantastic movie that doesn’t get its due. Give it a try, and you’ll be glad you did!