The Muppets

Ever since seeing Jason Segel close Nicholas Stoller’s entertaining 2008 comedy ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’, with a muppet orchestrated musical about a lonely vampire, I speculated with my friends about the possibility of the ‘HIMYM'(How I met your mother) actor working with Jim Henson’s infamous stars.
Therefore, when details were eventually released about this year’s Muppets film, with Segel not only starring, but heavily involved in the project’s writing process, I was struggling to contain my excitement.

Though I’m halfway through my 2nd year studying Film and have already witnessed an abundance of highly regarded works of cinema as a result, I remember the various Muppet films from my childhood with a lingering fondness.
Not simply due to their nostalgic value however, but for the fact that every time these icons have appeared on screen, the end product, regardless of its cinematic flaws, has no shortage of heart whatsoever.

It should come as no surprise then, that this year’s comeback feature ‘The Muppets’ maintains the franchise’s superb tradition of producing thoroughly entertaining films, complete with both poignancy and charm.

Firstly a word of warning, ‘The Muppets’ is not a film to be viewed through a veil of cynicism. Though its flaws are noticeable when scrutinised, such a joyous film, deserves to viewed by an audience with no inhibitions at all, with their only demand, a simple one; to be entertained.

The film’s plot surrounds three muppets fans travelling to the now derelict Muppet studios, where one of the film’s central protagonists Walter, stumbles upon the evil (and amusingly named) Tex Richman(Chris Cooper) who plans to demolish the site in his greed fuelled search for oil.

Following this shocking discovery, Walter, the most obsessive Muppets fan of the trio, sets out to warn his heroes about Richman’s plan and not only help them reclaim their studios, but most importantly their self belief.

Jason Segel plays Gary, Walter’s (human) brother, who has remained faithfully by his side since childhood and from whom Walter draws his confidence from, whilst Amy Adams plays Gary’s heavenly sweet ,longtime girlfriend Mary.
Although Mary is supportive of Gary in his endeavours to help the Muppets, she longs for him to prioritise her over his helpless brother and prove whether he is indeed a ‘man or a muppet’.

Once we are introduced (one by one) to Jim Henson’s cult icons, the magic truly begins and we follow Kermit and trio, on their mission to reunite the gang for one more Muppets’ show. This time to raise the funds needed to reclaim their studios and maintain their very name.

{{ quote ‘The Muppets’ maintains the franchise’s superb tradition of producing thoroughly entertaining films, complete with both poignancy and charm.}}

The film is full of sharp self referential quips, frequently breaking the fourth wall through well timed jokes and unashamed revelling in poking fun at classic Hollywood conventions. For newcomers to the franchise, their is plenty to discover and for seasoned veterans of Jim Henson’s work, a well deserved reward for their continued support.

Despite the character’s age, their is something truly timeless about the Muppet’s brand of comedy and the film’s musical interludes overcome any early twinges of unease when incorporated within a story of such authentic warmth.

The frequent barrage of unexpected celebrity cameos throughout the narrative, are great fun, further emphasising the film’s unashamed desire to please, although Jack Black’s more sustained role, would’ve been better suited to someone (currently) less typecast within the industry.

If I have to be critical(and it pains me to be), you can briefly stumble out of the wonderful world Henson’s characters and Segel’s writing create, when noticing the film’s fluctuating sense of pace and underdeveloped romantic subplots.
However, The Muppet’s overcomes any of its minor flaws to provide 103 minutes bursting with colour, joy and overwhelming charm.

Put simply, if you like smiling,if you’re partial to happiness, Kermit and Co. will not let you down.