'The Muppets' -- Movie Review

It's been 12 years since the last theatrically released movie starring Jim Henson's Muppets. Since then things have frankly been a bit tough for the felt covered icons. They've appeared in a handful of mediocre TV specials but for the most part fans have had to make do with the home video release of "The Muppet Show" season sets. Longtime fans of Kermit and company, Nicholas Stoller and Jason Segel decided that they were overdue for a return and they crafted a script that is not only a new Muppet story but is also a loving tribute to all things Muppety. The results are both a wonderful return to form and the ultimate fan letter to some of Jim Henson's most famous creations.

"The Muppets" opens with two brothers named Gary, played by Jason Segel, and Walter who is a newly added puppet character. They live in Smalltown and Walter is a life-long die-hard Muppet fan. When Gary and his girlfriend Mary, played by Amy Adams, take a vacation to Los Angeles they bring Walter along so he can see the Muppet Studio where "The Muppet Show" was shot. What Walter finds is dilapidated and about to be sold to an oil baron named Tex Richman, portrayed by Chris Cooper. Richman claims that he is going to pen a Muppets museum but instead he plans to demolish the studio and the theater so he can drill for oil. Walter overhears this and sets out with Gary and Mary on a quest to reunite the Muppets so they can host a telethon and save the theater.

This film is first and foremost a tribute to everything the Muppets have been at their peak, with a heavy focus on their television roots. Nearly every Muppet who ever appeared on the show, even some who were dropped after the first season, can be spotted and the love for the Muppets oozes over every frame of the film. Writers Segel and Stoller have clearly channeled their love of the Muppets into the super=fan character of Walter. The small yellow humanish puppet is bundle of energy and adoration, perfect as a new addition and also for shining a spotlight on what makes the Muppets so special. His interactions with Segel are also great, with the latter playing the protective brother who feels that Walter can't handle things on his own. The fact that he's pretty much right keeps the concept from being condescending or cliché. Amy Adams channels the same wonderful sincerity that she displayed in "Enchanted" as the loving but somewhat put upon girlfriend of Gary.

For longtime fans of the Muppets there is plenty to love here. First off the original songs are some of the best that have been used since "The Muppet Movie." The opening track of "Life's a Happy Song" will be one movie goers will happily be humming for days after the film. Another welcome return to form is that fact that Kermit is featured front and center, essential sharing the prime spot with Walter. After the premature death of Muppet creator and Kermit performer Jim Henson, the iconic frog was relegated to supporting roles. There seemed to be some fear about featuring Kermit prominently after Henson passed away so other Muppets like Gonzo got top billing and the frog started to fade into the background. This is thankfully not the case as Kermit is back doing what he does best: trying to wrangle his cast of misfits together and get things done.

That brings up how much fun it is for the movie to tie into "The Muppet Show" so closely. The putting on of the telethon allows for a return to so many classic gags and moments from the show that never really made it into the movies. The backstage antics, Fozzie being heckled for his bad jokes, even Skooter telling the performers that they're about to go on stage will warm the heart of any longtime fan. Even for the newer or younger fans who aren't up on the history will still find plenty to love as the film is packed with clever humor. Like the best Muppet movies there are numerous references to the fact that it's all a film which leads to some great moments.

Really the only thing that could be considered a weak point to this is the story. The set up is a bit generic and the progression of events somewhat predictable. However anybody who's paying to see a Muppet movie for tight or unexpected scripting is missing the point. It's actually to the benefit of the film that it's clear where the story is going because that allows the focus to be on the characters and the jokes. The story is in service of the characters, not the other way around. And when dealing with characters this big and this well known that's as it should be.

The humor is spot on and the characters in top form, making this a fun film even for those who only have passing knowledge of these characters. Ultimately though it's a film made by the fans and for the fans, that is who will get the most out of it. But thankfully, unlike most fan oriented entertainment, the fun is never at the exclusion of the wider audience. There's something for everybody here and hopefully it will restore the Muppets to their rightful place in entertainment and in our hearts.

Final Score: 4.5 out of 5