The Muppets

The Muppets is the latest release in the Muppets film series, the last film, Muppets from Space, being released 12 years ago. It was written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller, directed by James Bobin, and stars Jason Segal, Amy Adams, Rashida Jones, Chris Cooper, and the Muppets.



I'm an 18 year old university student. Needless to say, I don't really watch the Muppets, I didn't grow up with them in their prime, and I don't know much about them. I of course know of Kermit and Miss Piggy, but aside from them, I didn't really know offhand of any other Muppets, aside from Animal, simply because he is essentially Keith Moon: the Muppet. Going into this film, I had heard the critical praise, and knew that I'd have a good time. It's a musical comedy revival of a popular puppet series. This wouldn't have been made if it was bad.

And luckily, we have one of the most heartwarming films of this year. Despite the fact that I really don't know much about the Muppets, I found myself shedding a few tears at some points. The basic plot concerns Walter (performed by Peter Linz), who is essentially a Muppet, and his brother, Gary (Jason Segal), and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams). For Gary and Mary's anniversary, they take a trip to L.A., with Walter tagging along, as he is a large fan of the Muppets, and wants to visit the Muppet Theater. There, he discovers that an oil magnate, Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), wants to buy the Theater and drill underneath it for oil. Walter finds Kermit the Frog (performed by Steve Whitmire), and they start to get the Muppets back together to put on teleethon to raise $10 million, what they need in order to save the Theater.

Even if you don't know much about the Muppets, you'll enjoy this film. It's got great and catchy songs, tremendously hilarious jokes, and a slew of cameos that will keep you laughing for hours after the film ends. And here's a list of my 3 favourite cameos from this film:
3. Alan Arkin as the tour guide
2. Mickey Rooney (yes, THE Mickey Rooney) as a resident of Smalltown
1. Dave Grohl as Animool (a member of the Moopets, a Muppets knock off)
 The only real problem I have with the film is a bit of a cop-out ending, but it's forgivable. The film is a true heartfelt love letter to the Muppets. I never knew that Jason Segal was such a big Muppets fan, but I'm glad he is, as he knows the best way to handle them, and how to make them famous again. Kudos, Jason Segal.

Overall, I highly recommend this film to everyone, Muppet fan or not. I give this film a 9.5/10.

Manamana.