The Muppets are back and better than ever. Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang are forced back into action when they learn about a business man’s evil scheme to tear down their beloved theatre. They are brought together by three die- hard Muppet fans: Walter, Gary and Mary.
The trio takes a trip to Los Angeles to celebrate Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary’s (Amy Adams) 10th anniversary with Walter as the third wheel. Walter, the most devoted fan of the three, persuades his brother and Mary to visit the Muppet Studios. He sneaks into Kermit’s old office and finds himself unintentionally eavesdropping on Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), a famous oil tycoon, and his associates discussing their plan to rip down the theatre to collect the oil that dwells underneath the infamous building. The gang must raise $10 million in order to save their theatre, and the only way to do that is to put on a show. But first, Kermit must find all his old friends and convince them back into show business.
The Muppets have all split up and are now living very different lives. Kermit finds Fozzie Bear working in a run-down bar trying to pursue a solo career, and Gonzo the bitter CEO of a toilet factory. He collects the rest of his family through an ingenious movie montage, which is just one of the hilarious moments that are scattered throughout the film. The humor was a breath of fresh air compared to the usual inappropriate wit that is seen in other films. I found this especially surprising since the writer, Segel, recently wrote himself a full frontal break-up scene in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.”
Moreover, while the humor is one of the most appealing aspects of the film, there are many heartwarming messages to be learned through it as well, such as the importance of family, friendship, and devotion. Fans are reassured that the bonds of friendship between the Muppets are everlasting and not affected over time or distance.
The film successfully brings our favorite characters back in the best way possible. It was not made to replace earlier films but to play tribute to them. It retells the history of the Muppets and sets the tone for a possible future as well.
This film offers something for fans of all ages. The humor is age appropriate and the musical numbers are extremely catchy; however, Adams was a bit awkward throughout many of them, and I sometimes felt myself feeling a bit of second-hand embarrassment for her during those scenes. Interestingly enough Segel wrote the character for Adams after seeing her in “Enchanted.”
My only other complaint about the film is the certain unexplained circumstances, like how Walter and Gary are brothers when Walter is a Muppet and Gary is a human. Also, how and why did the Muppets decide to break up in the first place? What happened between Miss Piggy and Kermit? Despite minor annoyances, I cannot imagine anyone with a heart not enjoying this film! Audiences will certainly leave the theatre in high spirits and praying for a sequel.
Liz Thompson is a third-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at ET715984@wcupa.edu.