The lovable, strange creatures created by Jim Henson are back. “The Muppets” is the first theatrical release featuring the puppets in a dozen years. But not everyone has been pleased by the prospect of their return. Directed by the co-creator of “Da Ali G Show” and co-written by a guy who works with Judd Apatow, the movie had its skeptics before it even finished filming — including Franz Oz, the voice that created Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. Let me say: “The Muppets” is an affectionate homage to the characters those of us of a certain age know and love.
In fact, the film seems made for us, not a new generation of fans. Look at the names of some of the celebrities who make cameo appearances in the film: Dave Grohl, Zach Galifianakis, Neil Patrick Harris, James Carville, Jack Black and Sarah Silverman. Would anyone under the age of 35 recognize the face of Mickey Rooney? A Muppet barbershop quartet performs Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” A bunch of chickens do a version of Cee-Lo’s recent naughty song,
| Onscreen |
| ‘The Muppets’ |
| 3 out of 4 stars |
| Stars: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper |
| Director: James Bobin |
| Rated: PG for some mild rude humor |
| Running time: 98 minutes |
Children will still enjoy the film: This is “The Muppets,” after all. But it’s the Generation X-ers who will feel the magic when more than halfway through the film — finally! — the famous television theme song is played. Yes, the Muppets really are “the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational” pieces of pop culture.
“You’re relics, Muppets. The world has moved on,” growls Tex Richman, the (completely unoriginal) villain played by Chris Cooper. But we know he’s wrong. Still, the Muppets have to raise $10 million to prove it, or he’s going to raze their theater to drill for oil. But first they have to reassemble.
That’s where the humans come in. It’s Jason Segel (the aforementioned co-writer), his brother Walter (a new, unfortunately boring Muppet) and Amy Adams who inform Kermit of the oilman’s plans. He has to get the group back together. Miss Piggy is in Paris, the plus-size editor of French Vogue (with Emily Blunt as her assistant). Fozzie Bear is the only real Muppet in a low-rent tribute band. Animal is in rehab for anger management.
The characters have changed some, but the filmmakers mostly show them respect. “Rainbow Connection,” sung by Kermit in 1979’s “The Muppet Movie,” is here. But the new musical numbers in this film really shine. Bret McKenzie from “Flight of the Conchords” has written some delightful songs, including one in which both Segel and Walter ask, “Am I a man or a Muppet?” It’s not clear to this Gen X-er which I’d rather be.
