Cinema Review - The Muppets

They've been missing from our screens for 12 years and finally they are back to conquer yet again. That's right the loveable bunch, The Muppets have returned for another screen outing, out to put laughter back in the aisles and smiles upon faces. And, unsurprisingly, they achieve exactly that. 


We're in Smalltown, USA and introduced to Gary (Jason Segel) and his brother Walter, who just happens to be a Muppet. The brothers are practically joint at the hip, they do everything together and have relied on each other their whole lives. Growing up, they both were massive fans of Kermit The Frog and The Muppets, but Walter's obsession was strongest of all. Possessing all possible memorabilia and constantly watching the shows he could only be described as an uber-fan. 


So, when Gary and his girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams) are set to head off to Los Angeles to celebrate their anniversary it's agreed that Walter join them in order to finally visit the famous Muppet Theatre. Unfortunately upon arrival the theatre is derelict and Walter discovers that it has been sold to evil businessman and oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) who plans to destroy it in order to drill for oil, rather than turn it into a Muppet museum as promised.


Walter, Gary and Mary then find themselves in a situation where they must search out the Muppets in order to  stage one final show to raise $10 million which would save the theatre and keep it as the birthplace of the motley crew. Finding Kermit and persuading him to get the rest of the gang together we are thrust into a world of montages, upbeat musical numbers and a whole lot of Muppet madness for what could be their last ever show!

Director James Bobin knows exactly what his audience expects from the film and without a doubt he delivers in aces. There's no need for a convoluted plot when you have characters like Kermit The Frog and Miss Piggy fronting the show. The film thrives on its bubbly characters and they all serve as perfect companions for this jolly ride. As well as our main characters it's hard not to mention the sheer number of cameo appearances, each contributing wonderfully to add even more star-quality to the proceedings. From Jack Black, to Dave Grohl, to TV comedy stars Donald Glover and Jim Parsons, we have a wide array of talents lending their time to the cause. 


It also wouldn't be fair to write about the film without mentioning the spectacular soundtrack from Flight Of The Conchords' very own Bret McKenzie. With songs such as 'Man Or Muppet' (rightly Oscar-nominated) and 'Life's A Happy Song' his work on the film increases that feel-good factor and hopefully we will experience more of his work in the very near future. 


A welcome return to screen for adults and children alike, The Muppets always capture the hearts of the nation and this is no exception. A simple premise is all that's needed for what is essentially a feel-good movie of epic proportions. The musical numbers are stellar, each character is as captivating as the next and a whole host of cameos show that The Muppets still have the appeal that they possessed so many years ago.


Film rating: 4 F's out of 5