Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Movie review - "The Muppets" (2011) ****

A brilliantly successful to update the old franchise (a horrid word but appropriate nonetheless). They really pulled it off - it explains why the Muppets were important for a new generation, the characters are treated with respect but not reverence, the new songs and gags are really good, there's some great oldies, including 'The Rainbow Connection' and 'We Built This City on Rock and Roll', and a genuinely uplifting ending. I even liked Walter, the new muppet guy - they've learned from Pixar to give new characters decent backstory; after seeing what Walter went through growing up (wanting to grow, only feeling at home when he saw the Muppets) you are totally on his side.

All the fate of the Muppets make sense - Kermit lonely in a mansion, Fozzie playing Reno, Gonzo making a fortune in plumbing, Scooter at google, Ralph doing nothing, Piggy at Vogue, Sam the Eagle as a news reader. Jason Segel and Amy Adams are perfect for this sort of movie - they are muppets too in their way.

The plot embraces the spirit of the show and the first Muppet Movie. The voice work wasn't as good as the original (maybe it was as good - it just sounded too different for me that's all) and maybe the story could have done with a bit more logic (making fun of the fact the logic was weak doesn't quite make up for it). But it was wonderful.

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