The Muppetsis a comedy film based on the well-known puppet characters created by Jim Henson.  This post-Henson production focuses a muppet named Walter and his human brother Gary, played by Jason Segel.  When Walter tags along with Gary and his girlfriend Mary, played by Amy Adams, to L.A. in hopes of meeting his heros, he not only finds that the muppet studios is abandoned but that a wealthy oil tycoon named Tex Richman, played by Chris Cooper, plans to destroy the studio to drill for oil.  The Muppets takes the veiwer on a hilarious and touching journey as Walter and Gary attempt to bring the muppets back together for a telathon to raise ten million dollars to save the Muppet Theater from Richman.  The film was written by star Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek, Yes Man), and is the first film directed by James Dobin (The Flight of The Chonchords and Da Ali G Show).  The Muppets is the highest grossing muppet film to date. 

For me, there are two types of muppets.  Jim Henson era muppets, and post-Jim Henson era muppets.  The difference between the two is that Jim Henson era muppets are consistently funny and you can’t really go wrong with any episode or film, but post-Jim Henson era muppets always seem to be hit or miss.  Like take Muppets in Space for example: that movie was TERRIBLE.  But luckily, after the last theatrical muppet release 12 years earlier, The Muppets proves that the lovable puppets are still alive and well almost 20 years after their creators death. 

This is a well-crafted family comedy with a witty sense of humor and a sensative side.  The leads, Segel and Adams, are both charming and likable.  And there is a cornucopia of celebrity appearances from names such as Zach Galifinakis, Neil Patrick Harris, Rashida Jones, Jack Black, and the list goes on.  But what really makes this movie great is how the clever story line meshes together with the catchy sound track and solid choreography.  I dare anyone to watch The Muppets and not smile once.  Great to see the gang back together again.

And what other movie do you get to see Chris Cooper rap in?  I mean, c’mon!

Favorite quotes from the film:

• “Hold it right there, sausage-snout!”
• “Hey guys, check it out, fart shoes!”
• “It’s an idiom, you idiot!”

Is it worth seeing?  Yes! 

EMP Rating: 8/10

EK