The Muppets

November 28, 2011

It's time to play the music. It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets...

As a child of the 80s who grew up with Sesame Street, reruns of the classic Muppet Show, and a love for all things created by the wonder that was Jim Henson, I was a little wary of a return of the Muppets to the silver screen.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Muppets (a lot) and perhaps that's why I was so anxious to see them in their new movie, The Muppets, which opened Thanksgiving weekend. These guys were a huge part of my childhood and I'll admit, some of their more recent (post-Henson's death) attempts at movies in the late 90s onward just didn't capture the same heart as the classic ones. So, it was with great worry and low expectations that I went to see this movie...

And, as you will be pleased to hear, all my worries were in vain. This movie is an amazing homage to all fans of the Muppets, those of us with VHS tapes with our favorite shows and specials, people who can't hear the song Rainbow Connection without a tear in their eye, and even those nerdy enough to know which Muppet is the one named Thog.

With an amazing setup that not only makes nods to all the history the Muppets have, yet successfully introduces all our favorites to the new generation of fans, this movie is a feel-good, leave-the-theatre-smiling type of show. It has a whole lot of heart as you follow the adventures of Walter and Gary (two brothers, one Muppet and one human) as they go to Los Angeles. Gary's out to treat his girl, Mary, to a wonderful time for their anniversary, but that gets derailed when Walter finds out that there is a plan to destroy the old Muppet Studios and theater. Now it's up to this ragtag trio from Smalltown to find Kermit and the rest of the gang and get them back together in time to save the day.

Including an amazing soundtrack with catchy new songs and a lot of our favorite Muppet standards, you'll be humming or singing the songs inside your head for weeks to come (I know I am!). Needless to say, this movie is a wonderful and great addition to the Muppet film history. I hope you'll all go check it out!

Jennie V.
South Independence Branch