The Muppets
The Muppets stars Jason Segel – additionally the co-writer of the screenplay which turns out to be not only amusing but, with characters constantly referencing to the film they are in, also stays true to the spirit and charm of their iconic TV series of the seventies and eighties. Ironically though the film is a throwback to that time, the motif is more fifties than the “Me” generation. Segel is Gary of no fixed last name from Smallville USA as is his adored brother Walter (Peter Linz). While Gary grows in the normal fashion Walter remains just under the height needed for midway rides. Close ties with Gary keep melancholy over this at bay from Wayne but when his brother introduces him to a VHS tape of The Muppets Show, Wayne finds true kindred spirits - he also being an animated composite of felt and foam rubber. Vying for Wayne’s brotherly love is Mary (Amy Adams), Gary’s girlfriend who has a romantic Las Angeles tenth anniversary planned at long last for just the two of them. Predictably that turns into a crowd when Wayne is invited – I mean how could Gary leave him behind when L.A. is the home of Muppet Studios? However Wayne’s euphoria is dashed when Muppet Studios turns out to be a dump, all primed for oil exploration by the oily Tex Richman (Chris Cooper). So how can Gary and Mary help Walter save the studio from Mr. drill baby drill? Of course, re-launch The Muppet Show for a telethon! Easier said than done since all of those cherished Henson characters are either in therapy or have moved on to other businesses – but a necessary show none the less because otherwise “this would be a very short movie” as they say in this movie. Also necessary is a host of celebrity cameos like a very unwilling Jack Black along with Alan Arkin, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong, Jim Parsons, Sarah Silverman, Emily Blunt, James Carville, Whoopi Goldberg, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, Judd Hirsch, John Krasinski and Mickey Rooney. This movie may be a little long for its target audience but any fidgeting should be mitigated by lots of songs and a riot of colour.