The Muppets - MD Review

“It’s time to start the music…” yadder, yadder you get the drift. I recently caught up with the Muppet’s last big screen adventure Muppets From Space which was highly dubious to say the least. So, despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews of The Muppets, having been 8 years old when the Muppet Show started and having a lifelong affinity I went into this movie with some trepidation.

Essentially – it was a triumph. A full-bodied throwback to the early shows with loads of references to past glories but, hopefully, enough goofiness and originality to appeal to anyone. All the original characters were there (some just milling about in the background in that classic Muppet way) doing the same skits with the usual varying degrees of success.

Story wise – it’s a "road" / "48 hours to save the theatre" movie. A loose framework on which to hang the gags. And don’t worry if the odd gag misfires there’s another along in a minute.

To their credit the human leads play it straight and even Jack Black is watchable.

It was wonderful to see such essentially low-tech filmmaking being able to astound and entertain. Highlights included the Swedish Chef disposing of waste food, Miss Piggy leading a kidnap, 80’s robot (modem) and singing chickens.

And you have to check this out….

                                    

So, am I a Man or a Muppet? …….

                                           

…I’m happy to be both if the return is this much fun.

Score 8/10