Geek Syndicate
montage we see how they both came to be huge Muppet fans with Walter becoming their number one fan. The film gets going when Gary invites Walter along to Los Angeles where he is celebrating his tenth anniversary with his girlfriend Mary. While visiting the nearly derelict Muppets Studios they stumble upon a plot to flatten the studio and dig for oil. Tracking down Kermit the Frog they hatch a plan to get the whole gang back and put on a special Muppet Show Telethon to raise the $10 million to save the studio. What follows is a fun montage of getting the band back together, think Blues Brothers and we get some cool music numbers until we are ready to start rehearsals for the telethon. Will they save their studio? Will they put the show on? Will Kermit and Miss Piggy finally find happiness? You just have to wait and see. the bad guy is Chris Cooper who is just evil enough that you can enjoy booing and hissing him. The studio executive who gives Kermit a chance is Rashida Jones. Filling in as the traditional Muppet Show celebrity host is non other than Jack Black. As with any Muppet movie there is a whole host of cameos and all deliver. The movie is directed by James Bobin, in what is perhaps his biggest film to date. A few things impress me with Bobin, not only is he British which is a bold statement to be given one of America’s iconic franchises properties but he was instrumental in creating Ali G, Borat and Bruno so his humour is aimed normally at a more adult audience but here he did an amazing job of creating the perfect family friendly humour level. The film would not work without the brilliant story and script Nicholas Stoller and cast member Jason Segal. As previously mentioned Segal is a huge Muppet fan and it shows as this was by far the cleverest one of the bunch and it is possibly even the equal of The Muppets Christmas Carol in quality. The jokes are excellent with so many laugh-out-loud moments you cannot help but be swept up in the magic of this film. The real stars of the film are, of course, the Muppets who all look great and it reminds you why you fell in love with them when you were younger and why you tuned into the show every week to see what would happen this time. My only gripe (and it is a small one) is that the story of Animal is a good idea but wasted here.
This is a perfect comeback for the great Muppets and it should be essential viewing for everyone who needs a laugh in their life. Welcome back Kermit and Co. You have been sorely missed.
Christophe Montoya
GS Rating:
GGGGG
The main cast consists of Jason Segal who also wrote the film (and is a self confessed Muppets nut) as Gary the loving human brother who will do anything for his little brother Walter. Amy Adams brings a sweet innocent vibe to Mary while channelling some of her Enchanted sweetness. Playing
63