The Muppets

What started as a small act on a program called "Sam & Friends" shown after the 11 o'clock news in Washington D.C., and subsequently went on to monopolize the Sesame Street program in 1969, has ended up being the entity we have loved since most of us were young. This is of course, is Jim Henson's "The Muppets". The reason Henson created these puppets was to get on TV, and that he succeeded ten-fold! This incarnation is one of many Muppet movies, but the first one in a number of years.

When 3 Muppet fans learn that Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) wants to drill for oil under the Muppet Theater, Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) set out to find the Muppets who have been split up for years-- Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire) lives in his own mansion in Hollywood all the while depressed, Gonzo (voiced by Dave Goetz) ia a high-class plumber at Gonzo's Royal Flush, Fozzie (voiced by Eric Jacobson) performs with a tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy (voiced by Eric Jacobson) is the plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, and Animal (voiced by Eric Jacobson) is at a celebrity anger management rehab center in Santa Barbara. Because of a contingency in the Muppet's deed to the theater, if a certain amount of money isn't paid by a certain deadline, the deed then goes to Richman.

Others to round out the cast are Rashida Jones as Veronica Martin, voice of Bill Barretta as Swedish Chef, Zach Galifianakis as Hobo Joe, Emily Blunt as Miss Piggy's receptionist, Alan Arkin as Tour Guide, and Jack Black as himself.

This was well directed by James Bobin who is a virtual newcomer to feature films. But considering the Muppets come from a huge TV background, which Bobin comes from also, it was a great fit for this TV veteran. It was written by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller based on Jim Henson's brilliant and alive characters. The plot wasn't what I would call original, but I can't help but think that this was purposed, because the whole idea was to bring the Muppets back for a new generation to enjoy. Plot became unimportant as much as seeing Henson's creation intermingling once again on the silver screen, and that alone is worth the price of admission. This film is a film that will be enjoyed and honored by one and all for many years just as with the past projects. Com'on it's The Muppets!

Out of 4 stars: 4                           Rated: PG                       98min.