Starring: Jason Segal, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper
Director: James Bobin
Rating: 5/5
Every now and again, something comes along and becomes a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences young and old. While The Simpsons and Harry Potter may be the most obvious choices now, the Muppets reigned before either of them.
This weird, musical, puppet presented variety show had movie stars, musicians and Presidents battling for a slot on stage with a small green frog named Kermit and his banjo. Multiple films, albums and lunchboxes followed, but somewhere along the way, the Muppets lost their superstar status.
But now, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and the gang return to our screens in what might be the happiest film committed to celluloid in many a moon.
This adventure centres on brothers Gary (Jason Segal) and Walter, who just happens to be a muppet. The two are lifelong fans of Kermit and his mob, and make a plan to visit the Muppet studios in LA, along with Gary's long-term squeeze Mary (Amy Adams).
They find the old studios in a dilapidated state though, as the Muppets haven't performed in years and have lost their place in the world. Walter then hears the scheming of oil-tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), who having bought the studios plans to tear them down and drill for oil.
Distraught at the news, Walter must find the reclusive Kermit and convince him to get the gang back together to rescue their spiritual home.
While the premise may be the same as countless TV specials, it's rarely been executed better.
Self-knowing and brilliantly paced, The Muppets take this plain start and makes it into nostalgia-fuelled magic. Helped by a fantastic script, filled with more laughs than you may think possible, The Muppets is a giggle-fest for all ages.
The numerous songs not only keep up their side of the bargain, but are faultless throughout. Unexpected, pitch perfect and hilarious, they make this a complete comedy package, thanks to the brilliant work of Bret McKenzie.
Jason Segal and Amy Adams light up the screen as well, both clearly having a whale of a time. Sunny, expressive and with great chemistry, they're a delight throughout.
Chris Cooper is on fantastic form too, mixing his snarling best villains with whip-smart timing to make Richman more than just a pantomime heel.
Co-writer and creative catalyst Jason Segal's love for his felt co-stars shines through, transforming what could have been a snarky pastiche into a beautifully weighted love note to Jim Henson. It's this tone that makes the film great, retaining the classic meta-humour of the old films that works just as well now as it did decades ago.
Overall, The Muppets is a wonderful film that will leave you smiling and singing for days after the credits end.
The Muppets is out now.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in Amy Adams The Muppets Jason Segal