Film Review: The Muppets

Director: James Bobin

The Muppets were revived by Jason Segel who helped write and produce the movie but already confirmed that he wouldn't take part in a sequel saying that he achieved his goal of bringing The Muppets back. It is the first theatrical release in 12 years and sees a huge list of cameos by famous actors and musicians. It has also become the first Muppet movie to win an Oscar which was for Best Original Song "Man or Muppet".

Walter and his brother Gary (Jason Segel)

Walter is a man born as a Muppet and always dream of seeing the Muppets even though they haven't performed together in years. He gets the chance to go to Los Angeles and see the Muppet theatre when his brother Gary (Jason Segel, superb) agrees he can go with him and his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams). At the dilapidated theatre tour they realise that an oil tycoon called Tex Richman (Chris Cooper who performs an amazing rap) is planning to buy the studios and tear it down to mine for oil. So Walter convinces Gary and Mary to help him get the Muppets back together to save the theatre by raising the $10million they need.

Jason Segel is brilliant as the conflicted Gary who can't decide between being with his girlfriend Mary and helping his brother Walter. All the characters that people love are back and I think the back story for Animal was by far the funniest when Walter, Gary and Mary go on a road trip with Kermit to round up the whole gang. Look out for Gonzo shutting his business down, Chris Cooper's rap and Fozzie bear's new gig.

The legendary Miss Piggy and Kermit the frog

The laughs come for both kids and adults with some more subtle jokes breaking the fourth wall so it is certainly a film that adults can enjoy watching with their kids. It was a safe choice in terms of plot and humour but there are a few clever jokes to keep you entertained amongst the to be expected stuff. There are even some chirpy upbeat songs to help along the way, if you don't feel happy and fuzzy inside afterwards then I would get a check-up.

3/4 Segel does a great job bringing the muppets back