The Muppets (2011)

The boys have been taking turns watching the newest Muppet movie on demand.  When they first saw the commercials for it, they were not sure about whether they wanted to see it.  J did persist in asking about watching the film.  When I saw that it was on Starz (which we currently have), I decided to put it on for him.  J and R joined us and were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed it.  P, who had expressed no desire to watch it seemed a bit disappointed that we hadn’t invited him to ‘the viewing.’  So, he had a movie afternoon with J the other day and decided that he also liked the film.

The Plot~

Walter and his brother, Gary, live in Smalltown (which has a very idealic 50s feel.)  Walter has been a huge Muppets fan for years and is beyond thrilled when Gary springs the trip of a lifetime (Hollywood) on him.  Going on the journey is Gary’s long time girlfriend, Mary, as they will be celebrating 10 years as a couple. 

When they arrive in Hollywood, they make the pilgrimage to Muppet Studios.  This is where Walter overhears that the studio will be sold to a Tex Richman, an oil magnate, unless the Muppets come up with $10 million.

Walter, Gary and Mary enlist the help of Kermit the Frog who decides a benefit performance is the only way to save Muppet Studios.  Together, they go on a road trip (occasionally travelling by map!) to reunite the Muppets in time for the big fundraiser. 

Of course, things remain looking grim for the Muppets as the start of the benefit has almost no on in the audience and the phones silent.  The only thing ‘going’ for them is a kidnapped Jack Black who’s pleas for help are interpreted as part of the act which then gets people calling and coming to the theater.

Tex Richman won’t go down easily and with the help of his henchmen, they cut the power to Muppet Studios in an attempt to stop the benefit.  In the end, good triumphs over evil and all is right in the world.

Our Thoughts~

Of all the Muppet movies we’ve watched (which is all of them!), this is by far the closest feel to the beloved Muppet Show.   You’ve got the celebrity guests and the silly songs.  In this movie, you also have a few musical numbers with catchy tunes and fun dances.

While there is the good versus bad struggle in the plot, everything is kept quite family friendly.  Even without anything very ‘adult’ in the film, the adults in your family might find themselves enjoying the film and reminiscing of watching the Muppets many moons ago.

I’m thinking we need to find some of the original Muppet shows to watch now.  We might watch a few of the other Muppet movies with J as well, although I don’t expect him to enjoy them nearly as much as this one.

Have you seen the latest Muppet movie?  Did you enjoy it, too?