The Muppets P.P.M.R (Positively Positive Movie Review)

"It's time to play the music,It's time to light the lights. It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight!" We all know that song right? If you grew up knowing a Muppet was your best friend, you know that song. You also probably had a child-like moment of pure joy when you found out that they were making a new movie, The Muppets. Then you stopped and went, oh no, will they be able to capture the same energy as they used to? Will it be another horrible Hollywood "remake" like some of these other travesties? Fear not, this is not another Hollywood butchering of your favorite childhood show.


"It's time to put on makeup,It's time to dress up right.It's time to raise the curtain on the Muppet Show tonight!" Jason Segel, co-writer and one of the stars of the film, promised that this movie would honor everything Jim Henson created and he kept his promise! The film has the same quirky antics, the same lighthearted humor and the same family friendly aspect that The Muppets have always had. This film follows the journey of a new Muppet, Walter, as he and his brother, Gary (Segel) and Gary's girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), try to get the Muppets back together again. Not only does this movie represent a new adventure though, it pays tribute to the past. When the Muppets get back together they all climb in a car for a road trip which is a direct reference to the first movie that tells the story of how the Muppets met. The journey is even complete with Sweetums chasing the car again! After they are together, the Muppets must race to save their studio.

"Why do we always come here,I guess we'll never know. It's like a kind of torture,To have to watch the show!" Yes, Waldorf and Statler are in this movie, heckling the Muppets just like the good ol' days. The whole gang is back, I couldn't think of one character missing. It was great to see how many Muppets have joined the cast over the years. Also joining the cast were some humans, as usual. Jason Segel and Amy Adams do a great job of playing the human support system in the film and their tale mirrors that of Miss Piggy and Kermit. This is the all too familiar story of a couple learning how to show their appreciation of each other. This story-line will be familiar to the adult audience and adds softness to all the humor. Another human in the story is Chris Cooper who plays this film's villain as he tries to take over Muppet Studios.  He does a great job of portraying the larger-than-life type of villain that every Muppet movie needs. This film is also littered with cameos! Look for Jack Black as Animal's anger management sponsor, Zach Galifianakis as Hobo Joe and Emily Blunt as Miss Piggy's receptionist. I won't give away all the surprises but it is clear that many celebrities wanted to honor the Muppets.

"And now let's get things started, Why don't you get things started? It's time to get things started, On the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational...This is what we call the Muppet Show!" And what would any Muppet show be without music? This film has a handful of new songs that have that good old Muppet feel to them. Yes, they are a bit corny but that's part of what make the Muppets amazing. There are also some of the old songs in the film. I don't want to give too much away but yes, you will hear The Rainbow Connection! I was swaying along to the music just as much as the five year old in front of us. I loved it! This movie is a great family film! It is wonderful for those of us who grew up loving the Muppets and it's also a fabulous way to introduce the Muppets to the next generation of viewers.

I left the theater feeling like a five year old again. The only thing was missing was my old Gonzo stuffed animal clutched in my arm. I can't wait to get this on DVD so I can watch it over and over again. This movie can bring a smile to anyone's face. If you haven't seen it yet, go see it! It's worth every penny!

Movie Rating: No sugar needed to sweeten this review.