It really, really is.
Here’s Ron’s review…
Smalltown, USA, is an idyllic setting.
You see, Gary is human, but Walter is a Muppet.
In spite of everything, theyre as close as brothers.
This extends into adulthood.
Walter idolizes the Muppets, and all he wants is to see the famous Muppet Theater.
The Muppet Theater is a wreck, condemned by the city and in complete shambles.
The Muppets are nowhere to be found, the group having split up years ago.
Theres only one person who can stop Tex: Kermit the Frog.
The Muppetsis a sheer joy to watch, because it feels like a labour of love.
And it is love, at least for Jason Segel.
And now hes getting his chance to do his thing with the real, actual Muppets.
Segel and his screenwriting partner Nick Stoller really nail a pitch-perfect Muppet movie.
Its sweet and earnest, but it never takes itself too seriously and loves to break the fourth wall.
There are some tear-worthy moments of sentimentality and sweetness, and then there are some big belly laughs.
It has aConchordsfeel to it at points, which isnt a bad thing.
The movies new songs (fromFlight Of The Conchordsperformer/writer/etc.
Bret McKenzie) provoke chuckles and giggles while having that Muppet feel.
However, dont mistake the joy for simple nostalgia.
Segel, Stoller, and Bobin have taken the traditional Muppet formula and reinvigorated it.
The Muppets feel fresh again (even Fozzies terrible jokes).
After all, thats kind of how its been for them in recent years.
The Muppets have personalities, and where theyve been while off-screen reflects that.
Cooper is appealingly broad as a villain, and hes got a great voice.
As for Segel, he just projects this earnestness and sweetness and kindness.
Gary cares about Mary, and he cares about Walter even when no one else would.
The cameos are spread throughout the movie and a great deal of fun.
As a humanoid Muppet in a humans world, he works as a great fish out of water.
Theyre the bizarre world version of a Muppet reboot (and are possibly mocking Pepe the King Prawn).
The Muppetsis a rollicking good time.
It feels like a Muppet movie should, equal parts anarchy and sentiment.
Instead, it takes the Muppets and revitalizes them for new adventures that are hopefully yet to come.
The Muppets dont need reinventing; theyre timeless.
Rating:
4 out of 5
