BY MIKEY MIGO
Like many folks, I was fortunate enough to grow up with The Muppets in my life. As a kid it was just a fun world. The old shows, the movies, stuff on “Sesame Street”, and I’d love watching the “Muppet Babies” cartoon. When they announced a new movie. I was worried they’d make it a big CGI 3D crap-fest that seems to be a recurring theme. They stuck to the true tone and look of things. Awesome. The story was cool. The Muppet Theatre is being closed so Kermit, with the help of a new fanboy Muppet, go on a “Blues Brother”-like “round up the old gang for a big show” storyline. I can’t hate that. It brought everyone back together in some really funny situations. Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, The band, Swedish Chef, Rowlf, Beaker, and the whole gang was present. The characters were sharp and the story was fun and easy to follow. As always, The Muppets need their “token humans”. In this movie the “token humans” were Jason Segal, brother of new Muppet “Walter”, and his girlfriend played by Amy Adams. I’ve been a fan of Jason Segal for a while now. He shows up in movies that I typically enjoy. Sure there has been a few less-than-awesome things pop up, but all in all he’s a welcomed presence in movies and television. The same can pretty much be said for Amy Adams. I’ve not dug all her movies, but never because of her. The executive character is played by the glorious Rashida Jones. It was different to see her play a snappy-business type of persona. She did a better Jane Lynch than Jane Lynch would have. Chris Cooper plays the evil “Tex Richman” in an intimidating, but never really too scary, kind of way. I think the character could have been a bit more over the top. I know it’s a kid’s movie, but I’m not asking for the second coming of Heath Ledger’s “Joker” or anything. It was a really “subdued evil”. It didn’t ruin the experience. Between these performances and tons of little cameos it was a fun ride. The story was just right, the Muppets were kept in true tact, the “token humans” were awesome, and it was just a fun time. If making a fun movie was their objective then they succeeded. If you’re an older fan or a younger fan, this is a movie you’ll enjoy. If not, you’re not doing it right. B
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