Having grown up watching their films and reruns of their eponymous 1970's variety show, this adult-friendly aspect was what allowed me to still appreciate the adventures of Jim Henson's Muppets by the time I was an adult. Even though the exploits of Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, et al. were always silly, goofy, and other similar adjectives, there was always a sense of self-referential reflexivity and knowing (almost subversive) humor that managed to put a goofy smile on faces of those of us who are beyond elementary school.
And despite Henson's untimely death in 1990, the Muppets (who were purchased by Disney in 2004) stayed strong with a variety of theatrical and made-for-television films, specials, and maintaining their position as a cultural mainstay for children of multiple generations. And thankfully, we get to add one more generation to those exposed to Henson's creations with the simply-titled feature The Muppets, a hilarious, sweet, and highly nostalgic theatrical comeback for Kermit and Company.
Growing up in Smalltown, U.S.A., Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter (performed by Peter Linz) are brothers and close pals, but as they grow up into adults, there's a little problem: while Gary grows to be a normal adult man, Walter remains a Muppet-sized individual. But while growing up, Walter discovered The Muppet Show, becoming it's biggest fan.
In the present day, Gary is planning to celebrate his and his girlfriend Mary's (Amy Adams) ten-year anniversary by going to Los Angeles, and despite Mary's slight reservations, Walter tags along, with hopes of seeing the now defunct Muppet Theater. Walter becomes discouraged to see that the Theater's now a dilapidated, empty relic, and is even more distressed when he hears that evil businessman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) is plotting to take control of the Theater and raze it for the oil deposits that are underneath.
Determined to save the Theater, Walter, Gary, and Mary manage to track down former Muppet host and leader Kermit the Frog (performed by Steve Whitmire). Despite the Muppet crew having broken up and becoming estranged years earlier, Kermit is convinced to try to round up the old gang and broadcast a telethon in an effort to raise $10 million so the Theater can be bought back before the deed expires.
With help from Gary, Mary, and Walter, Kermit recruits old friends such as Fozzie Bear (performed by Eric Jacobson), now a stand-up comic in Reno; the Great Gonzo (performed by Dave Goelz), who currently runs a plumbing empire; and Kermit's old squeeze and current editor of Vogue magazine, Miss Piggy (performed by Eric Jacobson). With time running out, the Muppets do all they can to reignite The Muppet Show and save their old home from Richman's nefarious plans.
Not having appeared on the big screen since 1999's Muppets from Space, it was unclear whether or not the Muppets could make a grand splash into not only cinemas, but also a new generation of children who were unlikely to have been exposed to the characters in the age of iPhones and YouTube (well, unless they were privy to the brilliant Muppets cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" released two years ago). But thankfully, one of the reasons behind the never-aging Muppets' longevity was their ability to adapt to the pop culture, technology and trends of whatever era they inhabited.
Director James Bobin and screenwriters Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller realized this, and as a result successfully managed to meld both nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities into one, big act of what's essentially fanservice to both old fans and new recruits. And it's that tried-and-true sense of idealism that once again gives The Muppets their heart. We get all the requisite life lessons ranging from the importance of friendships (embodied by the Muppets getting the band back together after years of being apart) to being true to yourself (Walter having to decide whether he's man or Muppet).
What's better is that the tone never gets cynical or pessimistic, and instead celebrates the idealism Henson and his creations embraced. The catchy, original musical numbers are top-notch (though a climactic reenactment of the classic "Rainbow Connection" manages to get a wistful lump in the throat, as it did over thirty years ago), the humor is rife with plenty of pop culture references (Gonzo's chickens clucking to Cee-Lo's "F*ck You"? Yes, please) and self-parody, and the performances by both humans and Muppets are absolutely delightful to watch.
Both Segel and Adams do a fine job as the overly chipper couple thrust into the Muppets' predicament, as does the usually stoic Chris Cooper as the dastardly tycoon intent on capitalizing on the Muppet Theater (and breaking out into wholly unexpected gangster rap solos extolling the virtues of cynicism in contemporary society. Trust me, it's hysterical). The various celebrity cameos (a classic Muppet staple) are funny and numerous, including Jack Black as a sponsor for a now-tame Animal in an anger management therapy group, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl as a drummer in a crummy Muppets tribute band, Emily Blunt as Miss Piggy's no-nonsense receptionist, and, natch, Neil Patrick Harris as himself, wondering aloud why he wasn't naturally chosen to host the telethon ceremony.
But the whole flesh-and-blood human element could've been excised entirely, and the film still could've been a blast to watch with just those charming felt puppets on display. It's just a pleasure seeing Kermit and pals back in action and knowing that they're free from the pitfalls of aging and losing relevance. Breathing new life into a beloved franchise without betraying the original heart and soul that made the characters what they are, The Muppets is proof that even though some references may fly over the kiddies' heads, it's a very small price to pay when you can go to a movie that both children and adults can agree upon in terms of sheer entertainment value.
Letter Grade: "A"
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