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Over a decade has passed since Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang were last seen on the big screen, but their long-awaited return is a triumph of simplicity in an age where things get overcomplicated far too easily.
Since we last saw the old gang times have moved on. The group have disbanded; Kermit living in a Beverley Hills condo, Miss Piggy now editor of Paris Vogue and Fozzie bear toiling as part of a Muppets tribute act in Reno.
But when co-writer and star Jason Segal (How I Met You Mother, I Love You Man) and his Muppet brother, Walter, discover that the old Muppet theater is soon to be destroyed by a diabolical oil tycoon (Chris Cooper), a plan is hatched to hunt down Jim Henson’s creations and convince them to reunite for a benefit gig and raise the money needed to save the theater.
Cameos, a staple diet from the original Muppets TV show, come in the form of Jack Black (Animal’s sponsor), Emily Blunt and Kirsten Schaal. The lack of big screen icons (George Clooney and Matt Damon were both rumored to be involved) does not dampen the festivities.
There was always a fear that over thirty years after its creation, The Muppets could have been CGI’d for a new generation, but the felt and fur stars still have the ability to captivate an audience in their original form.
The Muppets have stood the test of time for a number of reasons; quality characters, appeal to all ages and an ever growing fan base. Kermit and co have a longevity that most Hollywood stars would kill for.
The Muppets is a happy, family friendly film, packed with chipper songs (Thanks to Flight of the Conchords Bret McKenzie), humour that will keep everybody laughing along and hoping it doesn’t take as long for Disney to dust off the Henson’s stars next time around.