Today’s quick review: The Muppet Movie. Inspired by a run-in with an agent, Kermit the Frog leaves his swamp to travel to Hollywood, where he plans to break into show business. Along the way, he makes a bevy of new friends who join him on his journey, including Fozzie Bear, the Great Gonzo, and Miss Piggy. But their trip runs into trouble when Doc Hopper (Charles Durning), a sleazy fast food magnate, tries to make Kermit his mascot against his will.
The Muppet Movie is a classic family comedy that tells the story of how the Muppets got their start. It is a road movie at heart, following Kermit and friends on an eventful journey across the United States to get to Hollywood. The Muppet Movie establishes the template that later Muppet movies would follow, and it remains one of the best takes on the Muppet formula. Silly gags, heartfelt songs, lovable characters, and celebrity cameos abound.
The Muppet Movie does an excellent job of mingling humor and heart. The jokes never let up for long: no sooner has one bit of wordplay, character humor, or puppet-based slapstick passed by than something new arrives to take its place. Even more impressive is the fact that nearly all of the jokes hit their mark. Those who dislike the Muppets’ style of comedy won’t find much to entertain them, but fans will find themselves laughing from start to finish.
The Muppet Movie also has a surprisingly solid emotional core. The story is almost entirely free of real drama, but the few dramatic moments it has are simple, heartfelt, and resonant. The songs go a long way towards setting the tone of the movie. Some are upbeat, catchy, and packed with jokes, while others are slower, sentimental, and subtly poetic. The Muppet Movie wears its heart on its sleeve, and its pure, uncomplicated emotions are refreshing.
Watch The Muppet Movie when you’re in the mood for something funny, heartwarming, and carefree. It’s a must-see for fans of the Muppets and an excellent choice for fans of light comedy in general. Skip it if you prefer darker humor. For another Muppet movie with a more adventurous tone, try Muppet Treasure Island. For one with a similar premise, try The Mupppets Take Manhattan. For a madcap road comedy, try It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it an 8.0 for high quality and enduring charm.