The Muppets (2011)

The world hasn't seen a proper Muppet movie for a long while. If I recall correctly, 'Muppets from Space' was the last major cinematic appearance from our loveable, felt-faced friends. Because of this, old fans had to take to re-watching old episodes of the Muppet Show, and there is no greater nostalgia delivered then that of what the opening tune gives us. However, inevitably all good things must come to an end; there is only so many times you can watch the same episode over and over again. This is where the 2011 movie simply titled ‘The Muppets’ makes its grand entrance. A movie which children of today can enjoy, and a movie that releases the inner child of the adults who grew up with Henson’s masterpiece. The boundless enthusiasm displayed by our insane, loveable creatures knows no bounds, as this movie really does ignite a warm fuzzy feeling within you.

The story is based upon quite a simple plot line, which makes the movie easier to follow for younger audiences. It centres around Walter, a puppet who bears a similar resemblance to the Muppets. He lives with his human brother Gary (played by the writer himself, Jason Segel) and Gary's rather placid girlfriend. They go to LA for a holiday, and Walter decides to tag along. The three visit the Muppet studios, where they discover the heinous villain Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), has been sold the derelict studios. Richman plans on destroying the former stomping grounds of the Muppets in order to get to the oil underneath. Being such sentimental fans, they inform Kermit of his intentions and he eventually agrees to help save the studio. However, in order to do so, they must get the old gang back together and put on a fundraiser show to raise $10 million.

This movie for me was certainly something special. In the beginning it is a though the Muppets know that they have faded into the background. They haven't been around in a while and so people have forgotten them. Nevertheless, the pure resilience of the Muppets is something to be admired. No matter how long they fade into the background, they always strike back twice as hard as before. This is seen in the movie, as when the plot slowly develops, we see the Muppets trying to restore themselves to their former glory. They know they are no longer famous, but by a bit of hard work (and a few show numbers!) they once again manage to rise to fame.

Going back to basics is what made this movie so special. Past movies of the Muppets have not been entirely traditional. We've had A Muppets Christmas carol, Muppets from Space and Muppets take Manhatten etc. All of these were arguably good movies, but they lacked the traditionalism of the Muppet's former days. By Putting on a show for the fundraiser, they have given their fans a taste of their childhood, and completely restored their image. I rate this film five stars, for giving me the greatest sense of Muppety-nostalgia I have ever experienced.