It’s not easy being a Muppets fan. It took 12 years to make another movie after Muppets From Space and while 2011’s The Muppets was an enjoyable movie, it wasn’t worth waiting 12 years for. Only two and a half years later and we have Muppets Most Wanted. Even though the trailers weren’t promising, it’s hard not to get excited for a Muppet movie. And this is one worth getting excited for. From the opening number to the end credits, Muppets Most Wanted is a funny and unbelievably entertaining flick. It has its problems, but if you’re a Muppet fan then it’s time to play the music and light the lights because this is the best Muppet movie in decades.
After returning in the 2011 movie, the Muppets hire a new manager named Domenic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who suggests the colorful gang go on a world tour. What the Muppets don’t know is that Domenic is working with Constantine, a criminal frog who just escaped from prison who looks exactly like Kermit, who trades places with Kermit (putting the frog we all know and love behind bars) so they can carry out their evil schemes.
While the plot isn’t as interesting or heart-wrenching as the 2011 movie, it certainly keeps a steady pace and will keep all ages entertained. Of course, that ridiculous plot opens up lots of comedic opportunities. Not all the jokes hit, but a large amount do and I was laughing throughout the entire movie. I’m not talking chuckles either, I’m talking laugh out loud moments.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQiGyBiNjLI[/youtube]
Most of the laughter was from the absurdity of everything on screen rather than the written jokes (which are quite funny at times), but that’s certainly not a bad thing. Adults, don’t expect a lot of jokes for you in the movie, but you’ll certainly find joy and laughter in the celebrity cameos and the ridiculousness of the plot.
The music is also a joy to have. Bret McKenzie, who won an Oscar for writing a song for the 2011 Muppet movie, returns writing most of the songs for this film. Aside from the hilarious, catchy, and all around phenomenal opening number, the songs aren’t memorable (which is a problem I had with the 2011 Muppet movie). The songs certainly aren’t bad, but you’re not going to be running out and buying the soundtrack.
Also, the Muppets weren’t used that well in this film. A few Muppets get the spotlight, but a lot are hardly in the movie. It’s understandable considering the huge amount of Muppets out there, but some of the cameos had more screentime than Muppets like Gonzo, Rowlf, Swedish Chef, the Electric Mayhem crew, and Statler and Waldorf. It was a little disappointing.
THE VERDICT
Muppets Most Wanted has its issues. Some of the humor didn’t work, most of the songs are forgettable, and I could’ve used more Muppets, but this is still an unbelievably enjoyable flick that Muppet fans should definitely check out. The plot is fun, the music (while forgettable) was nice to have, and the humor that did work had me cracking up. It’s a movie deserving of your cash.
