137 reviews
When The Muppets came out in 2011 people really liked it and therefore a sequel was made. The sequel Muppets Most Wanted was not as successful as it's predecessor. It wasn't as much a financial hit and people didn't dig it as much and it seems like The Muppets are back to the way they were after Muppets From Space. I actually really loved Muppets Most Wanted. At the time I thought it was better than The Muppets and in ways it is. The jokes are smarter. The songs are better and it feels more like a traditional Muppet movie than it's predecessor but this movie is not without it's flaws. The flaws are that Walter has more screen time than Gonzo and even Fozzie. That's just wrong! And the humans need to take a huge backseat to the Muppets. Tina Fey more than Ricky Gervais and Ty Burrell. Overall I think this is a great Muppet movie but it's so depressing how underrated it is. I hope this is not the end of The Muppets on the big screen. I'm an aspiring actor and filmmaker, maybe I should be like Jason Segel and try to bring them back if nobody else does. Even then I've always wanted to make a Muppet movie.
So, I saw it last night... and as much as I enjoyed it, something seemed missing. For a devoted fan like me, I believe the missing piece was the emotional impact that many of the great Muppet movies have had. Don't get me wrong, MMW was definitely fun, and I highly recommend it to anyone with kids, to keep the legacy alive. There was plenty of in-joke meta humor, sight-gags, visual puns (Christoph Waltz cameos as himself, dancing the Waltz with a bear), like the last one (and so many before that), which I love. There were references to previous movies (including nice plot AND song callbacks to The Muppets Take Manhattan - one of my favorite Muppet movies ever), and characters (Rizzo and Kermit's nephew Robin get a fun moment). And maybe it's just because the first movie of the Muppets reboot was SO damn good, and contained such incredible levels of nostalgia, but for long-time fans like myself, MMW didn't connect with me quite as well.
One big missing piece of the puzzle from the last movie, though, is Jason Segel. Even though this was written by Nicholas Stoller, Segel's writing partner in the first movie, the dialogue and the jokes sometimes fell a little flat. Segel's obvious deep-seeded love and fandom of the Muppets showed through in his script, and that same level of love wasn't here. Plus, Segel as Gary in the first movie, just brought a lot of on- screen fun with him. But of course, I understand that the Muppets don't typically have any permanent human counterparts, so if he had just continued writing on this one, I'd have been happy.
The songs were cute and fun, but nothing here nearly compares to the last film's soundtrack. Nothing catchy enough to stay in my head, like 'Man or Muppet' or 'Life's a Happy Song' were. No emotional punch like 'Pictures in My Head' was. I'm afraid that Bret McKenzie will not likely be able to continue his streak of Best Song Oscars. One of the more fun musical highlights, though, was Constantine's (the villain - who was just basically Kermit with a mole and ... a frog in his throat *rimshot*) off-handed seduction of Miss Piggy in one of his (THREE!) songs, "I'll Get You What You Want".
The human co-stars of the movie were Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais. All three shine in their scenes, and all seem to be up for all the fun of your typical Muppet movie, but Fey really stood out in her song "In The Gulag". She plays an over-the-top stereotypical Russian guard, keeping Kermit under lock and key for being mistaken for Constantine (the World's Most Dangerous Frog!), complete with Kermit, at one point, wearing a "Hogan's Heroes"-style hat. The rest of the human cameos were really fun, too. Hobo Joe re-cameos in this one, a carryover from the first movie. There's a cute surprise cameo at the end of the movie. The other standout amongst the cameos for me was Danny Trejo, who at one point, late in the film, you realize is playing... Danny Trejo, the Russian gulag prisoner, which I found to be immensely hilarious. A lot of the cameos are 'blink and you'll miss 'em', though. So the movie does have some rewatchability value for me, at some point.
The last thing I'll point out here is that there seemed to be a lot of Muppet cameos as well. MANY different older generation Muppets show up as background characters, so it was fun to play 'Spot the Familiar Muppet' throughout the film. My favorite was the Muppet Newsman, who unfortunately, had nothing bad happen to him.
So overall, I think the Muppet legacy has a great chance at continuing their legacy, and I think the last movie gained a lot of new young fans of the franchise, who will all enjoy this one immensely (since kids don't really have the same sort of emotional attachment to the Muppets that I might). I enjoyed the movie greatly for what it was, but am slightly disappointed in the movie for what I thought it could be. I look forward to the next movie, and may actually go back and give this one another chance, to see if maybe I misjudged it the first time around. Sometimes Muppet movies are like that... they take a second viewing to really appreciate the more subtle humor elements, catch some of the sight gags you might have missed the first time around, etc.
If any of you were planning to go this weekend, please don't be swayed by my review here to convince you otherwise. Go see it! And please come back and tell me how wrong I am. I'd love that, more than anything.
One big missing piece of the puzzle from the last movie, though, is Jason Segel. Even though this was written by Nicholas Stoller, Segel's writing partner in the first movie, the dialogue and the jokes sometimes fell a little flat. Segel's obvious deep-seeded love and fandom of the Muppets showed through in his script, and that same level of love wasn't here. Plus, Segel as Gary in the first movie, just brought a lot of on- screen fun with him. But of course, I understand that the Muppets don't typically have any permanent human counterparts, so if he had just continued writing on this one, I'd have been happy.
The songs were cute and fun, but nothing here nearly compares to the last film's soundtrack. Nothing catchy enough to stay in my head, like 'Man or Muppet' or 'Life's a Happy Song' were. No emotional punch like 'Pictures in My Head' was. I'm afraid that Bret McKenzie will not likely be able to continue his streak of Best Song Oscars. One of the more fun musical highlights, though, was Constantine's (the villain - who was just basically Kermit with a mole and ... a frog in his throat *rimshot*) off-handed seduction of Miss Piggy in one of his (THREE!) songs, "I'll Get You What You Want".
The human co-stars of the movie were Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais. All three shine in their scenes, and all seem to be up for all the fun of your typical Muppet movie, but Fey really stood out in her song "In The Gulag". She plays an over-the-top stereotypical Russian guard, keeping Kermit under lock and key for being mistaken for Constantine (the World's Most Dangerous Frog!), complete with Kermit, at one point, wearing a "Hogan's Heroes"-style hat. The rest of the human cameos were really fun, too. Hobo Joe re-cameos in this one, a carryover from the first movie. There's a cute surprise cameo at the end of the movie. The other standout amongst the cameos for me was Danny Trejo, who at one point, late in the film, you realize is playing... Danny Trejo, the Russian gulag prisoner, which I found to be immensely hilarious. A lot of the cameos are 'blink and you'll miss 'em', though. So the movie does have some rewatchability value for me, at some point.
The last thing I'll point out here is that there seemed to be a lot of Muppet cameos as well. MANY different older generation Muppets show up as background characters, so it was fun to play 'Spot the Familiar Muppet' throughout the film. My favorite was the Muppet Newsman, who unfortunately, had nothing bad happen to him.
So overall, I think the Muppet legacy has a great chance at continuing their legacy, and I think the last movie gained a lot of new young fans of the franchise, who will all enjoy this one immensely (since kids don't really have the same sort of emotional attachment to the Muppets that I might). I enjoyed the movie greatly for what it was, but am slightly disappointed in the movie for what I thought it could be. I look forward to the next movie, and may actually go back and give this one another chance, to see if maybe I misjudged it the first time around. Sometimes Muppet movies are like that... they take a second viewing to really appreciate the more subtle humor elements, catch some of the sight gags you might have missed the first time around, etc.
If any of you were planning to go this weekend, please don't be swayed by my review here to convince you otherwise. Go see it! And please come back and tell me how wrong I am. I'd love that, more than anything.
The Muppets of 2011 was a surprise, it is one of the rare throwbacks that excellently lives up to the material which brings nostalgia to the old fans and potentially earns new ones from the current generation. That little film gives us faith to their upcoming films, and here it is, the latest sequel that once again delivers the same delight and enthusiasm. This quality is always a welcome, however the storyline doesn't seem to offer anything new or say anything important. But none of it will ever matter in the end, Muppets Most Wanted is quite entertaining because that is what this material is always best at.
This edition tries to be like any blockbuster today by pulling off a bombastic and thrilling tone since it involves criminal schemes and exciting mysteries, but these aren't the most interesting parts the film has. Many can immediately notice it suffers finding fresher ideas for the main plot, but those aren't exactly what we care for. It's really about being loyal to their thing: absurd humor, shining talents, and best of all, singing. The attempt of heightening things up is probably for the film to fit in to this epic sized era of cinema. But the truth is the plot is really not as special as the quirks, the most memorable parts that end up to the storyline are either the Muppets' amusing naivety from Constantine's disguise as Kermit or the two agents' ridiculous arguments about the size of their badges.
While the classic stuff are kept, the only thing that was elevated is the songs. Bret McKenzie gives the same joy of the last movie, the beat goes from groovy to Broadway. Every musical set piece is just wonderfully enjoyable. The craft is nothing to talk about since they're always neat, and the voices too have always been full of life. The celebrity cast seems like they're having a good time: Ricky Gervais is kind of just doing his own thing. Ty Burrell seems to be parodying Inspector Clouseau and it's quite fun, he has a delightful chemistry with his Muppet partner, Sam the Eagle. People might only notice the accent in Tina Fey, but she still made the character likable anyway.
Muppets Most Wanted has the feeling for a TV Special worth or something, because definitely there is hardly anything grand about the film other than the spectacles, but it's really hard to say anything bad to the Muppets since the spirit of the show is still there. Its significance is just too little compared to the last movie since that one had a message why this show is so special. This sequel only exists probably just to fit in, but then again it's still a very fun time at the movies. New and old fans can appreciate every bit of it, because nothing can entertain you like this than the Muppets.
This edition tries to be like any blockbuster today by pulling off a bombastic and thrilling tone since it involves criminal schemes and exciting mysteries, but these aren't the most interesting parts the film has. Many can immediately notice it suffers finding fresher ideas for the main plot, but those aren't exactly what we care for. It's really about being loyal to their thing: absurd humor, shining talents, and best of all, singing. The attempt of heightening things up is probably for the film to fit in to this epic sized era of cinema. But the truth is the plot is really not as special as the quirks, the most memorable parts that end up to the storyline are either the Muppets' amusing naivety from Constantine's disguise as Kermit or the two agents' ridiculous arguments about the size of their badges.
While the classic stuff are kept, the only thing that was elevated is the songs. Bret McKenzie gives the same joy of the last movie, the beat goes from groovy to Broadway. Every musical set piece is just wonderfully enjoyable. The craft is nothing to talk about since they're always neat, and the voices too have always been full of life. The celebrity cast seems like they're having a good time: Ricky Gervais is kind of just doing his own thing. Ty Burrell seems to be parodying Inspector Clouseau and it's quite fun, he has a delightful chemistry with his Muppet partner, Sam the Eagle. People might only notice the accent in Tina Fey, but she still made the character likable anyway.
Muppets Most Wanted has the feeling for a TV Special worth or something, because definitely there is hardly anything grand about the film other than the spectacles, but it's really hard to say anything bad to the Muppets since the spirit of the show is still there. Its significance is just too little compared to the last movie since that one had a message why this show is so special. This sequel only exists probably just to fit in, but then again it's still a very fun time at the movies. New and old fans can appreciate every bit of it, because nothing can entertain you like this than the Muppets.
- billygoat1071
- Mar 19, 2014
- Permalink
The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his sidekick Number Two.
The last film put the Muppet's back on the the map, director/writer James Bobin and writer Nicholas Stoller corrects Bobin's own previous instalments niggles, gone is the focus on a new Muppet character and less focus on (real) human actors, here there's more Muppets, more songs, comedy and action.
Packed with one-liners gags and with the obligatory cross section of famous cameos including Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Frank Langella and Ray Liotta to name a few there's all you'd expect from a Muppets musical comedy caper. This offering even excels it predecessor and brings the Muppet's even more to life with some CGI (footwork) but without taking away any of the puppet characteristics of the Muppets we've grown to love along side the human leads Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey who are on fine form.
This is another proper big budget outing set in the 'real' world and not cheap TV movie nor is it based on a classic story. Most Wanted is a fine return to form and sits well with the classic Muppet capers. Highly recommended.
The last film put the Muppet's back on the the map, director/writer James Bobin and writer Nicholas Stoller corrects Bobin's own previous instalments niggles, gone is the focus on a new Muppet character and less focus on (real) human actors, here there's more Muppets, more songs, comedy and action.
Packed with one-liners gags and with the obligatory cross section of famous cameos including Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Frank Langella and Ray Liotta to name a few there's all you'd expect from a Muppets musical comedy caper. This offering even excels it predecessor and brings the Muppet's even more to life with some CGI (footwork) but without taking away any of the puppet characteristics of the Muppets we've grown to love along side the human leads Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey who are on fine form.
This is another proper big budget outing set in the 'real' world and not cheap TV movie nor is it based on a classic story. Most Wanted is a fine return to form and sits well with the classic Muppet capers. Highly recommended.
When I reviewed "The Muppets" (2011) upon its release, I was ecstatic about it. I loved the story, the songs, and everything the Muppets themselves did in the movie.
Most people who saw "The Muppets" who were not Muppet fans before seeing it enjoyed the film. Muppet fans themselves, in addition to loving the movie, could sense the heart and passion the filmmakers put into every aspect, and felt no doubt everyone involved in making "The Muppets" were Muppet fans themselves.
"Muppets Most Wanted" is the 8th Muppet movie, but the first one that is technically a sequel because it acknowledges the events that took place in its immediate predecessor. Many of those involved in "The Muppets" return in this sequel, including director and co-writer James Bobin, co-writer Nicholas Stoller, songwriter (and Oscar-winner) Bret McKenzie, and all the Muppets including newcomer Walter . . . but something was missing.
As I watched the film, I could see all the Muppets were there, and it seemed like they were trying to perform "The Muppet Show" as well as they did in their previous film. There was a coherent story about a criminal mastermind who happened to look identical to Kermit the Frog, and exploits this coincidence to help him escape from prison.
I wanted this movie to make me laugh. I want to tell everyone that the Muppets are cool and funny again like I did back when I saw "The Muppets" . . . but I can't.
The problem may have had to do with the story, or at least the motivations of antagonist and Kermit-lookalike Constantine. With his partner in crime Dominic Badguy (pronounced BA-jee, & played by Ricky Gervais), he uses the Muppets' world tour as a front to rob European museums of their precious diamonds.
"The Great Muppet Caper" had a similar plot, but that movie was more clever because virtually all the Muppets in that movie parodied how overdone such a plot was. This movie doesn't even want to acknowledge the banality of that hackneyed plot line, or even consider why any modern audience would care about a jewel heist.
Also, whereas the songs were a major strength in "The Muppets", the song "We're Doing A Sequel" is the only one worth remembering. It's a promising, tongue-in-cheek song that acknowledges the stigma and symptoms of sequelitis, only to allow the whole film to fall victim to its own diagnosis.
Many of the other songs are surprisingly mundane, considering McKenzie wrote far more brilliant songs for "The Muppets". For example, the song "I'll Get What You Want (Cockatoo In Malibu)" has lyrics that include "I can give you anything you want/Give you anything you need/I'll make your dreams come true/Give you anything you want".
You're waiting for a funny line, but McKenzie, for the first time in his songwriting career, never delivers one. Considering the hilarious, genre-bashing songs he made famous with Flight Of The Conchords, it feels as if he didn't even try.
Last but not least, everything "The Muppets" did right with celebrity cameos, "Muppets Most Wanted" did wrong. You see Christoph Waltz dancing the waltz, Salma Hayek getting on and off stage, Danny Trejo in prison, and Celine Dion just singing.
You don't see Gonzo doing a crazy stunt (you only hear him talking about it), Fozzie Bear telling a joke, or most of the Muppets doing what they do best. Even Lew Zealand forgets to throw a fish.
Of the human stars who actually have relevant roles, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell actually look like they're having fun. Ricky Gervais is surprisingly dull, being both unfunny enough to stand alongside the Muppets, and not menacing enough to be a villain.
The Muppets are the stars of this movie, not the humans. Somewhere in the making of this movie, the filmmakers left their love of the Muppets, and their desire to make them intriguing characters, by the door, and it shows by what you don't see the Muppets do.
"Muppets Most Wanted" has some laughs, but they are more like light chuckles with no feelings of joy or poignancy. The Muppets have already proved they can make a comeback, but this is not the movie that proves their staying power.
"Muppets Most Wanted" is by no means a terrible movie, but I hope the Muppets prove their worth in their next movie. I hope there is a next movie.
One last note: The Walt Disney Company has not yet released "The Muppet Show" Seasons 4 & 5 on DVD in addition to many other long-unavailable Muppet TV specials (e.g. "A Muppet Family Christmas" (1987)), yet has purchased Marvel Comics and the Star Wars franchise. Maybe the problem lies with Disney not caring enough about the Muppets.
Most people who saw "The Muppets" who were not Muppet fans before seeing it enjoyed the film. Muppet fans themselves, in addition to loving the movie, could sense the heart and passion the filmmakers put into every aspect, and felt no doubt everyone involved in making "The Muppets" were Muppet fans themselves.
"Muppets Most Wanted" is the 8th Muppet movie, but the first one that is technically a sequel because it acknowledges the events that took place in its immediate predecessor. Many of those involved in "The Muppets" return in this sequel, including director and co-writer James Bobin, co-writer Nicholas Stoller, songwriter (and Oscar-winner) Bret McKenzie, and all the Muppets including newcomer Walter . . . but something was missing.
As I watched the film, I could see all the Muppets were there, and it seemed like they were trying to perform "The Muppet Show" as well as they did in their previous film. There was a coherent story about a criminal mastermind who happened to look identical to Kermit the Frog, and exploits this coincidence to help him escape from prison.
I wanted this movie to make me laugh. I want to tell everyone that the Muppets are cool and funny again like I did back when I saw "The Muppets" . . . but I can't.
The problem may have had to do with the story, or at least the motivations of antagonist and Kermit-lookalike Constantine. With his partner in crime Dominic Badguy (pronounced BA-jee, & played by Ricky Gervais), he uses the Muppets' world tour as a front to rob European museums of their precious diamonds.
"The Great Muppet Caper" had a similar plot, but that movie was more clever because virtually all the Muppets in that movie parodied how overdone such a plot was. This movie doesn't even want to acknowledge the banality of that hackneyed plot line, or even consider why any modern audience would care about a jewel heist.
Also, whereas the songs were a major strength in "The Muppets", the song "We're Doing A Sequel" is the only one worth remembering. It's a promising, tongue-in-cheek song that acknowledges the stigma and symptoms of sequelitis, only to allow the whole film to fall victim to its own diagnosis.
Many of the other songs are surprisingly mundane, considering McKenzie wrote far more brilliant songs for "The Muppets". For example, the song "I'll Get What You Want (Cockatoo In Malibu)" has lyrics that include "I can give you anything you want/Give you anything you need/I'll make your dreams come true/Give you anything you want".
You're waiting for a funny line, but McKenzie, for the first time in his songwriting career, never delivers one. Considering the hilarious, genre-bashing songs he made famous with Flight Of The Conchords, it feels as if he didn't even try.
Last but not least, everything "The Muppets" did right with celebrity cameos, "Muppets Most Wanted" did wrong. You see Christoph Waltz dancing the waltz, Salma Hayek getting on and off stage, Danny Trejo in prison, and Celine Dion just singing.
You don't see Gonzo doing a crazy stunt (you only hear him talking about it), Fozzie Bear telling a joke, or most of the Muppets doing what they do best. Even Lew Zealand forgets to throw a fish.
Of the human stars who actually have relevant roles, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell actually look like they're having fun. Ricky Gervais is surprisingly dull, being both unfunny enough to stand alongside the Muppets, and not menacing enough to be a villain.
The Muppets are the stars of this movie, not the humans. Somewhere in the making of this movie, the filmmakers left their love of the Muppets, and their desire to make them intriguing characters, by the door, and it shows by what you don't see the Muppets do.
"Muppets Most Wanted" has some laughs, but they are more like light chuckles with no feelings of joy or poignancy. The Muppets have already proved they can make a comeback, but this is not the movie that proves their staying power.
"Muppets Most Wanted" is by no means a terrible movie, but I hope the Muppets prove their worth in their next movie. I hope there is a next movie.
One last note: The Walt Disney Company has not yet released "The Muppet Show" Seasons 4 & 5 on DVD in addition to many other long-unavailable Muppet TV specials (e.g. "A Muppet Family Christmas" (1987)), yet has purchased Marvel Comics and the Star Wars franchise. Maybe the problem lies with Disney not caring enough about the Muppets.
I hate to give the Muppets anything less than a 10, I really do. I'm an enormous Muppets fan, but this movie disappointed on a couple counts.
First, they started using CGI - A lot.
The charm of the Muppets is that... well, they are puppets. That somehow got lost in translation in this movie when some scenes included full bodies of dancing and walking Muppets. In the past movies, Muppets were shown full-bodied only as stop-action; but the CGI thing just takes the fun and mystery out of it.
Another negative is over-saturation of the Muppets. They are everywhere now, from car commercials to my lunch at Subway. Disney is milking the franchise to death, sadly, so the movie doesn't have that special pop.
All that said, the movie starts with a bang. It's a hilarious transition from the last film, though the absence of Jason Segal is quickly noticed. A cameo may have done justice there.
Overall, the movie is fun; though the writing didn't get a lot of laugh- out-loud moments like their other films. The evil Kermit concept was well executed and the human actors were excellent in their roles. A few good songs, but nothing I'd commit to memory to sing on a road trip.
It's worth a watch for every Muppet fan, and overall a strong 7 out of 10.
First, they started using CGI - A lot.
The charm of the Muppets is that... well, they are puppets. That somehow got lost in translation in this movie when some scenes included full bodies of dancing and walking Muppets. In the past movies, Muppets were shown full-bodied only as stop-action; but the CGI thing just takes the fun and mystery out of it.
Another negative is over-saturation of the Muppets. They are everywhere now, from car commercials to my lunch at Subway. Disney is milking the franchise to death, sadly, so the movie doesn't have that special pop.
All that said, the movie starts with a bang. It's a hilarious transition from the last film, though the absence of Jason Segal is quickly noticed. A cameo may have done justice there.
Overall, the movie is fun; though the writing didn't get a lot of laugh- out-loud moments like their other films. The evil Kermit concept was well executed and the human actors were excellent in their roles. A few good songs, but nothing I'd commit to memory to sing on a road trip.
It's worth a watch for every Muppet fan, and overall a strong 7 out of 10.
- macdaddy3598
- Mar 21, 2014
- Permalink
After being successfully rebooted in 2011 in The Muppets they return in Muppets Most Wanted and end up in London (their spiritual home) as well as other European cities.
The famous again Muppets have a new manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) and they embark on a world tour but the tour is a front as Badguy and his cohort Constantine (A Kermit lookalike who has replaced Kermit) rob historical venues across Europe. Tina Fey is fun as the prison guard in a Russian gulag where the real Kermit has been sent to.
Ty Burrell is Interpol Inspector Napoleon, co investigating with CIA agent Sam the Eagle while at the same time poking fun at French stereotypes.
There are many cameos some are blink and you miss them ranging from James McAvoy, Lady Gaga, Christoph Waltz, Frank Langella, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo, Salma Hayek and Tom Hiddleston.
The film is fun enough, a solid and enjoyable film with a good musical number (The Gulag Song) near the end of the film. Its not as good as The Muppets and borrows from earlier films such as The Great Muppet Caper. Then again the film acknowledges that sequels are not as good as the original film in its opening number. Jason Segel's absence is felt in this film and it also does feel a little bit flabby here and there.
The famous again Muppets have a new manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) and they embark on a world tour but the tour is a front as Badguy and his cohort Constantine (A Kermit lookalike who has replaced Kermit) rob historical venues across Europe. Tina Fey is fun as the prison guard in a Russian gulag where the real Kermit has been sent to.
Ty Burrell is Interpol Inspector Napoleon, co investigating with CIA agent Sam the Eagle while at the same time poking fun at French stereotypes.
There are many cameos some are blink and you miss them ranging from James McAvoy, Lady Gaga, Christoph Waltz, Frank Langella, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo, Salma Hayek and Tom Hiddleston.
The film is fun enough, a solid and enjoyable film with a good musical number (The Gulag Song) near the end of the film. Its not as good as The Muppets and borrows from earlier films such as The Great Muppet Caper. Then again the film acknowledges that sequels are not as good as the original film in its opening number. Jason Segel's absence is felt in this film and it also does feel a little bit flabby here and there.
- Prismark10
- Mar 27, 2015
- Permalink
'The Muppets: Most Wanted (2014)' picks up right after the muppets finish filming 'The Muppets (2011)'. This meta self-awareness continues throughout the piece, though to varying degrees, and is especially evident in the opening musical number in which the characters sing about doing a sequel. The first film must be based on a 'true story', though, because its events (the muppets getting back together, Walter being introduced) are directly referenced as having happened to the muppets even though the opening makes it explicit that the film itself is the reason for the muppet's reunion and subsequent success (which kicks in prior to their picture even being edited, since this starts as soon as they shoot the last shot and wrap up production). Confused? Well, the flick doesn't want you to think about it. It steams ahead with almost reckless abandon, unconcerned with most of its throwaway humour, which leads to a 'just go with it' vibe and prevents any semblance of self-seriousness. It's a distinct yet mostly successful approach that fits with the inherent silliness of the age-old 'puppets and people' concept. The flick is enjoyable enough for what it is, filled with a host colourful core characters and a slew of throwaway yet inoffensive celebrity cameos. There are plenty of lively musical numbers and the piece is relatively funny on occasion (though never side-splitting, by any means). A lot of the comedy is based around ever-so-slightly xenophobic stereotypes, but this feels more lazy than malicious. Therefore, it isn't particularly bothersome, even though it does make a lot of the movie seem somewhat old-fashioned. The most successful aspects of the feature are its villains, a dastardly doppelgänger and an in-the-closet furry. Their evil plan is as predictable as you'd expect, but the picture doesn't make a point of focusing on its plot and just uses it as a catalyst for its somewhat creaky comedy and its catchy song-and-dance routines (the latter of which includes an excellent 80s pop-ballad parody). Ultimately, this is a well-executed and generally enjoyable affair. There isn't anything particularly wrong with it, but it's only ever so engaging or, even, entertaining. It's good enough for a bit of throwaway fun, though. To be fair, it never pretends to be anything more than that. 6/10.
- Pjtaylor-96-138044
- Feb 3, 2022
- Permalink
Having read a few strangely critical reviews, I felt compelled to add my own for balance. I am not going to compare this to this Muppet movie or that. I already see too many people doing that.
Having grown up with the original Muppet Show and seeing every movie and many TV specials, I have seen this bunch put together movies and shows with varying success.
The return to the big screen a few years ago was very welcome, and very well done. With this movie, I think they topped that and quite a few others! To me, as a lifelong fan, this easily ranks near the top of the best Muppet movies made.
Once I heard the opening number to the movie, I knew I was in for a treat. Every song in this movie was pure Muppet. Jim Henson always had a way of celebrating the best we all have to offer with a twinkle in his eye and a joke or two along the way. That spirit lives on in this movie. Whether it's doo wop, cheesy 70s music, or just a fun musical number, they cover a lot of ground.
The plot, as you may already be aware, involves some creative switcharoo, which is played off very well. This leads to a number of interesting scenes on both sides.
The movie is paced very well, and does a good job of switching back and forth between story lines. Just as you become reinvested in one, you're switched back to the other. You will most likely see your favorite Muppet at some point, although only a handful have significant parts. I always enjoy the familiar faces in the background scenes.
The human/Muppet ratio was back where it should be. Any proper Muppet movie should always star the muppets, with humans being "around". This delivered that perfectly, but also picked the perfect co-stars. Ty Burrell is fantastic, and his time with Sam the Eagle is wonderful, and something I had been looking forward to. Of course Tina Fey is great as well. She's Tina Fey!
There is a lot of well done will they or won't they at the end. You'll have to see for yourself if they do or if they don't!
And finally, while the matinée I went to wasn't hugely attended, there were a number of kids in the audience, and they all seemed to like the movie very much, even clapping at the end.
I personally enjoyed this movie quite a bit. I laughed A LOT. It's fun. It's silly. It's somewhat absurd at times, and that's what the Muppets are all about. And of course, they remind you how great it is to stick together with your friends and family. And any movie that can get the seal of approval from kids that includes clapping must be doing something right!
Having grown up with the original Muppet Show and seeing every movie and many TV specials, I have seen this bunch put together movies and shows with varying success.
The return to the big screen a few years ago was very welcome, and very well done. With this movie, I think they topped that and quite a few others! To me, as a lifelong fan, this easily ranks near the top of the best Muppet movies made.
Once I heard the opening number to the movie, I knew I was in for a treat. Every song in this movie was pure Muppet. Jim Henson always had a way of celebrating the best we all have to offer with a twinkle in his eye and a joke or two along the way. That spirit lives on in this movie. Whether it's doo wop, cheesy 70s music, or just a fun musical number, they cover a lot of ground.
The plot, as you may already be aware, involves some creative switcharoo, which is played off very well. This leads to a number of interesting scenes on both sides.
The movie is paced very well, and does a good job of switching back and forth between story lines. Just as you become reinvested in one, you're switched back to the other. You will most likely see your favorite Muppet at some point, although only a handful have significant parts. I always enjoy the familiar faces in the background scenes.
The human/Muppet ratio was back where it should be. Any proper Muppet movie should always star the muppets, with humans being "around". This delivered that perfectly, but also picked the perfect co-stars. Ty Burrell is fantastic, and his time with Sam the Eagle is wonderful, and something I had been looking forward to. Of course Tina Fey is great as well. She's Tina Fey!
There is a lot of well done will they or won't they at the end. You'll have to see for yourself if they do or if they don't!
And finally, while the matinée I went to wasn't hugely attended, there were a number of kids in the audience, and they all seemed to like the movie very much, even clapping at the end.
I personally enjoyed this movie quite a bit. I laughed A LOT. It's fun. It's silly. It's somewhat absurd at times, and that's what the Muppets are all about. And of course, they remind you how great it is to stick together with your friends and family. And any movie that can get the seal of approval from kids that includes clapping must be doing something right!
- docdoolittle
- Mar 20, 2014
- Permalink
Kermit and friends are given a sequel right after finishing the last movie. Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) convinces the Muppets to go on a world tour. Meanwhile evil frog Constantine escapes from a Russian gulag run by Nadya (Tina Fey). Badguy is actually Constantine's second and he sets Kermit up to get arrested while Constantine takes over Kermit's place. Badguy and Constantine break into a museum during a show to steal paintings. Sam the Eagle and Inspector Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell) investigate. Napoleon suspects the second most dangerous criminal The Lemur. However, the painting is only a map for Constantine to do an even bigger heist down the road.
This starts well with the movie breaking down the 4th wall and singing about the sequel. It's fun and then Kermit is separated from the other Muppets. It's still fun but it loses the chemistry of Kemit leading the group. It doesn't happen all at once but eventually the separation takes a toll on the film. The group needs a leader and Walter can't be it. Kemit needs to escape much earlier. He spends too much time in the gulag which is not the funniest place. Also the gulag doesn't introduce any new friends for Kemit.
This starts well with the movie breaking down the 4th wall and singing about the sequel. It's fun and then Kermit is separated from the other Muppets. It's still fun but it loses the chemistry of Kemit leading the group. It doesn't happen all at once but eventually the separation takes a toll on the film. The group needs a leader and Walter can't be it. Kemit needs to escape much earlier. He spends too much time in the gulag which is not the funniest place. Also the gulag doesn't introduce any new friends for Kemit.
- SnoopyStyle
- Dec 2, 2014
- Permalink
Jim Henson's successors have tried for years to re-capture the magic of the original Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, and Muppets Take Manhattan and have failed to take us to that special land of wonderment.
2011's "The Muppets" tried hard (maybe too hard) but stumbled out the gate by making us sit through unbearable musical numbers such as Texas Richman's rap and Amy Adams' "Me Party." It's plot also focused on a new Muppet, Walter, as well his human brother Jason Segel and his girlfriend Amy Adams rather than center around the original Muppet cast that we love so dear.
The creators of Muppets Most Wanted understood these shortcomings and comically pointed them out. I'm not saying that Muppets Most Wanted is as good as the original three, or date say better. But it is as close to Muppet-Greatness as we've been since Jim Henson's passing.
The writers found that perfect balance between silly and witty. The plot centered around the beloved original characters, while introducing a hilarious new villain. The musical numbers had that uplifting, old-school feel and never induced cringing.
We finally have a post-Henson Muppet Movie that will stand the test of time. Rejoice!
2011's "The Muppets" tried hard (maybe too hard) but stumbled out the gate by making us sit through unbearable musical numbers such as Texas Richman's rap and Amy Adams' "Me Party." It's plot also focused on a new Muppet, Walter, as well his human brother Jason Segel and his girlfriend Amy Adams rather than center around the original Muppet cast that we love so dear.
The creators of Muppets Most Wanted understood these shortcomings and comically pointed them out. I'm not saying that Muppets Most Wanted is as good as the original three, or date say better. But it is as close to Muppet-Greatness as we've been since Jim Henson's passing.
The writers found that perfect balance between silly and witty. The plot centered around the beloved original characters, while introducing a hilarious new villain. The musical numbers had that uplifting, old-school feel and never induced cringing.
We finally have a post-Henson Muppet Movie that will stand the test of time. Rejoice!
- singlern05
- Mar 24, 2014
- Permalink
- bryank-04844
- Aug 16, 2015
- Permalink
- ironhorse_iv
- Apr 9, 2014
- Permalink
- griffolyon12
- Mar 20, 2014
- Permalink
While not the Best Muppet Movie you'll ever see – There are Great Bookend Musical Numbers, a few other good or decent ones in between.
There are some laugh out loud moments in the later half of the film.
Some Great Celebrity Cameos - No Surprise there of course, and some the usual Great Muppet Hilarity!
I'm not a Ricky Gervais Fan, but it did not bring down the movie for me. His musical number with the "Bad Kermit" in the beginning is well done.
While the last one movie was better - What's more to say – It's The Muppets – 3 out of 4 Stars!
There are some laugh out loud moments in the later half of the film.
Some Great Celebrity Cameos - No Surprise there of course, and some the usual Great Muppet Hilarity!
I'm not a Ricky Gervais Fan, but it did not bring down the movie for me. His musical number with the "Bad Kermit" in the beginning is well done.
While the last one movie was better - What's more to say – It's The Muppets – 3 out of 4 Stars!
The Muppets Most Wanted is a fantastic movie packed with comedy and excitement. The crowd was laughing so loudly that sometimes it was hard to hear the movie. This film is fantastic because it has the perfect combination of catchy songs and talented actors. It keeps you on the edge of your seat because you never know who was going to show up next.
The Muppets are back for the eighth time and before they finish catching up with each other, they meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais.) Dominic convinces the Muppets to go out on a world tour. At the same time Constantine, the world's most dangerous frog, escapes from prison and hatches an evil plan to hide his identity. Constantine kidnaps Kermit and takes over Kermit's identity. Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and is sent to prison. This leaves Constantine free to steal the crown jewels of England. It is up to the Muppets to save Kermit and stop Constantine before the world's most beloved puppets become the world's most wanted criminals.
The scene where the inmates put on a show in prison is hilarious. It's my favorite part of the movie. Watching scary looking men sing and dance like they are on Broadway is priceless. I also enjoyed watching Constantine act like he is Kermit. You will laugh out loud when you see what happens to him as he gets ready to go on stage during a musical performance.
All the actors do an amazing job in this movie. One actor who really stands out for me is Ty Burrell who plays Jean Pierre. His witty comments and funny attitude really add to the comedy. My favorite actress in this movie is Tina Fey who plays Nadya. What makes her performance great is that on the outside she is so strict, but on the inside she is really very warm and caring. Her accent is so realistic that I thought she was actually from Russia.
The message of this movie is that true friends will always be there for you no matter how bad things get. "The Muppets Most Wanted" is perfect for both boys and girls ages 8 to 16 and I give it five out of five shimmering stars. You definitely don't want to miss this one.
Reviewed by Simone S., KIDS FIRST Film Critic. For more reviews, go to kidsfirst dot org.
The Muppets are back for the eighth time and before they finish catching up with each other, they meet Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais.) Dominic convinces the Muppets to go out on a world tour. At the same time Constantine, the world's most dangerous frog, escapes from prison and hatches an evil plan to hide his identity. Constantine kidnaps Kermit and takes over Kermit's identity. Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and is sent to prison. This leaves Constantine free to steal the crown jewels of England. It is up to the Muppets to save Kermit and stop Constantine before the world's most beloved puppets become the world's most wanted criminals.
The scene where the inmates put on a show in prison is hilarious. It's my favorite part of the movie. Watching scary looking men sing and dance like they are on Broadway is priceless. I also enjoyed watching Constantine act like he is Kermit. You will laugh out loud when you see what happens to him as he gets ready to go on stage during a musical performance.
All the actors do an amazing job in this movie. One actor who really stands out for me is Ty Burrell who plays Jean Pierre. His witty comments and funny attitude really add to the comedy. My favorite actress in this movie is Tina Fey who plays Nadya. What makes her performance great is that on the outside she is so strict, but on the inside she is really very warm and caring. Her accent is so realistic that I thought she was actually from Russia.
The message of this movie is that true friends will always be there for you no matter how bad things get. "The Muppets Most Wanted" is perfect for both boys and girls ages 8 to 16 and I give it five out of five shimmering stars. You definitely don't want to miss this one.
Reviewed by Simone S., KIDS FIRST Film Critic. For more reviews, go to kidsfirst dot org.
- stevendbeard
- Mar 20, 2014
- Permalink
I took my 7 and 8 year old sons to watch this at the cinema.
It was a holiday treat. The trailer made it look fun. I wanted to like it. I kept looking across at my boys, hoping to see signs of enjoyment on their faces. I didn't
They didn't complain afterwards, just noted that nothing really happened in the film, and didn't mention it again - unlike films they really enjoy and rave about for days afterwards.
Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood. Perhaps it's just not 'my cup of tea'. Some people seem to have written good reviews...
But for me this was a wasted two hours and I came out feeling slightly depressed that I'd planned a day out around such a disappointing film. There was only one person in the cinema who laughed aloud.
It was a holiday treat. The trailer made it look fun. I wanted to like it. I kept looking across at my boys, hoping to see signs of enjoyment on their faces. I didn't
They didn't complain afterwards, just noted that nothing really happened in the film, and didn't mention it again - unlike films they really enjoy and rave about for days afterwards.
Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood. Perhaps it's just not 'my cup of tea'. Some people seem to have written good reviews...
But for me this was a wasted two hours and I came out feeling slightly depressed that I'd planned a day out around such a disappointing film. There was only one person in the cinema who laughed aloud.
Being a sequel is hard. Being a sequel to a successful franchise reboot largely based on nostalgia is harder. Muppets Most Wanted has this to overcome. It's not the labor of love the last film was and suffers from worrying about plot more than jokes. However, MMW will definitely quench any Muppet fan's thirst. The innocence, wit, and anarchy we have come to love in Kermit and the gang is present, making for a fun outing of sweet comedy. MMW picks up right where the last film endedÂ…literally. The Muppets immediately break the fourth wall and play with the meta humor they revel in, singing about being in a sequel. In this story, Kermit is captured and replaced by a wonderfully comic doppelganger, Constantine, who uses the Muppets as a front for evil-doings. The cameos we've come to expect do not disappoint. Ray Liotta and Danny Trejo bring their hard-personas to the comic table, singing and dancing through their rugged exteriors. Fey nails the hard-nosed Russian prison guard, and Burrell's pairing with Sam the Eagle is utterly inspired. Gervais is the only dull knife in the box, never seeming to fully buy in to the Muppet world. Sure, the plot is a bit heavy and could benefit from some tightening, and the self-awareness doesn't completely forgive the deficits, but these shortfalls far from ruin the fun. This isn't the monumental victory the 2010 reboot was, and may be among the Muppet's lesser efforts, but the smiles it will bring are undeniable.
- matthewssilverhammer
- Mar 27, 2014
- Permalink
- cultfilmfreaksdotcom
- Mar 25, 2014
- Permalink
'MUPPETS MOST WANTED': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
The eighth installment in the 'MUPPETS' film franchise, and follow-up to the 2011 reboot 'THE MUPPETS', is once again directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (the team also performed those duties on the 2011 hit, with lead actor Jason Segel also co-writing that movie). Segel doesn't reprise his role for this film and the movie instead stars actors Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey. It features the voice talents of Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Matt Vogel and others and once again includes a lot of big star cameos (like Christoph Waltz and Salma Hayek). I didn't find this chapter in the series to be nearly as funny or well made as it's predecessor, or the original trilogy from the 70s and 80s, but it is still quite a bit better than the three theatrical 'MUPPETS' movies of the 1990s.
The story picks up right where the last film left off with the conclusion of filming that movie and the Muppets deciding what to do next. They meet a manager, named Dominic Badguy (Gervais), who wants to send them on a world tour. Kermit (Whitmire) is reluctant to embark on this adventure but gives in to the rest of the Muppets, who really want to do the show. He's soon attacked by an evil frog, who looks just like him, named Constantine (Vogel). Constantine just escaped from a Siberian Gulag and it turns out Badguy is his henchman. The two are plotting to rob multiple museums together, while using the Muppets' tour as a cover (by staging shows next to each heist). Kermit is setup to look like Constantine (through a fake mole Constantine plants on his face) and jailed in his place. Only Animal (Jacobson) suspects Constantine is truly an impostor.
The film was inspired by the two classic 'MUPPET' caper movies of the 80s ('THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER' and 'THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN'). In that way I really liked it and found it to be somewhat nostalgic. The three lead actors are great in it, the cameos are always fun and the voice actors do their best to give the film a lot of energy but it just doesn't quite work. Most of the jokes fall flat, the songs (featured throughout the film once again) aren't nearly as well written or catchy as the last movie and it's kind of boring in places. It's definitely a disappointment if you're expecting something like the 2011 reboot or the 70s original (or it's two follow-ups) but if you really like the Muppets you'll probably find it at least somewhat enjoyable. I did.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2f4dnLXvGI
The eighth installment in the 'MUPPETS' film franchise, and follow-up to the 2011 reboot 'THE MUPPETS', is once again directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller (the team also performed those duties on the 2011 hit, with lead actor Jason Segel also co-writing that movie). Segel doesn't reprise his role for this film and the movie instead stars actors Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, and Tina Fey. It features the voice talents of Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Matt Vogel and others and once again includes a lot of big star cameos (like Christoph Waltz and Salma Hayek). I didn't find this chapter in the series to be nearly as funny or well made as it's predecessor, or the original trilogy from the 70s and 80s, but it is still quite a bit better than the three theatrical 'MUPPETS' movies of the 1990s.
The story picks up right where the last film left off with the conclusion of filming that movie and the Muppets deciding what to do next. They meet a manager, named Dominic Badguy (Gervais), who wants to send them on a world tour. Kermit (Whitmire) is reluctant to embark on this adventure but gives in to the rest of the Muppets, who really want to do the show. He's soon attacked by an evil frog, who looks just like him, named Constantine (Vogel). Constantine just escaped from a Siberian Gulag and it turns out Badguy is his henchman. The two are plotting to rob multiple museums together, while using the Muppets' tour as a cover (by staging shows next to each heist). Kermit is setup to look like Constantine (through a fake mole Constantine plants on his face) and jailed in his place. Only Animal (Jacobson) suspects Constantine is truly an impostor.
The film was inspired by the two classic 'MUPPET' caper movies of the 80s ('THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER' and 'THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN'). In that way I really liked it and found it to be somewhat nostalgic. The three lead actors are great in it, the cameos are always fun and the voice actors do their best to give the film a lot of energy but it just doesn't quite work. Most of the jokes fall flat, the songs (featured throughout the film once again) aren't nearly as well written or catchy as the last movie and it's kind of boring in places. It's definitely a disappointment if you're expecting something like the 2011 reboot or the 70s original (or it's two follow-ups) but if you really like the Muppets you'll probably find it at least somewhat enjoyable. I did.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2f4dnLXvGI