Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Muppets

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!


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This film follows the story of two brothers, Walter and Gary. They grew up on the old 1970's The Muppets Show. Walter used it as an escape from the outside world, and dreamed of eventually becoming one. Years later, Gary is about to Mary out on a vacation to Hollywood to celebrate their anniversary. Walter tags along, so that he can live a dream of touring the Muppet Studio's. While on the tour Walter make a dark discovery-Tex Richman plans to buy the Muppet Studio's and tells the Muppets that he's going to turn into a museum, but in realty wants to turn into another oil company. Walter sets out on an adventure to get the former Muppets back together in order to save the studios.

This film was inspired by the classic show created by Jim Henson, and was directed by James Bobin. This is a tough film to review, because there is two viewpoints behind this film. There is the classic viewpoint of those people who have grown up with the Muppets their entire lives, and loved the classic show. While there are others that have not seen the show, or the films, and are new to them. This film gets the best reviews of the Muppets films because it combines the classic-ness of the television show while being reminiscent of the Muppets previous films. It is also different in that keeps Henson's tradition of using puppets instead of computer animation that many older audience's are tired of. In several ways the film became a satire of its own self, and of the previous films of its genre. I did get annoyed when I heard Walter's talent for the first time. Only because I have sensitive ears, and it hurt. Otherwise it was unique to the film. I enjoyed seeing the muppet/human differences during one of the song segments with Walter, Peter Linz, and Gary, Jason Segel. This film also introduced villainous Muppets, the Moppets, that are likely to return in a different sequel (*maniacal laugh).  I also enjoyed the introduction of 80's robot as a full fledged character. It was humorous joke on the past (even a joke on the old landline internet connection). The songs were random, and cheesy. The story is heartfelt, but predictable. The ending did begin to surprise me, but then it had to correct itself during the beginning of the credits. It was also amazing how the amount of Muppets, through out the film, continued to grow without a full explanation.

The characters were used in a satirical way; meaning they were crazy cheesy, but they kept the classic feel of the Muppets. Naturally, this is made to focus on the Muppets and not the people aiding them. Walter, voiced by Peter Linz, was adorable. He is essentially the innocent dreamer. He was a great choice for carrying the story, and made a great new Muppet. Jason Segel played the role of Gary. He Walter's brother and Mary's boyfriend; that's about the most of his character. Through the film he does learn something about himself, but his character is kept in limited use. He is good in his innocent role. Mary, Amy Adams, is no stranger to Disney productions. She plays a familiar innocent love struck role that most audience's are familiar with. Her character isn't explored past being Gary's girlfriend. Steve Whitmire did the voice for Kermit the Frog. He is a voice from the past keeping Kermit's persona intact. He really gives him the hero personality that audience's love. Eric Jacbson voiced the role of Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. He kept true to their familiar lovable persona's. Dave Goelz voiced Gonzo. The Muppets were kept true and full of heart. Several new younger audience's will enjoy watching them.

I have to start this segment with an explanation. I'm changing the rating systems from 10 to 5 stars. It'll be just easier for me to do.

Without further ado, I give this film a 3 out of 5 stars! It has a good satirical story, but at the same time I think this film was made mainly for the older generations that grew up with the Muppets. I was also hoping for something more from the songs. I doubt that their are too many of the younger generation that are sharing the same feelings for the Muppets that the older audiences feel (this is more a change of the times than anything else).

Answer to last blog: Director Stanley Kubric first choose actors Robin Williams and Robert Di Nero for the role of Jack Torrance in the Shining. (Author Stephen King choose actors Jon Voight and Michael Moriarty.)

Que: What character did voice actor Steve Whitmire assist in voicing in the Jim Henson film The Dark Crystal in 1982?

Kira (A Gelfling)
Fizzgig (A Friendly Monster)
Jen (A Gelfling)
Aughra (A Keeper of Secrets)

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