Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and The Muppets
Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures
Runtime: 113 mins. Reviewed in Apr 2014
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Following on from 2011’s ‘reboot’ of the Muppets franchise, this sequel plays to the strengths of the first film and expands the universe in which it takes place too. Incorporating self-referential humour, catchy tunes and an overwhelming wave of celebrity cameos, the follow-up is wonderful entertainment for all ages.
The new adventure begins exactly at the conclusion of the last film, and the Muppets lead out with a song about the pitfalls of releasing a sequel. From there, they are quickly signed on with a new agent, Dominic Badguy (‘it’s pronounced Badjee, it’s French’, played by Ricky Gervais), who whisks them off on a grand tour of Europe. Once there, Dominic’s plan is clear: replace Kermit with the evil criminal Constantine, an uncanny doppelganger for Kermit, and commit a spree of crimes across the continent under the cover of the tour. Interpol inspector Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell) and CIA agent Sam the Eagle are hot on their heels, but only Kermit, now imprisoned in a Russian Gulag, can truly save the Muppets from the nefarious mastermind in their midst.
The 2011 film was both a nostalgia trip and an update of sorts for the Muppets, dragging them back into the public eye and, I imagine, kindling fandom for Kermit, Miss Piggy and Co. in thousands more children worldwide. This film capitalises on this groundwork, and ditches exposition for a mad caper through several major European cities. Though this could have been a criticism, the gamble certainly pays off for anyone who has ever seen the Muppets before, as we are swiftly deposited in the comfort of their familiar antics – Kermit is still afraid to commit to the glamorous Miss Piggy, Gonzo proposes and delivers increasingly absurd stunts, Statler and Waldorf continue their heckling… Writers James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller know what we want from the gang, and constantly deliver it. The jokes fly thickly and largely hit their target, especially those which wink knowingly at the audience, such as Constantine’s promise of ‘A heartwarming lesson about sharing or waiting your turn or the number three.’ This ‘meta’ side of the Muppets has always been present, and works so well because the very premise of the Muppets already requires the audience to suspend disbelief. With wide-reaching pop culture references and plenty of self-deprecating cameos from Hollywood royalty, this is modern entertainment tinted with a strong sepia-toned reminiscence of the Muppets’ heyday. The questions of identity and friendship raised are somewhat glossed over, but they aren’t the true aim of this film, just by-products of its other furry attractions.
The musical numbers, written again by Bret McKenzie of The Flight of the Concords fame, are energetic, toe-tapping tunes, and the excellent choreography and staging from director Bobin complement them wonderfully. Melding musical genre references as diverse as Chicago (in fantastic prison introduction song The Big House) and Celine Dion is no mean feat, but between them it’s well accomplished. The incredibly talented cast of puppeteers operating and voicing the Muppets remain unparalleled – the emotion they capably render from felt and glue is subtle and appropriately levelled for the audience, and always overshadow the human element. This said however, the human cast is also grand – the three leads, all best known for their respective television work, clearly have a ball, and provide more than capable foils for the Muppets. As usual, the cameos are non-stop and brilliant. Without wanting to name names and spoil any surprises, just know that there are plenty of surprises waiting for viewers of all ages.
I caught Muppets Most Wanted in a cinema of about 15 young kids and 4 other adults, and both demographics had a great time watching the film. Amusing on many levels and lovingly crafted, this a movie which caters for both those on a nostalgia trip and those hoping to become new fans of the longstanding Muppets gang.
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