The Muppets

This is the first theatrical Muppet film for 12 years and I think it’s fair to say the reason for that is that there’s been little demand for a new one. This film doesn’t attempt to break new plot ground either as the storyline is an old school Muppet standard, i.e. the Muppets must put on a show to save their old theatre from being destroyed. It’s surprising then that this turns out to be a great piece of entertainment. Mainly this is down to the fact it has plenty of decent laughs and a self-reflecting wry sense of humour, akin to an episode of Flight Of The Conchords (Director James Bobin was a co-creater of said show). In the film, new puppet Walter and his brother Gary (Jason Segel, also on co-scripting duties) along with love interest (for Gary, not Walter!) Mary (Amy Adams), round up the now gone their separate ways Muppets (in a number of skits a la the Blues Brothers “getting the band back together”) in order to put on a telethon to stop evil oil baron Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) from buying and destroying their old theatre. Acting wise Segel and Adams are both fine playing naively innocent, but its Cooper who steals the show with an impromptu rap and the best “maniacal laugh” ever committed to film (you’ll have to see the film to see what I mean). Even if you do find it all a bit run of the mill, there’s still numerous cameos to spot ranging from Dave Grohl to Mickey Rooney. On the negative front Walter is a pretty unmemorable creation (even if that is meant to be partly the point) and a number of the visual gags appear to have been “borrowed” from other films and TV shows. You may also cringe at the cheesiness of some of the song and dance routines, but most of them are decent enough and Bobin smartly used his working relationship with Bret McKenzie to deliver the films highlight tune in the form of “Man or Muppet”. However, the best decision that was made was to sideline any ideas of using computer animation and stick with old fashioned puppetry. Quaint it now may be, but it still brings the Muppets "to life", giving touches of empathy and charm that CGI sometimes struggles to find. This also comes coupled with a new short film from Pixar which nicely sets the comic tone for the main event.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Not quite a phenomenon (sorry, couldn’t resist), but a nice blend of nostalgic effects work and modern ironic humour which makes for a fun treat for adults and kids alike. Rating: 7/10.