So how do you start off a Muppet sequel? Easy, simply make it a “literal” sequel; complete with a sequel song, sequel satirizing, and mercilessly acknowledging that it’s in fact the “seventh sequel to their original motion picture”. Muppets Most Wanted begins directly where its 2011 reboot, The Muppets, ended; with our cast of critters wondering what’s going to happen next…that is until they notice that the camera’s still rolling. Statler and Waldorf point out the “terrible” realization; “Oh no, disaster! That can only mean one thing…It looks like they've ordered a sequel!” I love the Muppets’ crafty use of Meta-Humor, its wittiness, catchy songs, and of course its ability to make sock puppets into living, three dimensional, characters I as a spectator love and care for. Muppets Most Wanted hits all these points fairly well; creating a solid sequel worthy of the Muppet title.
The film, being directed in another film, starts off with the Muppets going on a world tour run by their new tour manager Dominic Badguy (pronounced Badgi, er, I mean played by Ricky Gervais), who is totally not a villain in cahoots with the world’s number one amphibian criminal Constantine (who, in no way affecting the story, looks nearly identical to Kermit). Constantine plans to steal the crown jewels of Great Britain; a plan that involves framing our frog protagonist, thereby replacing Kermit, fooling his Muppet friends, and using the tour as a cover up to achieve his goal. Meanwhile, Kermit’s sent to a Gulag prison camp run by head prison guard Nadya (played by Tina Fey), who totally doesn't have the hots for Kermit in any way. Oh, and Sam the Eagle’s a CIA agent sent to team up with French inspector Jean Pierre Napoleon (who’s absolutely not a French parody, er, I mean played by Ty Burrell) in order to find out whose breaking into museums (which might I add, is as awesome as I think it sounds…though it might simply be character favoritism).
The greatest aspect of the Muppets is their ability to create entertainment both children and adults can enjoy. To put it bluntly, Muppets Most Wanted is a family film in the truest sense of the term; particularly when it comes to humor. While occurring at times, the film rarely consists of jokes merely kids or merely adults could find humorous; instead comprising largely of balanced humor both groups can equally enjoy, sometimes for entirely different reasons. Take for example the opening number (We’re Doing a Sequel) where the Muppet cast decides what their sequel’s plot should be. The Swedish Chef suggests a foreign black and white film while playing chess with Death, which Kermit shoots down because “Americans don’t watch subtitled films”. Adults laugh at The Seventh Seal reference by none other than the “Swedish” Chef, while younger viewers laugh at the Chef’s gibberish and bizarre setting. Even adults who don’t understand the film reference can get a chuckle out of Kermit’s sadly accurate remark. Another scene involves the disguised Constantine poorly explaining to Walter what they do on the Muppet Show, “Come friend, let us go learn a heartwarming lesson about sharing or waiting your turn or the number three.” Older viewers laugh at Constantine confusing the Muppet Show with the likes of Sesame Street and/or Sam & Friends, younger viewers laugh at Constantine’s goofy voice and mispronunciation of words, and I…laughed hysterically for both reasons…(according to my Fiancée, I was laughing harder than any other person in the theater).
The Muppets’ comedy is certainly incomplete without its Meta-humor. Over the years the Muppets have used three kinds of self-referential jokes: first is a more subtle approach towards breaking the fourth wall (The Muppet Movie, Muppet Treasure Island), second is breaking out the sledge hammers and turning the Meta to eleven (The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppets), and the third is not using any self-referential jokes at all (Muppets Take Manhattan, Muppets From Space); which is by far my least favorite approach. In Muppets Most Wanted the first approach is used; having the fourth wall jokes partially subdued. The approach is not a bad way to go however, as it allows for more unpredictability and surprise. By playing the movie straight for some time, then suddenly acknowledging that it’s all a film, Muppets Most Wanted can catch its audience in an unexpected burst of laughter. My favorite uses are the opening scene and Constantine announcing Walter suddenly quitting the show (which I won’t spoil here, but will say is hilariously creative).
The song’s here are wonderfully catchy; more entertaining than the reboot’s already enjoyable tunes, and tied for my second favorite Muppet soundtrack alongside The Muppet Movie (with Muppet Treasure Island still on top). Major recognition goes to the song variety, being diverse in tune and allowing for a broader range of enjoyment. A few of my personal favorites include the jazzy villain song I’m Number One, the Big House’s chill melody, and the invigorated rhyming scheme of the Interrogation Song. Similar to the 2011 film, there’s even a revised version of an original Muppet song, this time being Together Again…Again from Muppets Take Manhattan. While not as emotionally sentimental as the revised Rainbow Connection was, Together Again’s punchline makes up for it by being humorously enjoyable.
Of course there’s the Muppets themselves. The characters have such life and humane characteristics that it’s easy to forget they’re simply puppets. What’s so great about them is that the Muppets are not perfect characters; each having strengths and flaws, vices and virtues similar to everyone else. Muppets Most Wanted dives into Kermit’s role as leader; directing the Muppets and trying to hold order with such a chaotic group. When Constantine takes over, granting the Muppets free reign over their acts, they become thrilled and oblivious (perhaps even ignoring) towards “Kermit’s” strange behavior. Naturally the show begins collapsing without Kermit’s stability, and a few members, eventually realizing Constantine’s facade, go to rescue Kermit from prison. I cannot stress enough how thoroughly appreciative I am that the film refuses to let the Muppets off the hook for not noticing the switch. The film even has Kermit call them out for not realizing sooner, “How did you not realize!?...I thought you guys forgot about me…” The film could have easily went with the Muppets not realizing the switch as goofy obliviousness and left it at that (a root a lesser film would have took); instead Muppets Most Wanted deals with their mistake openly and in a responsible manner. Not only do the Muppets acknowledge their mistake, but sincerely apologize to Kermit for not realizing sooner the switch and their need for his guidance. Such a moral theme may be nothing new to film, but by using it alongside a cast of characters so bonded into my heart, it’s easy to forget such an aspect.
The Muppets are always an enjoyable sight to watch; their charm, wit, humor, and character (when utilized correctly) bring such entertainment and joy. Muppets Most Wanted definitely employs these characteristics correctly, and while it’s not flawless, it certainly come’s together well. Looking back at by top 5 Muppet films, I would have likely placed Muppets Most Wanted before or after The Great Muppet Caper. Ultimately I hope they continue making Muppet films, even if it leads to another flop such as Muppets From Space; since as history’s shown, every time the Muppets fall down, they come back bigger and better than ever.
On a final note, I was excited to see that my favorite Muppet, Sam the Eagle, received an extended role in the film. Sam’s stuck-up attitude combined with his fanatic patriotism is such a hilarious delight to watch, though sadly his screen time has always been small. When you've come to love a minor character it’s always a joyous treat to see him move up in role!
