So I've been meaning to review Muppets Most Wanted for a while, but before posting the review I thought I’d try something different. Since their debut in the 1950s, the Muppets have had television shows, movies and even their own web series. Their comedy and charm has touched upon generations of kids, adults, and families alike. Thus I thought it’d be fun to write a (somewhat) tribute towards the Muppet films by making a list of my top 5 personal favorites.
- I’m only counting Muppet films that have had a theatrical release
- Because I’ll be reviewing it later, Muppets Most Wanted is not eligible for my list (though in its review I’ll definitely point out if/where it might have placed)
- The list is my own personal opinion on which Muppet films are the best, not anybody else’s (though it’s possible someone shares similar opinions)
Now then, onto the list!
#5: The Muppet Movie (1979)
Kermit: How did you ever find us?
Doctor Teeth: Oh easy, we just read the screenplay you left us.
Overall: The first time the Muppets hit the big screen, and it was a success. What makes The Muppet Movie so enjoyable is its ability to capture the essence of what made the show so enjoyable; a family comedy filled with catchy songs, witty humor, and a fascinating cast of critters. That being said, the film still feels unpolished; with uneven editing, some irrelevant scenes, and a final third that feel sloppily put together. These aspects hold The Muppet Movie back from greatness, but avoid stopping it from being an overall good film.
Comedy: Captures the Muppet tradition of jokes both children and adults can equally enjoy. Some of the jokes could have used quicker editing and smoother transitions however.
Meta-Humor: Rare to see at its time, the Muppet’s self-awareness of being in a film works like a charm. Sometimes the humor can even play an important plot role (such as the above quoted example).
Live Action Cast: Another unique feature The Muppet Movie used was its consistent cameos from celebrities (including a surprising one near the end). While some cameos work fine, others act as if they’re appearing on Sesame Street (which is somewhat understandable); talking to the Muppets like babies and/or generally feeling as if they don’t want to be there (Steve Martin for example…).
Effects: Amazing effects for its time, with Jim Henson and Frank Oz putting loads of effort into making them as good as they could be (Just check out #5 on this link). Not only do we get to see Kermit’s feet, we see him ride a bicycle (pedaling and all)!
Songs: Humorously catchy at times (in particular Moving Right Along), while other times invoking a sentimental loveliness (such as the sublime magic of Rainbow Connection). My only beef is that some songs are slightly irrelevant to the plot.
Favorite Song: Rainbow Connection
#4: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rizzo: I fell down the chimney and landed on a flaming hot goose!
Gonzo: You have all the fun.
Overall: While not the greatest Christmas Carol adaption, the Muppets’ charm and wit, combined with enjoyable songs, nice effects and a terrific performance from Michael Caine, help make their version its own unique stand out.
Comedy: Sometimes funny, most of the time charming, occasionally missing its mark. When it counts however, the comedy can be smart, sassy, and satirical towards its source material (such as when one of Scrooge’s lenders asks not to be yelled at for being unable to pay, and thanks Scrooge when instead he’s silently thrown out).
Meta-Humor: Not as frequently used, but its occasional appearance sets up for some unexpected punchlines; such as when Gonzo breaks the fourth wall to inform Sam the Eagle that A Christmas Carol takes place in Britain, not America:
Sam: You will love business; it is the American way!
Gonzo: Sam, (whispers in his ear)
Sam: …Oh, it is the British way!
Live Action Cast: Michael Caine delivers a lovely performance as the all too recognizable Ebenezer Scrooge. In fact there comes times in the movie where I wish the Muppets would butt out for a moment and let him act uninterrupted (which they thankfully do for The Ghost of Christmas Future section).
Effects: Some pretty impressive effects with both Muppets and ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Past is particularly impressive for its time, even though it looks borderline creepy (yet considering it is a ghost, that may have been intentional).
Songs: A step up from the previous two films (The Great Muppet Caper & The Muppets Take Manhattan). There’s a variety presented here; some songs are dark and catchy while others are sweet and festive (as you’d expect from a Christmas themed movie).
Favorite Song: Marley and Marley
#3: The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
Miss Piggy: (Towards the Audience) You wanted action didn't you?
Overall: The Great Muppet Caper is a better rounded movie then the 1979 original; containing smoother comedy, better effects, a ton of hilarious Meta-humor, and an immersive live acting cast. There’s also a vast improvement in the third act (which the film openly acknowledges in the above quoted example), with a terrific climax that makes up for the first’s disappointing finish.
Comedy: The comedy is rich, witty, frequent, and better timed than its predecessor. Editing and progression are particularly crucial in The Great Muppet Caper. When a joke finishes, neither the camera nor characters wait around awkwardly (as they occasionally do in the first) but instead move on to the next occurrence; allowing the comedy (and more importantly, the film) to progress in a smooth and enjoyable fashion.
Meta-Humor: The first film had a good deal of Meta-humor, but why stop there? Why not double…no, TRIPLE the amount in The Great Muppet Caper! There’s probably a fourth wall joke every 2-5 minutes, some of which are used to turn clichés (such as plot exposition) into acceptably funny jokes.
Live Action Cast: Unlike the first, actors and actresses all give genuine performances towards the Muppets. The live cast talk and interact with them as they would with real life adults; giving the film a better sense of immersion with its audience.
Effects: The second film takes the first’s effects and vastly enhances them. You thought Kermit riding a bike for several seconds was impressive? Try having a dozen Muppets riding bikes for several minutes!
Songs: The songs are the only downside here; not that they’re bad mind you, but instead lack in diversity. Nearly every song possesses the same Broadway choir theme, which while enjoyable at first (the song Hey a Movie’s highly entertaining), gets blurred together after several repetitive uses. The only song I found to be an exception is the Happiness Hotel, which is toe-tapping fun.
Favorite Song: Happiness Hotel
#2: Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Sam: (During roll-call) Big-Fat-Ugly-Bug-Face-Baby-Eating O'Brien?
Beautiful Woman: Aye.
Overall: I don’t know if it’s personal nostalgia from my childhood, the fact that Sam the Eagle (my favorite Muppet) gets extended screen time here, or its terrific use of comedy, adventure, action and music (most likely all of them); but Muppet Treasure Island has a personal spot in my heart. It’s wonderfully balanced between mocking its pirate theme and playing it straight (simply look at its opening number); making it both a lovely satire and a genuinely emotional adaptation both comedy and pirate fans can enjoy.
Comedy: The comedy here is hysterical, smooth, and well-balanced for both kids and adults to enjoy (aka a great family comedy). Take the scene where Sam the Eagle (playing Mr. Arrow) takes roll call; the whole scene consists of one funny joke after the other, all building up to a hilarious outburst from Kermit. The scene’s jokes are diverse, witty, and fluent all the way through. Yet it doesn't stop there; the songs are funny, the action is humorous, and of course…↓
Meta Humor: The Meta-Humor is great. While its more subtle and less frequent than The Great Muppet Caper, the approach only seems to work in the film’s favor; catching you off guard when least expected, making it all the more humorous.
Live Action Cast: There’s some wonderful performances from the live cast, particularly Tim Curry (Long John Silver) and Kevin Bishop (Jim Hawkins). The two work great together, bringing sincere emotions to the father-son dynamic Silver and Hawkins have. In fact it’s these scenes that stop Muppet Treasure Island from being straight satirical comedy and instead its own distinct adaptation (albeit a pretty funny one).
Effects: Not too much to say here; the effects are pretty good, but nothing exceptional for the late 1990s.
Songs: Oh man, where do I start? The songs are all terrific! They’re catchy as hell (you’ll be humming them for months), widely diverse in melody (some insanely comedic, while others straight-up dark and villainous) and all sung by terrific singing voices! Each and every song is worthy of being on any best of Disney song list (which was the Muppets co-studio at the time).
Favorite Song: All of them (though Professional Pirate’s definitely a highlight)
#1: The Muppets (2011)
Statler: (After Waldorf finishes explaining the Muppet contract) If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were reciting some sort of important plot point.
Waldorf: I hope so; otherwise I would've bored half the audience half to death.
Statler: You mean half the audience is still alive?
Overall: Oh Sweet Joy! After the disaster known as Muppets from Space (I shudder thinking about it) this was the movie the Muppets needed; complete with hilarious humor, a well-balanced story between old and new characters, catchy tunes, well-aimed nostalgia, and total self-awareness. The Muppets is a fantastic reboot, giving old fans (of both the movies and show) love while introducing newcomers to their absurd yet hilarious group of puppets.
Comedy: The Muppets is rich with sweet humor kids and adults alike can laugh at. Smooth, consistent and diverse, there’s also a bunch of shout outs to earlier Muppet films (along with the show). These shout outs include leaving Sweetums once again at a car shop and a Rainbow Connection parody sung by “The Moppets”.
Meta-Humor: The comedy may be hilarious, but it’s the Meta-Humor that steals the show. Not only did they bring the Meta-Humor back (after horribly removing it in Muppets from Space), but decided to turn its dial to eleven, practically smashing the fourth wall with a sledge hammer…which I absolutely love! Absurdities such as picking up the rest of the Muppets through montage (leading to Rolf’s hilarious backstory), driving “literally” by map to Paris, or jokes such as the above quoted example help turn The Muppet’s clichés into comical jokes and acceptable plot devices.
Live Action Cast: There are plenty of cameos here, but what makes them different from earlier Muppet films is the relevance; many of the live actors appear repeatedly to serve plot-wise. For example, Jack Black (as himself) initially appears as Animal's court-appointed sponsor, a scene that if used in the original film would have simply been a short cameo. To my pleasant surprise, Black is later brought back (unwillingly) as the celebrity host of the Muppets’ telethon; providing a purpose plot-wise along with more comedy.
Effects: Can’t expect new puppeteering effects to be as mind-blowing in 2011 as they were in 1979. Still, there are some pretty decent effects found throughout the film.
Songs: Sweet, catchy, embracing and self-aware of how corny they are; the songs are as funny as they are enjoyable. The Muppets even brings back Rainbow Connection in glorious nostalgic fashion.
Favorite Song: Life’s a Happy Song (Also the revisited version of Rainbow Connection)
Well that’s it; I’ll be posting my Muppets Most Wanted review soon…probably should conclude with something more insightful. Such as how awesome the Muppets are, or some grand overall sum-up of the list…………………………………………
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......Muppets from Space sucked.
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