Film Reviews

The Muppets

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Amy Adams
• Details: US/109mins G

An injection of glee right into your veins, cinema simply does not come more feel good than The Muppets. Jason Segel and James Bobin have managed to compliment the original characters, while somehow adding irony to the mix but never losing any of its magic. Simply put, this is a sweet and very lovely film that literally the whole family can enjoy.
The plot centres on the "different" Walter, a young muppet who has a lovely family and dedicated big brother, (a delightful Segel). While happy, he can't help but feel like there's something missing in his life. Then one evening he sees The Muppets on TV and a full blown obsession grows - particularly to Kermit The Frog. When his bro suggests that Walter join him and his girlfriend (a typically warm Adams) on a trip to Los Angeles, Walter sees this as a chance to meet his heroes. But when they get there they find Kermit and co. at odds with each other and The Muppet Show no more.
There's a thin line between cringe-worthy and sweet, and the balance that The Muppet movie strikes is all the more impressive for it. Segel obviously loves these characters dearly, and each one is given their time to shine - with Kermit obviously the focal point. For the most part Segel and Adams take a back seat, with the latter channelling her stellar work in Enchanted to blissful effect, and the former pasting a smile on his face that would be almost creepy if the joy wasn't so damn infectious.
If there's one a minor quibble with The Muppets it's that it's a little too topical. Some of the cameos are great (Dave Grohl, Jack Black) while others stink of whoever was free on the day - fat kid from Modern Family, weird guy from The Big Bang Theory etc. But that's a slight qualm in a film full of so many delights.
If you have children and they've never heard of The Muppets this is a perfect introduction. Will make you feel all warm and tingly inside.

Review by Mike Sheridan