The Muppets - review - Film - Arts - Evening Standard
       

The Muppets - review

Critic Rating 3.00
Reader Rating 2.00

In James Bobin's film, Gary (Jason Segel, who also helped write the screenplay) is The Muppets' biggest fan and takes a trip to Hollywood to see their famous studio home. He finds it deserted and, even worse, there's a plot to destroy the it and drill the land for oil.

The only solution is to find the felt animals and persuade them to get together for a benefit night that could raise enough money to save the studio.

In the resulting telethon we are treated to the sort of eccentric, almost surreal humour that reminds us of the good old days of Jim Henson. Gonzo makes a mess of his magic tricks, Kermit sings quite unlike a lark and Fozzie is not at all funny. Though rather too long and more than a bit uneven, the film reminds us that this insane group of human toys are capable of wit and sophistication as well as farcical comedy. They are nothing like as bland as the humans on view, who include Amy Adams as Gary's wife and Chris Cooper as the nasty oilman.

Welcome back, Muppets.

The Muppets
Cert: U

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