It’s hard not to love The Muppets. And while some may think that they’ve been gone too long, I really don’t think they ever left. Yet, no matter your position on the relevance of the lovable Jim Henson characters, they are back and better than ever in the new "The Muppets" movie.
Who’s the target audience for the new Muppet movie? It’s not 3 year olds, but it’s pretty much everyone else. Adults who grew up with the 1980s (the first "The Muppet Movie" was released in 1979) will quickly be transported to their youth via the creative reconnections and fun story telling in the movie. The plot’s built around the reset of the Muppet franchise and even if you don’t know the characters, it’s fine viewing for kids and adults. Just sit back and bask in the simplicity and silliness of Kermit and company.
Jason Segel and Amy Adams share the lead human roles, and both do stellar jobs. They have the vocal range to handle the catchy songs and humor to navigate the sunshine that is needed in the film. Both seem to respect their roles and don’t push phoniness or sweetness on the audience. From Rashida Jones as a network executive to Chris Cooper as bad guy Tex Richman the other roles also are well acted. And, of course, the expected cameos throughout the movie are stellar.
Everyone may not love Beaker, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie and the rest of the crew, but as Kermit says near the end of the film, "Maybe you don't need the whole world to love you, you know, maybe you just need one person."
Ultimately, the Muppets and this movie are about love. And, the story really is based here too. It’s so simple, wholesome and fun that you truly can’t help but smile. And, if you’re like me and recall the Muppets of the 1980 and 90s, you may even fight to hold back a tear or two.
Quick post script to this brief review. If you haven’t seen the 2008 made for TV Muppets special "Letters to Santa," watch for it this season or buy it. It’s great.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
