Watch The Muppets

The Muppets from 2011 is a heartwarming and nostalgic movie that brings back the beloved characters of Jim Henson's Muppets. The film stars the talented Amy Adams, along with writer and co-star Jason Segel, and seasoned actor Chris Cooper. Directed by James Bobin, the movie is a tribute to the Muppets' legacy while also introducing them to a new generation.

The central plot of The Muppets follows the characters of Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) and Gary (Jason Segel), who are brothers and die-hard Muppets fans. Walter is a puppet himself, living in the real world and dreaming of the day he could meet the Muppets. Meanwhile, Gary and his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) decide to take Walter to Hollywood for a Muppet Studio tour. But upon their arrival, they find the Muppets Studio in disarray and abandoned. The villainous oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans to demolish the studio to drill for oil, and the only way to save it is for the Muppets to raise ten million dollars to buy it back.

As they embark on a quest to gather the Muppets for a fundraiser, Walter, Gary, and Mary reconnect the Muppets, who have gone their separate ways over the years. Kermit the Frog (Steve Whitmire), the leader of the Muppets, has retired to a quiet life in a Beverly Hills mansion. Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson) works at Vogue Paris as a plus-size editor, while Fozzie Bear (Eric Jacobson) performs in a rundown casino, and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) is a rich plumbing magnate.

The movie is a delightful mix of comedy, music, and heart-moving moments. Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the Muppets' previous performances, including beloved sketches, segments, and songs from the original Muppet Show. The music is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the movie, with original songs that are catchy and memorable, such as the opening song "Life's a Happy Song," and the Oscar-winning "Man or Muppet."

One of the movie's significant strengths is the casting. The human actors are excellent, but the Muppets themselves are the stars of the show. The puppets are incredibly expressive, and each has a distinct personality, from the lovable Kermit to the outrageous Miss Piggy. Though the characters are well-known, the movie still manages to add depth to their personalities, their struggles, and their relationships, making them feel fresh and relatable.

Another highlight of the movie is the humor. The Muppets has always been known for its self-aware, meta humor, and the film continues that tradition. The jokes are often clever and silly, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. One of the funniest bits is a running gag about the character of Tex Richman, who insists that he is an evil villain despite his rather mundane profession and appearance.

The film's message is equally important as its humor and nostalgia. The Muppets is about the power of friendship, the importance of following your dreams, and not giving in to cynicism or greed. The characters face various obstacles along the way, but they always manage to overcome them through their unity and devotion to each other. The movie manages to be both entertaining and uplifting, making it a treat for all ages.

In conclusion, The Muppets from 2011 is an excellent movie that honors and celebrates the legacy of the Muppets while also being a thoroughly enjoyable film in its own right. With strong performances, catchy songs, and clever humor, it's a perfect example of how a reboot can be done right. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Muppets or meeting them for the first time, this movie is a must-see.

The Muppets is a 2011 comedy. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 75.