The Muppets are together again and as always, are ready for another round of laughs. While the movie may not deliver the same number of laugh-out-loud jokes that caused me to watch the 2011 remake five times (and counting), it still had me laughing and excited to re-watch it with my fellow Muppet-loving sisters.
This one starts off right where the last one left off—literally. “The End” is written in fireworks across the screen while the directors yell at the extras. The singing puppets then break the fourth wall and discuss how sequels are never as good as the originals.
When the Muppets can’t seem to come up with an idea for a sequel, Dominic Badguy (pronounced like “Badgie” and played by Ricky Gervais) temporarily saves the day by offering to lead them on a world tour, which is actually a front for his plan to steal the Crown Jewels of England. Through trickery, he replaces Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire) with his boss Constantine (voiced by Matt Vogel), who bears an uncanny resemblance to the original friendly frog.
Tina Fey and Ty Burrell also have significant roles in the flick, making it less about the puppets than usual. But it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—they delivered numerous jokes that only added to the hilarity of the movie.
The gang travels throughout Europe, making jokes and singing songs about each of the countries they stop in, and the E.U. in general—which probably flies over the short heads of the targeted audience, but had me smiling.
Besides the well-intentioned mockery of our friends across the pond, my favorite part is the ongoing game of “spot the star” that occurs as numerous musicians and actors of various nationalities and ages appear at random times in the film.
While I love the movie in general, I will admit that it isn’t as good as the original (neither the 1979 version nor the 2011 version). Some of the lessons in friendship seem too forced, though that could be just from the jaded perspective of a junior going to see a movie that suggests parental guidance for “some mild action.”
Overall, the movie-musical is not something to be missed and is the perfect film to watch with younger siblings and your parents at the same time, because at one point or another, everyone will be giggling.
Alex Hilsenrath • Apr 4, 2014 at 9:55 am
Sick I want to go too
Joe Wiedermann • Apr 3, 2014 at 9:23 am
This movie illustrates the struggle that is found inside all of us. It was beautiful and touched me in its portrayal of the struggle
#1 Fan • Apr 1, 2014 at 1:37 pm
I really wanted to see this movie with my little sister but she went ahead and saw it without me…
Joe Wiedermann • Apr 3, 2014 at 9:22 am
Awh shucks, Ill go with you sometime