Muppets: Most Wanted

It Ain't Easy Being Green

            When I was 10 years old, I remember walking through the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and seeing all the glamorous and historical icons of pop culture. Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, Fonzie's Leather Jacket, Michael Jordan's Bulls Jersey, and so much more evidence of Hollywood's footprint on society. Apart from everything else on display, there was one window in the corner by itself that seemed rather dimly lit so I wandered over and was met with a familiar face staring back that sticks in my mind clearer than all the other artifacts. Jim Henson's original Kermit The Frog puppet was now an off-green and very worn down. I imagine being controlled by a human arm can sure take a lot out of you. Nevertheless, he sits, silently, in the Smithsonian for a reason, and that reason is why we continue to love and never forget the things Kermy and his friends have taught us since childhood: Life's better surrounded with the ones you love and love you back.

            And now there's a sequel!

            The Frog. The Pig. The Bear. The Animal. The Weird Blue Thing With The Hook Nose<Gonzo>. They're locked, loaded, and ready for a good time so I hope you are too. These are The Muppets and now they are on a world tour with their show! They have a new manager (Ricky Gervais, Night at the Museum) that might have a different agenda for this mega road trip than originally planned. Gervais plays Dominic Badguy (that's "bad-jee") who is teamed up with Kermit's Russian doppelganger, Constantine, the Number 1 most wanted criminal on Earth. Kind of a bummer for someone who looks like you. Together, the East-European wannabe frog and Badguy are in pursuit of the Crown Jewels and they know a few puppets that can lead them right to it. This international journey might be the most fun you'll have so far in 2014 and there are a few surprises along the way!

            One of the signature elements that The Muppets have brought to television is their interraction with pretty much name on the Who's Who list. The number of celebrity cameos in James Bobin's film is expected but still appreciated every time you turn the corner. "Oh look it's [insert A-lister here]!" is an example something you'll be saying to yourself at least 37 times in the 112 minutes of its duration.

            Besides the one-liner cameos, the three homo sapiens that atop the cast list are Ricky Gervais (as mentioned), Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell (that guy from Modern Family that's not Ed O'Neill). Separately but equally, they add a comedic charm that mixes perfectly with the humor and excitement that comes with the Muppets. This won't be up for Best Picture in next year's Oscars but you can still count on old friends like these to deliver any time of the day. After all, "Time's fun when you're havin' flies!" Right? GRADE: 7.9/10