I have a lot more respect for Jason Segal after seeing this film. Not only was he a good actor in support of the Muppets (which is pretty rare in their earlier films) but he also co-wrote and was an executive producer for the movie! Clearly, this must have been a labor of love for this "Freaks and Geeks" alumnus. Good job, Jason.
While I would not say that anything about the film was brilliant, it was exceptionally good throughout--and better than I'd expected. It managed to successfully combine LOTS of sentiment and humor--something that rarely comes off well. I think this was because more than any Muppet film ever, the film was VERY tongue-in-cheek and OFTEN stepped outside the 4th wall. In other words, it often parodied itself and the genre--and did so with a wink. For example, after performing a long and silly song and dance number, Segal tells his girlfriend (Amy Adams) about his day--and mentions how tired he is after that song and dance number! Cute.
As for the characters, most all of them are back--but with new voices since the puppeteers have either died or retired. Most are very close to the originals (particularly Kermit) but a couple are a bit off (Fozzy). But, the ACT like the original characters--and that is very important. And, frankly, it's much better than many of the earlier Muppet films. Cleverly written, touching--particularly the "Rainbow Connection" number which had me and my daughter in tears (particularly for my daughter, who was born the day Jim Henson died--and this really had an impact on her as she heard the song originally sung in "The Muppet Movie"). By the way, this earlier film is the only Muppet film, in my opinion, that might be better than "The Muppets". The new one is that good and that enjoyable.
While I would not say that anything about the film was brilliant, it was exceptionally good throughout--and better than I'd expected. It managed to successfully combine LOTS of sentiment and humor--something that rarely comes off well. I think this was because more than any Muppet film ever, the film was VERY tongue-in-cheek and OFTEN stepped outside the 4th wall. In other words, it often parodied itself and the genre--and did so with a wink. For example, after performing a long and silly song and dance number, Segal tells his girlfriend (Amy Adams) about his day--and mentions how tired he is after that song and dance number! Cute.
As for the characters, most all of them are back--but with new voices since the puppeteers have either died or retired. Most are very close to the originals (particularly Kermit) but a couple are a bit off (Fozzy). But, the ACT like the original characters--and that is very important. And, frankly, it's much better than many of the earlier Muppet films. Cleverly written, touching--particularly the "Rainbow Connection" number which had me and my daughter in tears (particularly for my daughter, who was born the day Jim Henson died--and this really had an impact on her as she heard the song originally sung in "The Muppet Movie"). By the way, this earlier film is the only Muppet film, in my opinion, that might be better than "The Muppets". The new one is that good and that enjoyable.