Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey
Director: James Bobin
Somewhere In the vast article wasteland known as Siberia lies a gulag that despite the harsh conditions fails to contain “the world’s most dangerous frog” Constantine (Kermit pulling double duty as his doppelganger with a mole). With the help of new Muppets road manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) the pair launch a plan to utilize the Muppets traveling variety show as cover to steal the items that will lead them to the Crown Jewels.
Thanks to a fake mole and some glue Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and shipped off to the gulag to be placed under the watchful eye of Nadya (Tina Fey).
While the Muppets travel across Europe performing to sold out shows they unknowingly leave in their wake a string of museum robberies. Putting Interpol agent Jean-Pierre Napolean (Ty Burrell) and Sam Eagle on the case to get to the bottom of the crime spree.
All the major players get their chance to sing a song with the standout being the Constantine/Gervais duet.
What makes the Muppets so fun is not so much the nonsensical plots where puppets and humans can coexist it’s the complete self awareness that this is a movie. Starting off with the song titled “we’re doing a sequel” they proclaim that they are making a sequel to the last film and that it probably won’t be as good as the last one. This is the key to the Muppets success, breaking down the fourth wall and never take anything to seriously. there is enough silliness to keep the entire international crime caper together. Add to the mix the celebrity cameos which are for the most part enjoyable. Of all the cameos Lady Gaga has the worst, her ridiculous inability to be herself and constant need to don a lame outfit gets her a cameo with Tony Bennett yet she has to wear and apron that says GAGA on it. If you need a name badge you don’t deserve a cameo.
There is nothing in terms of songs that stands out like Rainbow Connection, though there is a brief snippet of the original films hit song. Then again you need the great Paul Williams on board for that magic to happen. (Just ask Daft Punk)
Overall the Muppets as always stress the importance of friendship and family. Piggy pines for Kermy and most importantly, yes Statler and Waldorf do what they do best, heckle the Muppets.
Grade 81
