The Muppet Movie

source: The Muppet Movie

The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog is happily living in the swamps. Bernie the Agent (Dom DeLuise) is lost and suggests World Wide Studios' open audition for frogs. Kermit decides to go to Hollywood and finds various friends along the way. Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) tries to get him to be the new spokesfrog for his chain of frog legs restaurants. It's a string of cameos and light-hearted fun. It's the first theatrical film for Jim Henson's Muppets. Other than the awkward frog legs restaurants, this is simple childhood joy. It's nice to see each group of Muppets get introduced. There's a lovely feeling for everybody. There are a few catchy songs. There is something joyous about watching these Muppets walking around. I don't really like the villain. Maybe they should have used another Muppet.

There's just something pleasantly memorable about a little green frog singing and playing a banjo in the middle of a swamp. The opening scene is a wonderful introduction for this truly excellent film. My favorite of the Muppet movies, this has excellent songs, some truly funny running gags and one-liners (and some that are absolute "groaners", but they're still deserving of a chuckle.), and a fun group of Muppets and celebrity cameos. Jim Henson is, and always will be, the definitive voice of Kermit. The film itself is very gentle in tone without getting too syrupy, and truly entertains all the way through. With all of the "quality" children's programming that comes out these days, I can't help but wonder why more "family" films aren't actually made for the entire family like this film was. This is a real keeper, although it seems a little hard to find at times in the stores.

Like all the Muppet movies, this movie is aimed at children. But that doesn't mean it's only for children. Heck, kids probably won't even get most of the jokes. The Muppet Movie is probably the best of the series. This one had a certain charm to it that the others never realized. This movie had great songs and humor for all ages. To think, people thought the Muppets wouldn't succeed on the big screen.

Jim Henson's The Muppet Movie is a charming, funny and brilliant film that can be watched AND enjoyed by adults and kids. I feel this is my favorite childhood film because it combines great characters, great story, and great wit that it is irresistable. The plot involves Kermit the frog (puppeteered and voiced by Henson) in his odyssey across America to follow his dream in Hollywood. Along the way, he meets Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo (my favorite), Miss Piggy, Rolf, and DR. Teeth and the electric mayhem. This film has so many good things I can't even say them. But it is memorable and every time I think of a puppet or muppet, I will think of this film. Look for cameos from Mel Brooks, Dom DeLouise, Paul Williams, Madeline Kahn, Bob Hope, Richard Pryor, Steve martin, Edgar Bergen (and Charlie McCarthey), Elliot Gould, Carol Kane and the great Orson Welles. Excellent and spectacular, one of the best films of the 70's. A++