THE MUPPETS (2011)

DIRECTOR: James Bobin
SCREENWRITERS: Jason Segel, Nicholas Stoller, Jim Henson (Characters)

First, a confession: I have seen more episodes of "Muppets Tonight" than "The Muppet Show" (in the latter, namely the "best-ofs", and the "Star Wars" and "Elton John" episodes). A childhood favourite movie of mine was "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996) and it may still be my "favourite" of the Muppet films though in a more critical mindset, my vote for "best" might be "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981) though the original "The Muppet Movie" (1979) - the one I got round to watching last (during my first year at university) - is arguably the most cinematic. It is difficult to rank them in order, particularly when it comes to picking the (whisper it) *weakest*. "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984) is the one that takes itself most seriously although the wedding finale manages to bring a lump to the throat; "Muppets from Space" has less songs but still has some amusement and there is the moment where it's possible that Gonzo might be leaving.

Recently re-viewing of the previous films, I figured that the better ones are those in which it is clear that the Muppets are putting on a production (in which case "Muppets from Space" is probably the "weakest" in that there is no context for the Muppets all living together - Kermit is on vacation: what was his job? - though I believe the house in question is briefly alluded to in "The Muppets"). The first three make up a kind of trilogy which began with a kind-of retelling of the Muppet's origins (a more literal interpretation would see them travelling by map to London), then a fun jaunt to Great Britain to solve a jewel robbery, before portraying a group of students wanting to take to Broadway before having to disband and eventually reuniting for Kermit and Piggy's possibly real wedding (if the suggestions on IMDB forums are true).

Years later, the series was "rebooted" of sorts with literary adaptations of "The Christmas Carol" and "Treasure Island" in the cinema, and "The Wizard of Oz" on television. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" remains a favourite for Christmas viewing besides "It's A Wonderful Life" (and apparently "Elf").

"Muppets From Space" seemed a more literal film though Piggy has a job as a coffee pig despite being in a second-rate variety show (or third-rate, if you're Luke Skywalker) but there was still room for jokes that showed the characters were aware that they were in a film (there was probably room for more songs but the tone was perhaps too serious for breaks into jolly numbers and the music mainly consisted of backing tracks and the actual Muppets singing is saved for last and even then it wasn't the main cast performing it).

I've generally tried to avoid reviews of this film but one I briefly scanned seemed to indicate it was a return to the original movie. I agree in that it's a much simpler, light-hearted bright family film, which takes a similar plot involving the Muppets being rounded up one my one, which is also similar to the final act of "The Muppets Take Manhattan" as here the Muppets have disbanded and our protagonist Walter - who maybe a Muppet himself - starts a campaign that will lead to a telephon revival of the original show, having grown to love it after watched rented videos with his brother, Gary (the adult version played by Jason Segel - incidentally, fans of two paricular contemporary American sitcoms will finally seem them cross over). Walter has discovered that a rich tycoon aims to tear down the Muppet studios for oil (a plot as familiar as last year's live-action "Yogi Bear" movie) and seeks out his hero - and eventual friend - Kermit and is assisted by Gary and his girlfriend Mary ("Enchanted"'s Amy Adams).

While this is a more literal Muppet movie (although there are plenty of knowing injokes), it defintely works, specifically because: I laughed several times; I forgot it was a "Disney" film; I was sort-of won over to Walter; when they started playing the finale song, I tried to figure out where I heard it from and realised they were replaying the OPENING song. And while I might not have had warm fuzzy feelings of nostalgia, I am sure this film will grow on me. It is almost certainly the best family film I have seen in the cinema since "Toy Story 3" (2010) and stands as a beacon of hope in a multiplex filled with Michael Bay's Transformers, Jim Carrey's penguins, and Kevin James' zookeepers.

It is appropriate that it should open in the UK on the same day as the 3D reissue of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace". Responsible parents would have a choice between a fun, feelgood family film featuring REAL Muppets or go next door and watch a retro-fitted 3D film in which a Muppet has been replaced by a CGI substitute.

Some may be disappointed that their favourite Muppet might not get enough screentime (Gonzo is far less featured than in previous entries and Rizzo appears at least twice). My slight, minor problem with the film is the possible negative portrayal of rap (music that isn't necessarily to my taste but still...) - the tycoon gets his own(ly) number in the form of a rap song while in Fozzie's tribute band, his earless substitute wears a gold chain.

Generally though (while "Muppet Treasure Island" may be embedded as a favourite), I am wondering on the cusp of tabloid territory as I am tempted to describe this film as "Perfect".