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This is the blog where I talk about the latest movies I've seen. These are my two Schnauzers, Rufus (left) and Marley (right, RIP). As of now, the Double Hollywood Strikes are officially over. May the next strikes not last as long as these ones did.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Muppets Most Wanted

Because their last big screen adventure was a hit, The Muppets have a new one. Their eighth feature is Muppets Most Wanted and here's the review.

It literally opens at the moment The Muppets ended. 

So now that The Muppets have reclaimed their studio and have become relevant again, what do they do? A sequel! But they have no idea what do this time. 

Enter Dominic Badguy (Ricki Gervais), who suggests that they take The Muppet Show across Europe. That's one idea, what else?

The evil thief Constantine has escaped from a Siberian GULAG. Badguy is his "Number Two," as he constantly reminds him. Badguy sets up the aforementioned tour to give Constantine a cover for his heists. And since Constantine is a dead-ringer for Kermit the Frog, the old switcheroo is easy to do.

So Kermit's now in the GULAG, where a law-abidingly dense guard, Nadya, (Tina Fey) runs the show. And with Not-Kermit running the Muppet Show, the Muppets can do any act they want. Will someone figure out which frog is where?

As is typical with The Muppets, there's lots of self-referential humor, musical numbers and celebrity cameos here. There's even a musical number where they make fun of the idea of sequels. And among celebrity cameos, check out Christoph Waltz doing the Waltz. And oh yes, the musical numbers were catchy.

This Muppet Caper is 113 minutes long, which is ten minutes longer than the last one. And it certainly feels long at places. All but Animal, of all Muppets, figures out the switcheroo early on. Nadya figures out off-screen, but she still keeps Kermit in the GULAG! The fact that this is a silly comedy makes this a bit forgivable. And the physical comedy bits definitely kept me through the film.

Those looking for an energetic family movie outing won't be disappointed. Muppets Most Wanted is a suitably silly Muppets adventure. Who knows where it ranks among Muppet movies? All that matters is this was a fun time.

And there's also a Pixar short starring the cast of Monster's University, Party Central. That was the best part of the picture.

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