“The sequel’s never quite as good,” say the Muppets themselves!
After 12 years of dead air, the Muppet film released in 2011 was a surprise hit. As expected, it was both heart-warming and hysterical, but unexpectedly had a very smart script – which says a lot for a film that features fart-shoes. After watching Muppets Most Wanted, it’s clear to see that the missing ingredient in the mix is writer, Jason Segel, who made the 2011 movie what it was. He’s nowhere to be seen this time around and this film suffers a little because of it.
To be fair to The Muppets though, they are self-aware – with the opening song featuring the lyrics, “We’re doing a sequel, that’s what we do in Hollywood, and everybody knows that the sequel’s never quite as good.” So, no, Muppets Most Wanted is not as good as the instalment we got three years ago, but it’s still miles ahead of many of the other movies in the franchise.
Picking up literally where the last film left off, The Muppets are talked into doing a global tour (destinations including London, Berlin and Madrid) by their new crooked manager, Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). While on the tour, The Muppets find themselves unknowingly involved in a crime caper headed by Badguy and the dastardly Constantine, a dead ringer for Kermit.
The crimes come to the attention of two Inspectors: Sam the Eagle and Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell) – whose scenes together are often hilarious. Fans of ‘Modern Family’ will be pleased to know that Burrell’s character here is just as goofy as his one in the popular television show.
One of my favourite things to do whilst watching a Muppet movie is to spot the celebrity cameos. This film is crammed full of them, but blink and you’ll miss them. The A-Listers aren’t always used to their full potential and often just appear in the background, but it was still nice to see them there. It wouldn’t have been a Muppet movie without them.
At almost 2 hours, Muppets Most Wanted may be a little too long for the younger audience member, but most will get a kick out of the film. And although it’s not as clever or original as its predecessor, it doesn’t need to be. It’s still a fun family movie featuring the characters we all love.
See Kermit and the gang from tomorrow (March 26) at Showcase, Peterborough. For show times visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk and follow them on Twitter.
Mikey Clarke
Genre: Comedy, Adventure & Family
Cast: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy & an impressive number of celebrity cameos!
Running Time: 1hr 53mins
Director: James Bobin
See it if you liked: Muppet Treasure Island & Who Framed Roger Rabbit
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