The Muppets (2011) product reviews

When I found out that the Muppets were returning to the big screen I was very excited. I was a big fan of the Muppets as a child and count Miss Piggy as one of my role models growing up. So with high expectations, my husband and I went along to see this movie and it did not disappoint.

The Muppets return to movie theatres is in large part thanks to Jason Segel, who pitched the idea for the movie and co-wrote the script, as well as starring in the role of Gary. The plot of the movie draws on his desire to bring the joy of the Muppets to a new generation.

His character, accompanied by younger brother Walter and girlfriend Mary, are on a mission to reunite all The Muppets and save the Muppet Theater from the requisite baddie of the movie. The implausibility that the very much human Gary has a brother that is a puppet doesn't detract from the plot at all - it's a Muppet movie, so craziness is expected.

Amy Adams portrayal of the sweet Mary was lovely and reminded me of her performance in 2007s Enchanted, which also showcased her singing ability. The movie has many brilliant musical numbers including some old favourites, new Muppet songs written by New Zealand's own Bret McKenzie, and one of my favourite parts of the movie, an hilarious cover of a recent hit song by Camilla and the Chickens.

Muppet movies are known for their celebrity cameos and this one is no exception. Twenty celebrities have guest starring roles and provide some of the best laughs of the movie, my favourite cameo being Jim Parsons of TVs The Big Bang Theory.

The session of this movie we went to was viewed by a group made up solely of twenty and thirty-somethings and you could feel the delight in the theatre as our Muppet memories from childhood came flooding back. It was nice to forget about all the stress and worries that you experience as a grown up and for 103 minutes simply enjoy some pure unadulterated fun.

I begrudgingly went along to The Muppet Movie because the kids were keen to see it. Not being a huge Muppet Fan I didn't relish sitting through a whole movie. I was, however, really surprised. It started with the cheesy American song and dance routine which I thought initally didn't bode well but after about 10 minutes of watching the movie I started to even enjoy it. The premise of time having gone by and the Muppets no longer being popular and their studio in the process of being sold to a rich magnate and his corporation set the scene.

Add Walter ( the newest muppet) and his human brother Gary (Jason Segal) along with girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) and the eventual search for Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppet team and you have the ingredients for a feel good fun movie. The way to save their run down abandoned studio is to get everyone together and put on a show and raise 10 million dollars. The movie works through the process of finding everyone and then getting the show organised. Kermit and Miss Piggy never fail to amuse! Jack Black has a role to play and is really funny.

The whole movie is a feel good sing along nostalgic stroll down memory lane. You can't help but sing along to The Rainbow Connection and Mahnamahna - loved it! It spanned the generation because my kids loved it too and they don't remember the original muppets. There was more than enough to keep adults and kids entertained. Best part was the people in the cinema all applauded as it finished and it's not often that happens. Definitely a movie not to miss!