Heart-Felt

MUPPETS MOST WANTED (2014)

Reviewed by Jerry Saravia

When the Muppets hit their stride, they are as fun to watch as any animated film that contains copious CGI. I am happy to report that "Muppets Most Wanted" is as invigorating a treat as The Muppets from three years ago or any Muppets film in eons. It is cliched and contains a wisp of a plot that could be written on a candy wrapper, yet it is buckets of heightened, endearing fun.

This sequel picks up precisely where the last "Muppets" left off, now literally seeking a reason to do a sequel (Postmodernist winks have also become cliches). A new manager named Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) suggests that the Muppets take their show on a European tour. The Muppets are delighted though Dominic is not at all what he is cracked up to be (how many managers take calls from President Clinton and Rihanna in less than five minutes?). Badguy's boss is a world-class criminal named Constantine, who bears a strong resemblance to Kermit the Frog, and has escaped from the Siberian Gulag 38B. The Russian authorities are searching for Constantine who switches places with the unbeknownst Kermit the Frog - a fake mole makes all the difference. The plan is that for every stop on the Muppets tour, the dynamic evil duo get closer and closer to uncovering the location of the Crown Jewels of England! Walter (a Jason Segel created Muppet from the 2011 film) is suspicious of the heavy-accented Kermit though none of the other Muppets sense any trouble. Meanwhile, a French INTERPOL inspector (a hilarious Ty Burell) and Sam Eagle (who each compare the sizes of their badges) try to decipher the identities of the thieves.

Big questions remain - will Fozzie Bear ever be funny? Will Kermit, er Constantine, marry Miss Piggy before the reluctant Kermit? Can Kermit survive the throes of the Gulag? Can Tina Fey ever be unfunny? (the answer is NO!) Will Badguy and Constantine manage to get hold of those precious jewels? Can Usher ever be referred to as anything but an actual usher?

"Muppets Most Wanted" is pure rollicking silliness and super-duper family fun. The songs by Bret McKenzie are memorable and witty ("I am Number One" might be my favorite). The surprise cameos are a joy. I can honestly say that the movie made me laugh, thrilled me, and further renewed my faith in Hollywood's deep appreciation of those delightful members made of felt. "Muppets Most Wanted" indeed.