One of the funniest family films of the 1970s.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Synopsis: Jim Henson's Muppets make their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. It all begins with Kermit the Frog sitting in a swamp singing and strumming a guitar. Realizing he can use his talent to "make people happy," Kermit decides to head for Hollywood. During his... Jim Henson's Muppets make their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. It all begins with Kermit the Frog sitting in a swamp singing and strumming a guitar. Realizing he can use his talent to "make people happy," Kermit decides to head for Hollywood. During his trip, Kermit meets fellow Muppets Fozzie the Bear, the Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and an odd assortment of others who join Kermit on his song-filled journey. But before Kermit and friends achieve their dreams of stardom, Kermit must confront the man who's been trying to catch him since he left the swamp--a man who sees Kermit as a potential meal ticket. THE MUPPET MOVIE is a lovingly made, touching story for kids of all ages as only Jim Henson could make it. The film includes clever, very funny cameo appearances by Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Cloris Leachman, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Telly Savalas, and Orson Welles. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Song ("The Rainbow Connection"), Best Original Song Score. [More]
Genre: Childrens
Starring: Milton Berle, Edgar Bergen, Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Elliott Gould
DVD Info
Release:
May 11, 2007
Reviews
Slapstick chases and weak movie references look tired, while the attitude towards Miss Piggy and Camilla the Chicken is, well, less than progressive.
Cute without being insipid, funny without being childish, The Muppet Movie contains enough magic to please all ages.
The transition from the yank-'em-off-if-they-bomb lunacy of the TV show to the coherent narration of the film is not a complete success.
Jim Henson, Muppet originator, and Frank Oz, creative consultant, have abandoned the successful format of their vidshow, and inserted their creations into a well-crafted combo of musical comedy and fantasy adventure.
Not only was The Muppet Movie a great children's movie in 1979, one that viewers of all ages could enjoy, but it's still a great children's movie today.
...a passable but awfully slight big screen introduction to Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppets...
Few family films have the breadth of appeal of The Muppet Movie, the best screen evidence of the Muppeteers' dedication to magnificent illusion. [new DVD review]
The Muppet Movie has never suffered, still one of many great reasons to be a movie buff.
There's always room in movies for unbridled amiability when it's governed by intelligence and wit.
Sure, a pig and a frog are an unlikely couple, but who isn't? This film reminds us that we are loved, regardless of whether we roll in the mud or swallow flies.
A wonderful, funny, star-studded family film that really gets at the Muppets' quirky appeal.
Related Forums
News
posted by May 07, 2008
Lest you doubt Jason Segel has the level of Muppet love necessary to pull off a script worthy of Jim Henson's creations,...
posted by Fred Topel March 19, 2008
With the highly anticipated Forgetting Sarah Marshall and his regular gig on How I Met Your Mother, Jason Segel is...
posted by Jeff Giles March 14, 2008
In the last few years, the members of Camp Apatow have proven there's still an audience for R-rated comedies. Now, one of...
posted by Scott Weinberg December 12, 2005
Richard Pryor passed away yesterday morning, and while he's probably best remembered for his incendiary stand-up...


Top Critic

