2014 Movie Preview: #7 - Muppets Most Wanted

Release date: March 21

Plot summary: Disney's "Muppets Most Wanted" takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe's most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World's Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

My take: The relaunch of the Muppets franchise was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2011. So I am now really excited to see what they do for a follow-up. Granted some of the elements from the 2011 film are gone, like Jason Segal. However, the plot seems like the madcap type of story that is perfectly suited for the Muppets. They have also done a nice job of bringing in a lot of human actors to fill out the cast and produce some laughs as well. It's currently scheduled to come out on a competitive weekend, so I hope it either changes dates or offers enough marketing to make sure people go check it out.

The host with the Most

Kermit and the gang are heading back to the big screen and this time they are taking their adventures overseas. Here's the newest trailer for Muppets Most Wanted.

Feeling froggy

After their successful comeback a couple of years ago, Kermit and the gang are heading back to the big screen and bringing a whole new crop of famous faces along with them. Here's your first look at Muppets Most Wanted set to come out next spring.

RBR: The Muppets

This is one of the few films from 2011 that I would have actually preferred to see in the theaters instead of waiting for it to come out on DVD, but it just wasn't in the cards. With that said, the wait was worth it as this is a terrific film that people of any age can enjoy. Thanks to Jason Segal (How I Met Your Mother) who spearheaded this revival our favorite felt friends have returned to the big screen in a film that feels fresh while staying true to what made Muppet movies so special in the first place. This one centers on Gary (Segal) and his adopted brother Walter, who is a Muppet himself, helping to bring Kermit and the gang back together so that they can save the old Muppet studio from being destroyed by an evil oil tycoon (played by Chris Cooper). Their plan involves throwing together a telethon to help raise money to save the theater. This is a simple, yet effective plot that also helps in allowing for several celebrity cameos (I won't ruin who all shows up, but it is a great cast of famous faces who clearly look like they're having a blast being a part of this movie). There are a few minor quibbles I had with the movie. Of course, the Muppet voices are not what we remember as other people gamely try to replicate the brilliant Jim Henson's work. I also felt there were a few times where songs were forced into the film instead of developing organically. Having said that, some of the songs included are terrific and will likely be stuck in your head for days. Overall, this film is just a pure joy to watch. Few films featuring human actors are able to yield the gamut of emotions I experienced while watching this one consisting mostly of puppets. If you were ever a fan of the Muppets, you won't be disappointed with this revival and if you are new to Kermit and co. then do yourself a favor and become a part of this rainbow connection. Rating: **** 1/2