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.

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

Fall Movie Preview (November)

PUSS IN BOOTS (November 4)
Plot: Way before he ever met Shrek, the legendary Puss In Boots goes on a heroic journey, teaming up with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty Softpaws to steal the famed Goose that lays the Golden Eggs. It's the adventure of nine lifetimes!

Quick thoughts: This could go one of two ways. Either it'll continue to water down the original Shrek formula or it could provide a fresh start that's needed to rejuvinate some of these characters. The fact that they've added Zack Galifianakis to the voice cast certainly couldn't hurt.


J. EDGAR (November 11)
Plot: "J. Edgar" explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.

Quick thoughts: For so long, Oscar gold has eluded Leonardo DiCaprio despite a string of strong performances. That may end this year as he's playing the lead in this biopic of the former head of the FBI. Adding to his chances are the fact that the film is being directed Clint Eastwood who knows a thing or two about capturing the gold statue.


TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY (November 18)
Plot: The feature adaptation of John Le Carre's seminal cold war best-seller. Set in the aftermath of the cold war, the thriller tells the tale of a spy-hunt within the highest echelons of the British Secret Intelligence Service.

Quick thoughts: This is the type of pot-boiler spy films that I really enjoy. Tons of intrigue and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Gary Oldman is always terrific in supporting roles like playing Sirius Black in Harry Potter or Commissioner Gordon in the recent Batman films, so I'm excited to see him take on a more leading role this time out. This film should provide an excellent alternative for adults from the rest of the garbage that is being released that weekend.


THE DESCENDANTS (November 23)
Plot: From Alexander Payne, the creator of the Oscar-winning "Sideways", set in Hawaii, "The Descendants" is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family's land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

Quick thoughts: Director Alexander Payne always seems to create great films that find that right balance of drama and comedy. His film, Election, remains one of my favorites to this day. So seeing him team up with George Clooney definitely has aroused my curiosity. I doubt many people will rush out to see this when it gets released around Thanksgiving, but if it manages to earn buzz come awards season more and more people will likely flock to this film.


THE MUPPETS (November 23)
Plot: On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways.

Quick thoughts: I know I've plugged this new film a lot with all the viral videos they've made for it, but hopefully you also share my enthusiasm for seeing Kermit and the gang back on the big screen. Unlike their last venture onto the big screen, Muppets in Space, I have high hopes for this given the care and passion that Jason Segal has expressed for doing this film right. If you've seen what he does with puppets in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, then you know that this franchise is in very good hands. Look for this to be a big hit during the holiday season.

OTHER POSSIBLE FILMS OF INTEREST
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (November 4)
Tower Heist (November 4)
Jack and Jill (November 11)
The Artist (November 23)

More than OK

Check out the always innovative OK Go performing The Muppet Show theme along with cameos from all of our puppet pals.