I Am Big Bird Reviews Are In

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story will have its world premiere this Sunday at the Canadian International Film Hot Docs Festival. Reviews of the Copper Pot Pictures documentary are already filtering in, and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Check out some of the great reviews below!

DorkShelf Review by Andrew Parker
"Aside from being a remarkably well crafted and guileless tearjerker, Walker and LaMattina have also created a brilliantly comprehensive biography of one of the Muppets’ most unsung heroes, combining rare home video footage shot by Spinney and his wife and in-depth and insightful interviews with those who know him best. Nothing is left untouched regardless of how negative or “un-Sesame” it might appear. It’s the beautiful, sometimes melancholic, and always heart tugging story of a man who wanted nothing more than to make people happy. I started crying mere minutes into the film and didn’t stop for the entire running time. Bring multiple boxes of tissues. This is not an exaggeration or suggestion."

SceneCreek Review by Anthony Marcusa
Spinney, it’s explained by friends, colleagues, and his wife, is in fact Big Bird, from the way in which he enjoys simple pleasures in life to his almost naïve look at the world. What’s perhaps most interesting, aside from the complicated inner workings it takes to actually wield the massive yellow costume, is how everyone seems to be in agreement about just how peculiar and refreshing Spinney really is.

The Globe and Mail Article/Review by Dave McGinn
"This idea was really, in its basic form, 'Hey, it's really cool one guy’s been doing this for so long,' " says Dave LaMattina, who co-directed the documentary. But after meeting Spinney and delving into his life story, LaMattina and his partner, Chad Walker, knew they had a story that was much richer and more nuanced than that novel fact.

The Star Review by Bruce DeMara
The film will remind audiences of the important role Big Bird (and the man in the yellow suit) played in shaping both culture, children’s education and even politics.

Pretty Clever Films Review by Brandy Dean
These sorts of docs always have the potential for a being a big of a drag. After all, Carol Spinney is just a man and sometimes people are just boring. But do not fear. It turns out that Carol Spinney is just as much bird – if not more – than man. You already love Big Bird, but after watching I Am Bird Bird, you’ll fall in love with the man who brings him to life as well.

I don't know about you, Muppet fans, but I'm so completely thrilled to see this film. We'll keep you posted about when and where you can see I Am Big Bird as soon as we have more info!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

MUPPETS MOST WANTED Film Review

Ryan Dosier - I've given myself a day to let Muppets Most Wanted sit with me and I've come to a conclusion: it's the craziest, funniest, smartest, most impressive Muppet movie since The Muppets Take Manhattan. Right from the first frame of the movie, it explodes into a cavalcade of hilarity that we haven't seen from the Muppets since at least The Great Muppet Caper. The film is literally moment after moment and line after line and gag after gag of hilarious comedy.

Muppets Most Wanted was everything I wanted it to be and more than I expected it to be. The entire team not only seems reinvigorated in the new movie, but they seem to be alive with electric excitement and wacky, wonderful Muppet enthusiasm. The humor, charm, style, weirdness, musicality, and wonder of the Muppets is back in full, unstoppable force. I was honestly floored and a little exhausted after the movie just because I was laughing so hard, smiling so much, and feeling so ridiculously impressed by the whole thing.

The stars of this film are Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Constantine. At no point do any of the human cast members become main characters (at least not to the level of Jason Segel or Amy Adams in The Muppets), and all of them add so much to the movie. Ricky Gervais is understated and incredible with Constantine. Ty Burrell is brilliant as a bumbling Frenchman, and he and Sam Eagle are my favorite subplot in the movie--they work so, so well together. Tina Fey might just steal the show... she's brilliant as ever and has some stellar lines and singing chops.

Kermit gets the best story in the movie. I was a little worried when I found out that he would be removed from the rest of the Muppets for a lot of the film, but if you have those worries too don't even give it a second thought. Kermit (and the incomparable Steve Whitmire) shows that he's a strong enough character to do anything--and he does. He sings, he dances, he leads, he falls, he rises, he fights for his friends, he fights for Miss Piggy... he's incredible. Kermit is the strongest character in Muppets Most Wanted and I'm so incredibly glad to say that.

Constantine gives Kermit a run for his money, though. Matt Vogel has to be commended and lauded for bringing to life another incredible new Muppet. He blew every one of my expectations sky high. Constantine has two songs in the film and they're both so, so good. He dances, he does martial arts, he blows things up, he pulls a gun at one point... it's crazy. But crazy in the best way. I really can't stop thinking about just how funny Constantine is. He's a slimy charmer and an evil person, but he's even vaguely innocent at some points. It's a nimble tightrope, but Constantine walks it so well. I sincerely hope he comes back for more... I'll be upset if he doesn't.

Miss Piggy gets so much to do in this movie it's crazy. She's a total star in Muppets Most Wanted and it's beautiful. Everything she does is spot-on and Eric Jacobson has captured the character in such a profound way. Piggy has such an amazing emotional journey in this film. Her featured song with Celine Dion is one of her best--a true winner. Piggy's relationship with Kermit is spelled out and discussed in real terms in Muppets Most Wanted and there's finally a grasp on who they really are. It's beautiful.

I'm thrilled to say that the other Muppets get a lot of fun, fun moments throughout. In fact, don't think there's any scene in the whole thing that doesn't have a Muppet present. Fozzie, Walter, and Animal get a delightful subplot and I'm such a fan of Fozzie and Walter as a team. More please. I was so thrilled that Gonzo got an extreme improvement on screen time from last movie. He comes alive more than he has in years. Dave Goelz shines so bright in this movie--Bunsen, Waldorf, and Beauregard also get lots of fun moments. Sam Eagle is awesome and funny as ever, Scooter is the omnipresent voice of control, Rowlf gets some wonderful jabs in, the only member of the Electric Mayhem who doesn't have at least two lines is Zoot, Pepe is much more featured (but not overly so), Bobby Benson has an unreal appearance, and Rizzo is my favorite part of the entire movie--with just one line.

The music in Muppets Most Wanted is spectacular and Muppetational and I love each and every song. There seriously is not one song I will be skipping when listening to the soundtrack (on repeat, for weeks). Bret McKenzie's style fits the Muppets so well. I honestly think his music is the best thing to happen to the Muppets in years. Every song is a huge production number and blows me away. They're all catchy and clever and hilarious.

"We're Doing a Sequel" sets the stage for the outrageous film ahead and seeing the Muppets step out in gold tuxedoes in a massive, unreal musical number had me tearing up, "I'm Number One (You're Number Two)" showcases Constantine and Ricky Gervais so well and is so catchy, "The Big House" spotlights Tina Fey's singing ability and the lyrics are endlessly clever, "I'll Get You What You Want (Cockatoo in Malibu)" is Constantine's other song and it's been stuck in my head for two days straight, and "The Interrogation Song" is a really different song style that fits the movie, Ty Burrell, and Sam Eagle perfectly, then there's "Something So Right" which is Piggy's huge number with Celine Dion--it's immense and wonderful. Is there an Oscar-worthy tune in that bunch? I'd argue there's a few.

I'm wracking my brain, and there are extremely few things that I do not adore about Muppets Most Wanted. There are so many surprise appearances from Muppets, not celebrities, that I was blown away. Characters I didn't expect to see showed up and spoke. I think that's the most lasting aspect of Muppets Most Wanted: It's unexpected. The number of times I burst out laughing at something unexpected someone said or did are too numerous to count. The Muppets have always been at their best when doing the unexpected, and Muppets Most Wanted is their greatest showcase of that in years. I would also be remiss if I didn't praise the incredible puppetry in this movie. There are more full body Muppet shots than ever and they're all perfectly executed. The Muppets have never been more real. Kermit gets to be an action star, Constantine gets to tap dance on a stair railing, Gonzo rides a motorcycle... the characters are alive and real and thriving in Muppets Most Wanted.

Honestly, the only issues I have with the movie are some embarrassingly bad green screen (involving humans!) at the very end and the fact that the characters in the movie refer to the title of the movie as The Muppets... Again! It's practically unnoticeable if you didn't know that The Muppets... Again! was originally the title, but for crazy Muppet fans it's a little weird--and maybe a little funny. But that's it. That's really all I can think of that I didn't swoon over in Muppets Most Wanted. Two very minor things.

Everything in this movie works. From the music all the way to the impeccable set design that taps into the gritty, kind of shoddy theme the Muppets represent. The whole movie is firing all cylinders and it doesn't stop until the credits roll--and there's even some gags to be found there! My highest praise goes to the Muppet performers, who have made a movie that they all seem to adore. Steve Whitmire never loses sight of who Kermit is and gets to explode with that great Kermit anger. Eric Jacobson stuns as Miss Piggy, cracks up as Fozzie, and glows as Sam Eagle. Bill Barretta plays a one off character with no lines that pulls the rug right out from the whole movie. Peter Linz gives Walter great, great reason to fit in with the Muppets now. David Rudman is Scooter and he's literally perfect. And Matt Vogel wins MVP of the movie for Constantine (plus Floyd, Sweetums, Lew Zealand, and Crazy Harry). I was also beyond thrilled to see a tribute to both Jerry Nelson and Jane Henson in the credits--it's near the end, so don't leave.

Muppets Most Wanted is a brilliantly funny, endlessly impressive example of the Muppets at their best. If The Muppets was meant to reintroduce us the Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted is meant to reintroduce us to who the Muppets really are: insane, weird, musical, and touching--until someone blows the touching moment right up. It's spot on and I'm just stunned by the movie. I really, really can't wait to see it again and laugh at it all over and over again. I think I'll close this review with a slightly amended section of my review from November 2011 after I saw The Muppets...

Go see this movie, Muppet fans. From one hardcore fan to however many of you are out there... Go see this movie. There is guaranteed to be at least one thing to make you grin from ear to ear, tap your toes, and laugh out loud.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Rachel Herrick Reviews... The Muppet Movie

Last month our good friend Rachel Herrick revealed that she would be partnering with us here at The Muppet Mindset to produce exclusive video reviews for all seven Muppet movies prior to the release of Muppets Most Wanted in March. Well, she has kept her promise, and August's video is here at long last! It's well worth the wait, because Rachel's commentary and review of The Muppet Movie is hilarious, sharp, and a whole lot of fun. There's no use building it up anymore... the video really speaks for itself. Check it out below!









The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Muppet Movie Blu-ray Review

The Muppet Movie - The Original Classic

The Nearly 35th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray

Available August 13th

Ryan Dosier - With the major success of 2011's The Muppets both in theaters and in home entertainment release, it should come as a surprise to no one that Disney is re-releasing the other Muppet movies on Blu-ray. Disney's expertise lies in using new home entertainment formats to preserve its franchises, so it's nice to see the Muppets get the Blu-ray treatment too. We saw it first with The Muppet Christmas Carol last fall and now The Muppet Movie is finally releasing in high definition glory. I was extremely lucky to receive a copy of the Blu-ray early from Disney, and I'm happy to say that it is a very worthwhile release.

I'm going to carry on in this review assuming that everyone reading knows the story of the very first Muppet movie. Everyone knows how Kermit sang "Rainbow Connection" and set out from humble swamp beginnings to become a movie star in Hollywood. Along the way, Kermit befriends Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, the Electric Mayhem, Rowlf the Dog, Scooter, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, and the divine Miss Piggy and sweeps them all into his dream. Along the way there is laughter and singing and loving galore. If you've never seen The Muppet Movie... well, you're crazy and you should amend that immediately.

The Muppet Movie possesses some really gorgeous visuals on the new high definition transfer. Just like every other Muppet movie Blu-ray, the colors here are simply astounding. Kermit's green shines, the Electric Mayhem radiates neon beauty, and the entire movie looks like it was crisply fine tuned to perfection. The most spectacular sequences in The Muppet Movie are even more spectacular on Blu-ray. The "Rainbow Connection" moment is especially gorgeous, as is the beautiful scenery shown during "Movin' Right Along" and "America." The Blu-ray transfer is wonderful and a magnificent step-up in visual quality. The sound is also amped up a notch for high definition. I noticed some little dialogue asides that I had never heard in my countless viewings, so I think that's saying something.

The bonus features for the release are quite good, but there could have (and arguably should have) been so much more. As with the Blu-ray releases of The Muppets and The Muppet Christmas Carol, once again, the Disney Intermission feature is present. When you pause the movie, the Muppets do things to keep you entertained. In this case, the new "Frog-E-Oke" feature plays on a loop. Which brings me to "Frog-E-Oke," which at first I disliked, but after awhile I enjoyed. The feature is basically just animated, repurposed music videos for "Rainbow Connection," "Movin' Right Along," and "Can You Picture That?" The effort the graphics and design team put into these videos is great, but no new Muppet material was shot. It would have been nice to see some new stuff, but the feature is decent.

The other bonus features are not new, but they are excellent. My favorite by far is the Jim Frawley Camera Tests, first seen on the first DVD release of The Muppet Movie. If you haven't seen these infamous camera tests, they are hysterical, 100% ad-libbed bits with Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, and Sweetums out about London to see how the puppets look in the real world. Jim Henson and Frank Oz are bafflingly funny in these bits and I was laughing like a fool for 14 whole minutes. Another awesome (albeit short) feature is Doc Hopper's Commercial, which is the original footage from the commercial Doc Hopper shows Kermit and Fozzie. It's hilarious, charming, and a beautiful tribute to the late Charles Durning. The final feature is the "Pepe Profiles" piece spotlighting Kermit that was new on the 2005 DVD release. It's still funny, but not nearly as funny or sharp as the Muppets are eight years later.

Overall, the bonus features are fun and Muppety, plus there is a new, moving menu on the Blu-ray home screen with foam cut-out Muppets. It's pretty adorable and well done. But there are some huge missed opportunities on the bonus feature side. Audio commentary with Jim Frawley, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, and Steve Whitmire would have been incredible. Or even commentary from some of the Muppets would have been nice. However, the biggest oversight is the lack of The Muppets Go Hollywood TV special made to promote the movie. There is no better place to release this special than alongside The Muppet Movie, and it's a major shame that it is not included.

But on the whole, The Muppet Movie Blu-ray is well worth your time. The release is only $20 (currently), which is more than fair for spectacular high definition transfer of the Muppets' greatest film. The bonus features could have been more impressive (although I say that about every Muppet release), but what is here is wonderful. Owning the Jim Frawley Camera Tests is yet another reason to buy this release. You won't want to miss your opportunity to own The Muppet Movie in high definition!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

THE MUPPETS - A British Perspective

Today's article is written from another British perspective... that of my personal and longtime friend who goes by Beauregard around the Muppet fan community. He's pretty much the polar opposite of The British Correspondent, and he was lucky enough to see The Muppets this past weekend. We are just as lucky, however, because we've got his review! Enjoy.

I was lucky enough to catch a screening of The Muppets in London with a group of Muppet fans who were brilliant enough to write their own ending and get hold of tickets. We then spent the next five hours wandering around London discussing the movie in minute detail. I have not stopped smiling since. Thank you so much for one of the best days of my life. - Beau

"Your fans never left you, the world hasn't forgotten!"

That first part is certainly more than true. I can testify to that. Having been involved deep within the Muppet fanworld during even the quietest times of the Muppet existence, I know that there was never a time when fans of the Muppets were not eagerly excited, awaiting new projects or examining old productions with a fine-tooth comb (or should that be: brushing up on old productions with a fine tooth-comb, ba-doom-ch!). However, I cannot be as confident about the second part of this quote. Yes, you often see someone wearing a vintage Muppet t-shirt walking down the street, and although the word "Muppet" strikes a memory chord somewhere inside everyone you meet, that chord has been long buried under a ton of other priorities, fandoms, and general forgetting of the bunch of characters that made you laugh as a kid (or as a grownup). Certainly everyone that I know brings out The Muppet Christmas Carol once a year... but I am not as sure as Walter is when he states "The world hasn't forgotten," in the new Muppet movie.

Which is exactly why this movie starts in the place where it does. Without the Muppets. This is as much a movie about loving, hard-working, interesting human characters living their dreams as it is about the Muppets getting back together to put on a show. Which is why non-fans will be able to connect with it without necessarily appreciating all the other levels available to latch onto in this movie. I went in expecting to be irritated with Gary, Mary, and Walter for using up the first few scenes of the film, thinking that I wanted the Muppets to have every possible second of screen time. But within just a few short scenes I was laughing, awwwing and totally in love with these three characters. In fact, I thought to myself, "You know, this would make a great sitcom... A guy, his Muppet housemate and his girlfriend heading to the Big City, someone should get on that!" And that was the thing that I was least expecting for this movie, that the universe and scope of this movie was as much created for Gary, Mary, and Walter as it was for the Muppets themselves. (What I am trying to put across is that humans were not shoehorned into this movie, ala Ashanti or the Studio DC Disney Stars, but rather that the movie was ABOUT these humans and their interactions within the Muppet world... which is our world.)

Now that is not to say for a second that this is not a Muppet movie. It is, in every sense of the phrase. It is a Muppet movie about Muppets, starring Muppets, connected to Muppets, written by Muppet fans, and involving Muppet fans. So completely filled with the Muppets is this movie that if you were to take away the Muppets, you'd have no movie. Similarly, if you were to take away Gary, Mary, and Walter, you'd also have no movie. Such is the symbiotic relationship between those two story lines.

I must also stress that this is also a Muppet movie. And that is the part that gets me the most excited when trying to put across what this movie is. It is not a TV special or a straight-to-DVD release, it is a MOVIE, and it moves, lives, and breathes in the way that a movie should with space to explore the world of the Muppets more deeply than they have in many years (I would say since The Muppets Take Manhattan). Recent productions have been more of a snap-shot of the Muppets solving one simple issue (save the theater, return to the swamp, get letters to Santa) while this movie introduces a richer tapestry of storylines that will keep fans discussing and debating for years to come. These storylines include (but are not limited to) Walter's trip to LA to meet his idols, Gary and Mary's relationship being constantly interrupted by his brother Walter, Kermit's fall from fame and how he comes to deal with this, Kermit and Miss Piggy's relationship as it enters new territories, an oil magnate trying to destroy the theater, putting on a show with only a few days to rehearse, finding a celebrity star, Animal's anger management and The Moopets Revenge. (Great sequel title, by the way... listen up Disney!) All these storylines intersect and develop one another. As one story line finishes, another begins, until after an hour and a half of the movie we have spent a good long time in the world of the Muppets, surrounded by them, drenched in them, breathing their air. I know that some have criticized the movie for having too many less-developed plot lines rather than one, but for me this is a return to classic movie making where a movie doesn't explain every last detail but instead gives you a richer breadth of material to take away from.

I would love to chat in depth about all the things that I loved within the movie, but I know I would risk giving away too much, so instead I will wrap this review up with my overall feeling and then expound on a few things with one-word answers.

I am prepared to take my credibility on the line and give this movie a 5 out of 5 rating, not because it is a perfect movie in every sense of the word, but because it fulfills everything that it promised. We were essentially promised something for non-fans (1 star for Gary and Mary and Walter's development), something for fans (1 star for more Muppet references than you could ever collect in one place), comedy (1 star for amazing double-takes, one-liners, sight-gags, and falling over), drama (1 star for the villains, The Moopets, for making us cry at Fozzie's plight, and at making us fall in love with Miss Piggy and Kermit all over again) and music (1 star for life being a happy song, the pictures that will remain in my head, and the me that will be partying to these tunes for months to come). Five stars, out of five.

Some more quick thoughts:

• Walter = Winning (He won me over and it took all my strength not to buy the plush immediately after)
• Gary and Mary = Necessary (See comments above)
• Kermit = Depth (I appreciate him on a whole new level now)
• Miss Piggy = Composure (Such grownup writing for her, unbelievably good!)
• Muppet Show within a show = Unbelievable (My jaw was in my lap for the ENTIRE second half of this movie, I kept thinking, "Is this real? Are they really showing us a rehearsal of The Muppet theme tune, in a cinema, in the UK, in 2012??")
• Cameos = Sufficient (They did not steal the spotlight, but were more than fine in their own way)
• Jack Black = Brilliant (Will say no more for the sake of spoilers)
• Fozzie = Central (His voice was the only one that I struggled with, actually, I'll admit it, but it was pure delight to see him as a central character again!)
• Miss Poogy = Mean (Yet hilarious)
• Tex Richman = Evil (Yes, evil)
• Uncle Deadly = Breakout (I am certain he'll be a breakout star after this)
• Scooter, Rowlf, The Electric Mayhem, and Camilla = Back!!! (Yes, they are all back baaaaaaaby! LOVE!)
• Music = Grin-worthy (I cannot stop humming the tunes and they make me smile. A LOT!)
• Overall = Surprising (Yes, the movie surprised me on so many levels that even now I'm struggling to describe it in any better way.)

He struggled so much, in fact, that was the end of the review. My sincere thanks to our friend Beauregard for his write-up! I'm so thrilled that the film is finally finding its way into UK cinemas for you all to enjoy and devour!






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Another Review of THE MUPPETS

There is SO MUCH Muppet stuff happening, people!! They are literally everywhere. Professional reviews of the movie from huge sources (some of which you can read from the links on our homepage) are pouring in like crazy, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and everyone in between are popping up on talk shows all the time, articles are flooding the internet... it really is Muppet Domination, and I really can't keep up anymore (I mean, I can, it's just exhausting).

As you all know, The Muppets opens in US theaters in TWO DAYS. I was wracking my brain to figure out what to post today... another News Update, a bunch of video clips, nothing... but you can get all of that anywhere you go. Today, I wanted to showcase what makes The Muppet Mindset special: Muppet fan contributions. That's why today we're presenting another review of The Muppets from friend of the blog Elizabeth Leary, who happens to work at The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta (which is amazing). So enjoy the review, brace yourself for even more Muppets, and try not to explode before Wednesday! 

Thoughts on The Muppets

Elizabeth Leary - On Monday, November 14th I had the incredibly good fortune of getting to see a preview screening of The Muppets. I'd hoped to see it for the first time at a midnight screening (how awesome would that be?), but I haven't heard of one in my area, and even if I had, how could I turn down the opportunity to see it early?! I just wish everyone reading this could have joined me.

Before I continue on, some background on me: Lifelong Muppet fan. Became a bigger fan around the age of 13. Went to Vassar College–its campus was used in the opening sequence of The Muppets Take Manhattan (did NOT know this before I was committed to go–spooky!). Interned at The Jim Henson Company my junior year. Interned at The Jim Henson Legacy my senior year. Majored in Film and wrote my senior thesis on Labyrinth. Currently the Grants Manager and Film Series Coordinator at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia.

So, yeah, I'm a VERY BIG fan of Jim Henson and the Muppets and definitely among the great community of people who've been anxiously awaiting this film since we first heard about it four years ago. Most of us started out thinking "I'll believe it when I see it," which slowly gave way to a cautiously optimistic attitude, which more recently turned into a very optimistic outlook on the film. So with all that anticipation, it would certainly be possible for the actual movie to not live up to all of our expectations. But, as The Muppet Mindset's Ryan Dosier reported in his own review of the film, it does live up to just about everything I could have hoped for! The movie was funny, heartfelt, and incredibly enjoyable. An excellent film for a Muppet fan, as well as an excellent film for any movie-goer. I’d like to share just some of my spoiler-free thoughts with you.

First, it wasn't until it started that I remembered how months ago we heard there would be a Toy Story short film before The Muppets. Not sure if Ryan got to see it, but it was screened for us, and as one would expect from Pixar, it was very funny! While on the subject of that company, we also heard a while back that Pixar was recruited to take part in a table read of the script. I'd love to hear how that went, if they gave advice or just gave it the thumbs up, because whatever happened in that meeting it turned out well in the end.

As alluded to above, I saw the film with a somewhat strange audience. First, and this was extremely painful to see, the theater wasn't full. Also, most people there were college-age. Thankfully, the audience did respond well to the film, which was great to hear. However, there was at least one weird moment of laughter at what was actually a very touching scene. I think a bit of the laughter was understandable, but as the scene continued and the laughter didn't stop it was annoying. But as Jason Segel himself had to address while writing the script, some people don't think about the Muppets being serious or sad. Unfortunately, those people viewed the scene as a joke. I don't think all audiences will react that way, but this mostly younger audience did.

In the opening scenes one thing that jumped out at me, which I know was also noted in some other online article, was the amount of Muppet memorabilia in Gary and Walter's room. I can't wait for the DVD to be able to pause it, look at all the items, and play: "What Muppet merchandise do YOU own?" I was most excited to notice two lunchboxes that are among my small-ish but growing collection. Cool to see them on the big screen!

One thing Ryan mentioned in his review was that he didn't enjoy the Amy Adams and Miss Piggy song "Me Party." Fair enough, but I did! I won't give too many details away, but I think all of the songs play to different genres, which is of course very Muppet-y, so I think "Me Party" would be their 80's girl-power song. I'd have to listen to the music more to confirm this hypothesis, but I think it fits most of the songs.

Was the film 100%, completely perfect? No. But any issues I have are pretty small. (A few scenes seemed to be edited a bit short. Some main characters didn't get much screen time, but that did allow for a lot of appearances from minor characters–and, as Ryan said, the Muppets are definitely the stars of the film, so it's not like the film didn't give them enough time overall. A couple of the younger cameos might not make much sense in a few years. I noticed what appeared to be CGI on a few puppets in "stunt scenes," which I didn't like and was distracting.) No matter what nit-picky things I can list, though, I continue to be extremely pleased with how close the film does get to perfection.

Was the movie exactly like the original films? No. It's not a film that feels like it's from the 70's or 80's, it's a film from 2011. It does have a certain timeless quality, but it's not trying to be something it never could by copying decades-old classic films that can never be recreated. It feels like the Muppets have been updated, but in a good way. Whereas past efforts to modernize the Muppets have often put them in situations that resulted in less than stellar productions (Studio DC, anyone?), Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller were somehow able to make a film that isn't stuck in the past yet retains the essence of what the Muppets are. Well done, sirs! This clearly wasn't an easy task, or else some previous projects would have turned out very differently. But thankfully this time around we've been given an absolutely delightful film that will be adored by fans, enjoyed by the general public, and which will stand the test of time.

I would probably have seen this film in the theater a few more times no matter what. Opening day, with a larger group of friends that weekend, maybe a few weeks into the run before it leaves theaters. Even if I didn't like it, I probably would have suffered through it multiple times. Therefore it makes me incredibly happy to know that I will ENJOY seeing it more times! In fact, there are so many things happening in the background throughout the film that I'm sure every viewing will reveal something different, which means multiple trips to the theater are practically required for Muppet fans. I also like that I can honestly encourage anyone and everyone to see it because one's enjoyment of the film is not dependent on their level of Muppet fandom.

Final thoughts: Wonderful film! As I said before, Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller wrote a fabulous script that they should be proud of. James Bobin, the Muppeteers, and everyone else who worked on the film should be proud of it. It honors the past, treats the characters with respect, and gives the audience a great piece of entertainment for the whole family. I can't wait for everyone to get to see this film so we can all fully enjoy what a fabulous time it is to be a Muppet fan!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

THE MUPPETS Movie Review

Ryan Dosier - About three months ago, I made a promise to Steve Whitmire. I promised him that, once I saw The Muppets, I would write an honest review of my thought on the new film. Well, I just got home from the early Cast and Crew screening of The Muppets in the main theater of The Walt Disney Studios and I'm ready to showcase my honest opinion. And here it is:

The Muppets is everything I wanted and expected it to be. Somehow, Disney and Jason Segel and James Bobin and the Muppeteers and the entire production team, have done the impossible: they've made a movie that appeals to virtually everyone--Muppet fans, huge Muppet fans, casual fans, adults, kids, teenagers... everyone. But the more impressive and incredible feat is that they've made a truly funny, truly emotional, truly fun Muppet movie. Five years ago, I don't know anyone who would have thought this could be done, but I am here to tell you honestly that it has been done... and it's coming to theaters very soon.

The Muppets are the stars of this film, 100%. I was actually extremely surprised by how great both Jason Segel and Amy Adams are and how brilliantly they eased into the story. The most surprising part was that, once Kermit was back in the picture, we barely hear from either Gary or Mary until the third act and all focus shifts to Kermit and Fozzie and Rowlf and Scooter and Gonzo and Walter and Lew Zealand and Animal and Floyd... and the divine Miss Piggy. If there is any doubt in your mind about whether the Muppets are the stars of this film, squash it immediately. I am here to tell you that no one shines more than Kermit, no one has more laughs than Fozzie, no one carries more weight (don't hit me) and emotion than Miss Piggy, and no one will give you shivers like Walter. This is a Muppet movie with Jason Segel in it, not a Jason Segel movie with Muppets in it.

That's not to say, however, that the human co-stars aren't fantastic--because they really, really are. Jason Segel's character, Gary, was one of my favorites. The song "Man or Muppet," a brilliant duet between Gary and Walter, that comes before the big Muppet telethon was one of the true, honest highlights of the film. The song was incredibly catchy and warmed my heart to no end, and mostly because the great acting of Jason Segel and Peter Linz as Walter. One of the most touching scenes in the movie comes just before the big climax when Gary and Walter are talking backstage. It will endear Jason Segel in your heart forever (as if that hasn't already happened).

If you have any doubts about Walter... stop having them. Watler is pitch perfect in absolutely every scene. His story and his journey is incredible. Why is Walter such a big Muppet fan? Because he's different, and watching the Muppets made him feel accepted and showed him that everyone is special and deserves to show it. The way he talks to Kermit or Gonzo is the way you or I would talk to Kermit or Gonzo... a dedicated fan who would do anything--yes, even being thrown into an electric fence--to bring his heroes back together. There's a moment, at Kermit's house, when Kermit is down and lost, and the things Walter says to the Frog will make you honestly wonder if they broke into your brain to write the dialogue. Peter Linz has brought to life an amazing, enduring, and wonderful character. People--myself included--were swarming him after the screening to congratulate him on a truly perfect new character.

Speaking of the Frog, I know this is going out on a huge limb, but Kermit in The Muppets ranks alongside Kermit in The Muppet Movie for his incredible acting, depth of emotion, and heroic journey from beginning to end. The Kermit we meet at the mansion has lost his way without his friends. If his song, "Pictures in My Head," does not move you in some fashion, then you're not giving credit to the history of Kermit the Frog and the amazing talents of Steve Whitmire. "Pictures in My Head" will surely go down in history as one of the great Kermit songs. It carries the weight of his entire plight in about two minutes, and it's perfect.

And I am thrilled to say that the biggest emotional storyline is carried out by Miss Piggy and Kermit. Their falling out and rising back up is amazing. I've honestly never loved and believed in the frog and the pig more--and that all has to do with the way the characters were respectfully handled and written. They reference their history, they confront each other about past issues, and they finally come together and share the sweetest moment you could imagine. However, Piggy fans will be pleased to know that it's not all sweetness and kissy kissy, Miss Piggy shows variety brilliance throughout. One of my favorite scenes comes when Piggy executes her idea to get a celebrity guest host for the telethon. You'll be in stitches.

Chris Cooper's Tex Richman is one of the most evil of Muppet villains, ranking up with Doc Hopper in his cruelty and attempts to destroy the Muppets. But he would not have been nearly as fun if not for his great sidekicks, Uncle Deadly and Bobo. Bobo is a laugh riot, as always, and really is just there to make goofy comments for no real reason, which is perfect for the bear. Uncle Deadly takes the cake, however, and Matt Vogel should be commended for bringing back a character whose potential is undeniable. Just wait until you see Uncle Deadly's big scene... I doubt you ever thought you would be moved by Uncle Deadly, but you will.

One of my favorite things about this movie was the soaring, hilarious, and wonderful music. Almost every song is not only catchy, but also takes you on an emotional, heartwarming, and hysterical ride. Even the rendition of "Rainbow Connection" performed by Fozzie Bear and the Moopets, which is just meant to crack you up, carries the emotional wait of seeing poor Fozzie trying to perform but stuck with an act that he doesn't believe in. Every song has this sort of wonderful subtext. The undoubted musical highlights are both the opening and closing "Life's a Happy Song" (Oscar worthy, seriously), Kermit's "Pictures in My Head," Gary and Walter's "Man or Muppet," and the unbelievably touching group version of "Rainbow Connection." The only song I didn't love (in fact, the only moment in the movie that left me feeling sort of "meh") was Amy Adams and Miss Piggy's "Me Party." The set up was just a little strange and it didn't really work for me, but every other song in this film will make you smile, laugh, and, maybe, tear up.

There's just so much that happens in the movie and I'm forgetting to talk about quite a lot. The "getting the gang back together" montage is wonderful and closes with an inside joke that will make you fall out of your seat. There is a wonderfully funny running gag with Gonzo during the telethon. This is probably Scooter's biggest role in a Muppet movie. Rowlf is charming and funny and delightful. The Electric Mayhem rocks hard. Marvin Suggs sings a line in a song. Link Hogthrob is a featured member of a quartet. Every single cameo is handled perfectly (and some were even trailer-exclusives). Rashida Jones is so much fun. The voices of Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, and Frank Oz all appear in the film (including a very, very special piece from Jerry). There are direct references to The Muppet Movie, The Muppets Take Manhattan, and The Muppet Show, with allusions to The Great Muppet Caper. Wayne and Wanda have one of the biggest laughs in the movie. Remember that all of this is happening in a feature film in 2011.

The Muppets is a return to form for the Muppets. Not just Kermit, not just Miss Piggy, but Fozzie Bear and Gonzo the Great and Animal and Scooter and Rowlf. It returns us to The Muppet Show where these characters truly were a hurricane-strength force in the entertainment industry. It reminds us that we are special and that there's a place for all of us. It reminds us that Kermit the Frog will always believe in us if we believe in him. It reminds us that growing-up doesn't have to mean growing into something you're not. It reminds us of the days when huge celebrities were clamoring to sing with a pig or joke with a bear. It reminds us that singing chickens will always get the biggest laugh.

But, above all, The Muppets reminds us that there is always a place for singing, and dancing, and making people happy; we remember that laughter is the greatest gift you can give someone (no, not children or ice cream) and that it doesn't have to be cruel or vulgar to make people happy. I truly believe that this is something the world is waiting for and more than ready to have back in their lives... they are ready for the Muppets. Luckily, the Muppets are ready for them with a film that breathes amazing life into the characters, the franchise, and the world of movies.

"Life's a Happy Song" sums up The Muppets in the best way: "Everything is perfect, it's falling into place, I can't seem to wipe this smile off my face!" And it's true... in so many, many ways. The Muppets have fallen into their place and on November 23rd and the days after, the support of the audience needs to prove it to see more and more Muppet projects. Go see this movie, Muppet fans. From one hardcore fan to however many of you are out there... Go see this movie. There is guaranteed to be at least one thing to make you grin from ear to ear, tap your toes, and give you shivers.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com