The Muppets (2011)

I know, two entries in one day! But it was a busy Christmas weekend.
The Muppets was fantastic! I felt like a kid again!

Written and starring Jason Segal, The Muppets has the heart of childhood innocence. It is about a man (Gary, Jason Segal's character), his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) and Gary's brother Walter (who is a new muppet) going to LA for Gary and Mary's 10 year anniversary. Walter follows Gary everywhere and the pair learn throughout the movie to be independent on their own. Walter has always been different and he has found that the The Muppets and the Muppet Show were his inspiration in life. He felt like he had a place because they are in the world. And therefore, going to see the Muppets Studio in LA is a dream come true for Walter. Only, the Muppets have long since disbanded. It takes some singing and dancing, pleading and tough decisions, but the Muppets get back together with the thanks of Walter, Gary, Mary and a few cameos. Of course, it would not be complete if an evil rich man gives them a deadline to raise 10 million dollars to stop him from drilling oil from below their Muppet Studios. The Muppets then take it upon themselves to host a Muppet Show telethon to raise money.
Miss Piggy is a delight. She and Kermit have their struggles and she has her fancy French lifestyle but Miss Poogy the replacement is nothing compared to the real Miss Piggy.
The best cameo is by Jack Black. He plays Animal's aggression sponsor at some center of calmness place. So, Animal is without his drums and Jack Black ends up getting kidnapped to be the host of the Muppet Show.

The big thing about this movie is that it is peppered with subliminal please for the Muppets to return to the hearts of children. Disney owns the rights to the Muppets. It won't be long before they bring them back to the mainstream and try to get more children to love the Muppets. Sure, they have heart but the Muppets are gold. Selena Gomez's cameo holds it all: "I don't even know who you guys are". Her generation is without the Muppets and this movie is a catalyst to bring them back to the world. I was too young for the Muppet Show. I grew up on Sesame Street and didn't get into the Muppets until Brian Henson took over with Muppets Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island.

8/10 for the heartfelt childhood memories. If you loved the Muppet Show, you'll rate higher.