Director: James Bobin
Starring: The Muppets, Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo
Running Time: 107 minutes
Certificate: U
Blu-ray Extras: The Longer, Longest Blooper Reel in Muppets History, ‘I’ll Get You What You Want’ Music Video Performed By Bret McKenzie, Rizzo’s Biggest Fan, Mickey Short “No Service”, On Set with Walter, Inside The Gulag
After their nostalgic 2011 comeback, the gang return with MUPPETS MOST WANTED. As mad as a box of frogs, the entertainment value is upped in this spoof-like caper that is equally as ridiculous as it is enjoyable. As an adult, you’ll have no trouble with the forthright plot of mistaken identity. After being talked into a global tour by Ricky Gervais’ Dominic Badguy (“It’s French and pronounced Bad-gey”), we discover he’s in cahoots with an evil, Russian frog by the name of Constantine and they plan to steal art behind the cover of The Muppet Show.
Gervais is in perfect deadpan form, and when he convinces Kermit to go for a walk to clear his head on a ‘foggy, deserted East Berlin Dock’, Kermit is kidnapped and replaced. Our love-able Muppets should notice because of an obvious mole on his face, but the ‘bad frog’ (in the words of Animal) covers it with the aid of green face paint and, of course, they don’t notice the difference even with his strange accent and more liberal decisions.
As we move through Germany, Madrid and then onto London, we have a multitude of celebrity cameos popping up amongst the fast-paced, fun-filled adventure that weaves the great Muppet slapstick and knowing adult jokes with ease. We also look at Kermit’s life in the Gulag which sees the tremendous Tina Fey putting on her best strict Prison Camp chief act. She’s also part of the strangest, yet brilliant singing group that includes Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo and Jemaine Clement all harmonising – oh yes. When you throw in Ty Burrell’s humourous, bumbling Clouseau-esque French Inspector, you’ve got an ensemble who are having a good time and that really comes across on-screen.
MUPPETS MOST WANTED is everything you’d hope for from a Muppet film and the group don’t let you down. Bret McKenzie’s songs are catchy and witty, from the opening self-satire right through to the end. Animal has the most character development he’s ever had, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Rowlf, Fozzie and Kermit excel, and whether you’re young or old, you’ll have a whole lot of fun – which is everything The Muppets should be.
The extras here are pretty decent as well and you’ll get a very funny bloopers reel, that includes a whole host of Gervais laughing and if you know his history, it’s hilarious.
[usr=3] MUPPETS MOST WANTED is released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 11th. Pre-order your copy now.
