NEW MOVIE REVIEW: The Muppets (2011)

Yup, it's currently 12:45am, and I just got back from The Muppets.  Honestly, I could not wait to share my thoughts, so it's time to play the music, it's time to light the lights...

The Good

• SO MUCH!  It was very apparent this film was written by Muppet fans.  Not only that, it was written by Muppet fans who truly believe they deserve to come back.  It is a love letter to these wonderful characters, and I am thrilled it was executed in such a benevolent manner.
• Great humor, from the inside jokes to the homages, and also that fantastic adult sense of humor the Muppets have always had.
• The music is fantastic!  Thank goodness they decided on a full blown musical, because everyone gets to show their chops.  The Muppets themselves do a new rendition of "The Rainbow Connection" that is a joyous and heartfelt return to the days of yore.  Yeah, I cried, so what?  It's the Muppets back on the big screen!
• The Muppeteers were on their game bringing some new techniques that looked pretty darn cool.  Take special note of Walter, the new guy, in the beginning song.  They never cease to amaze.
• Chris Cooper raps.  It's awesome.
• It's chock full of great cameos.  I will not ruin them, but just keep your eyes open or you'll miss some.
• Jason Segel and Amy Adams (who looks SUPER cute in this) were great as the token humans.  The writers were also smart enough to make sure they were out of the way once the Muppets were on screen, this being a Muppet movie and all.
• I've been smiling for the past three hours.  Isn't that enough of a recommendation?

The Bad

• I commend all of the newer Muppet performers for their unbelievable work on this movie but, as lame as this sounds, I still have a hard time not hearing Jim Henson's and Frank Oz's voices out of these characters.  Yeah, I know Jim is dead, but Steve Whitmire, as fantastic as he is, just isn't Henson.  I guess it's personal preference.  Also, as a friend of mine said, these are the Muppets for a whole new generation.  Who cares who does the voices as long as the characters are still here?

Honestly, I could not be happier about the Muppets' triumphant return to the big screen.  I hope people go see this and realize the greatness of these characters and the joy they can produce.  This is the ultimate family film, and I hope it makes boatloads of money so we can see the Muppets come back again and again.  Thanks for a great movie guys, and welcome back!

Rating- 10/10

Best movie of the year?  Not quite, Deathly Hallows Part 2 still takes that title, but it's damn close.  Round out your holiday weekend with this movie.  You will not be disappointed.  Happy Turkey Day movie lovers!