Muppets Most Wanted - The Muppets are back (again)

‘The Muppets Most Wanted’ is the sequel to the Muppets film of 2011.  Or rather it’s about the seventh sequel to the original Muppets film of the seventies, but people seem to have sort of forgotten about all the Muppets’ big screen antics prior to 2011.  To be fair, it kind of follows its direct predecessor more than the ‘old school’ films, only it’s not quite as good.

As a fan of the Muppets I was always going to enjoy the film overall.  It’s just there didn’t seem to be as many jokes packed in and, amazingly, not enough of the Muppets themselves.  Just because I’m also a fan of Ricky Gervais, doesn’t mean he can outshine our cloth heroes in their own movies.  I’d prefer a Muppets film to be about the Muppets, rather than giving too much screen time to their human co-stars.

Then there are the songs... If you’ve just watched a musical, upon leaving the theatre you should be able to at least remember the tune to a few of them.  Unfortunately, only the opening ‘sequel’ number actually sticks in your head.  The rest seem to merely be padding because the story is a little weak.

It’s about an unscrupulous tour manager (Gervais) who persuades the Muppets to capitalise on their recent comeback/success to go on a world tour.  Only he has an ulterior motive and that is to rob all the major cities of treasures with the help of a Kermit impersonator.  Yes, the plot is weak, but it could be totally forgiven if the jokes were there.  And they are.  Sort of.  But only just.

And ‘only just’ kind of sums up the film.  It’s the Muppets, but only just.  It’s a good film, but only just.  Yes, kids will probably love it as it’s packed full of silliness and colourful set pieces.  However, many of the fans of the Muppets will have been following them since the seventies.  Therefore any Muppet film really should cater for both demographics.  

This one does, but only just.

7/10, but only just.