Writer: James Bobin, Nicholas Stoller (Screenplay) Jim Henson (Characters)
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Peter Linz
Plot: While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by aKermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Muppets are here Again, Again
Story: Muppets Most Wanted starts by right where ‘The Muppets’ finished with Kermit and co figuring out what to do next starting with a sequel song and how this won’t be as good along with throwing around ideas what could be about. We end up meeting Constantine an evil genius who escapes from a Russia prison. We also meet Dominic Badguy (Gervais) who offers to take the Muppets on a world tour, but he is working with Constantine. This leads to Kermit getting mistaken for Constantine and ending up in prison and Constantine replacing Kermit on the show going around Europe stealing famous art work.
With Kermit trapped in prison, Constantine and Dominic are planning the journey to collect everything they need to steal the crown jewels. Jean Pierre Napoleon (Burrell) fast on the trail of suspected criminal ‘The Lemur’ Constantine has to keep face with the Muppets to succeed with his plan.
Muppets Most Wanted follows the tradition Muppet storyline where we have an all singing all dancing story that has an evil presence involved against our unlikely heroes. The mistaken identity is different for what we are used to and it is good to see them attempt something original rather than just adapting a well-known book. To actually have a Muppet figure as the band guy is good as we only usually see human villains but as was the criticism of the previous film, the lack of use of some of the more popular side characters is disappoint. (6/10)
Character Review
Kermit: Our beloved frog who is reluctant to go on tour but once he gets talked into going he gets framed and locked in jail trying to figure out a way to escape himself. Kermit does what he always does, make his friends and the audience happy. (8/10)
Constantine: The criminal mastermind who poses as Kermit on the world tour in his attempts to steal the crown jewels. This is an interesting character because it is clear that he is different but no one seems to see it and he does make for a very good stereotypical villain. (7/10)
Actor Review
Ricky Gervais: Dominic Badguy posing as a talent agent he tricks the Muppets into touring Europe as they unwittingly help him along with Constantine to steal the crown jewels. Ricky does a good job as the two faced villain getting to enjoy the role. (7/10)
Ty Burrell: Jean Pierre Napoleon the Interpol agent who is trying to track down the people responsible for the robberies. Ty is only supporting role and most of his performance is poking fun at the French and comes off a bit too much. (6/10)
Tina Fey: Nadya the strict guard at the prison who stops all of Kermit’s attempts to escape as well as helping him prepare the prisoners for a show. Tina does get more screen time than Ty and gets to make fun of every prison guard we have ever seen. (7/10)
Support Cast: Muppets Most Wanted has a huge supporting cast filled with cameos that all make for an extra laugh here or there.
Director Review: James Bobin – James does a solid job directing but doesn’t reach the same levels of the previous film. (6/10)
Adventure: Muppets Most Wanted has plenty of adventure on the trip they take around Europe. (7/10)
Comedy: Muppets Most Wanted has some clever jokes but doesn’t strike all the comedy gold spots I wish I could have. (5/10)
Crime: Muppets Most Wanted uses the crime heist side of the story really well introducing an element I have yet to see in a Muppet film. (7/10)
Musical: Muppets Most Wanted has a couple of catchy numbers but in the end not as memorable as other films. (7/10)
Settings: Muppets Most Wanted uses well know location for the settings but also clear ones to make you know which country you are in. (8/10)
Suggestion: Muppets Most Wanted is one that I think only the Muppet fans will enjoy I can’t see it appeal to the casual film fan. (Muppet Fans Watch)
Best Part: As always the cameos
Worst Part: Lack of use of popular support characters Gonzo, Rolf, Rizzo hardly had any screen time.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Chances are we will get another Muppet movie.
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $78 Million
Budget: $50 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes
Tagline: 2 Frogs 1 Pig Epic Mayhem
Overall: Franchise World Tour, only visits Europe
Rating