“I don’t know who you guys are.  My manager told me to come.” This is a paraphrase of one of Selena Gomez’ scenes in The Muppets.  This was probably something that a generation unfamiliar with them would also say.  However, I can say that after this movie, they will know who they are.

This movie was partially written by Jason Segel (Gary), who co-stars in the movie with Amy Adams.  She plays his love interest, Mary.  Together, they travel to Hollywood with the intention of meeting The Muppets.  In the end, they work with them to stage a telethon to save their endangered studio.

For any movie, especially a kids’ movie, I thought that this movie had a really strong story.  I was there with my wife, our friends and their kids.  Truly, I feel that there was something for each of us.  For those of us that grew up on the original TV series, seeing The Muppets was like running into old friends.  For the kids, they were able to know what I still consider one of the best kids’ shows of all time.

I thought the movie did a great job at showing why The Muppets are still relevant.  The songs ranged from covers like  Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (you’ll have to struggle a bit to find it) and TM songs such as Kermit’s “The Rainbow Connection.”  The cameos were also extensive and ranged from Mickey Rooney, Whoopi Goldberg, Dave Grohl (as Animool) to newer ones like Selena Gomez and Rico Rodriguez.  All of these elements spanning a few generations woven together very well.

I would give this movie a strong four stars.  The cameos weren’t overdone.  Different generational elements went together well.  It had a really good story.  So for anybody wondering whether The Muppets are still relevant…..the question has been answered.

Author: José A. Rodríguez