On CLIPS In December, 2011
THE MUPPETS

The Muppets reunite to save their old theater from destruction in this family comedy starring Jason Segel.

TRIVIA: The Muppets made their theatrical film debut in what 1979 family feature?

ROG'S VIEWPOINT
       (4 CAMS)        RATED PG

On their trip to Hollywood, Gary (Jason Segel), his girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) and his brother Walter (a new Muppet voiced by Peter Linz) discover that wealthy oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) is about to destroy the Muppet Theater to drill for oil. The three fans desperately try to reunite Kermit (the voice of Steve Whitmire) and the old gang. The plan: hold a telethon to raise enough money to save the theater. "The Muppets" is hilarious, endearing and easily one of the best family films of the year. Director James Bobin, working with a screenplay by Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller, fills the screen with the type of gags and cameos that made "The Muppet Show" so popular. Giving away any of these surprises would spoil the fun. While the vocal talents of Frank Oz and the late Jim Henson are missing, Steve Whitmire and Eric Jacobson come close to matching the characters' voices. A connection to the early days is Dave Goelz, the one and only Gonzo. Some catchy new tunes along with a couple of old favorites dot the soundtrack. This is clearly a labor of love for star/writer Segel and the entire cast is having a blast with it. An added bonus treat is the delightful new Pixar animated Toy Story short "Small Fry" that precedes the main feature. This is an enjoyable cinematic experience for young and old alike - with no strings attached. Living up to the best of these puppets' adventures, "The Muppets" is in good hands.