Late in the first act of Disney's The Muppets, there is a moment where the fantasy and shine of movie magic seems to only barely cover a real world truth. The films young Muppet protagonist Walter, has accidentally stumbled upon a sinister plan to destroy the famed Muppet Studio's and he tries to convince Kermit The Frog that the Muppet Studio is worth saving. Walter and his friends Gary(Jason Segel) and Mary(Amy Adams) go to great lengths to find Kermit, including a not exactly accidental electrocution. When Walter finally has the chance to talk to Kermit face to face, he lays bear a truth that can only come from the heart of a true fan. "Kermit, You're My Hero... I mean... You're on my watch!"
In that moment I no longer saw the film in front of me. In my minds eye I saw Jason Segel, the films human star and co-screenwriter who is also a self proclaimed Muppet super fan. I imagined what the pitch meeting for The Muppets must have looked like. I could just see Segel acting out the idea for the film to some Disney exec... and I imagined him saying something very close to what Walter tells Kermit. He probably professed his love for the Muppets, and his excitement at the possibilities of bringing the Muppets back to the big screen in the best possible way. And yes, he probably topped it off by saying "Kermit the Frog is my hero...I mean... He's on my watch!"
Blissfully, The next two act's of the film seemed to confirm my hypothesis. What unfolds after Kermit decides to "get the gang back together" is an early Christmas present for the Muppet faithful. The Muppets is a joke a minute, nostalgia fest that catapults Jim Henson's beloved creation's into the consciousness of a new generation while unabashedly flaunting it's historic and hilarious past. Who knew that felt could be this hilarious, heartbreaking, and utterly beautiful. What Disney has on it's hands is a rebirth of epic proportions. I'll call it now, There will be sequels. There will be new theme park attractions & tie in's. However, what Disney NEED's to remember is this... The Muppets proves in a very visible way, that the film will succeed BECAUSE of it's fans, and not in spite of them.
The Muppets tells the story of three fans who chance upon the opportunity of a life time. They actually get to help save the Muppets. As you watch the film, keep a close eye on Jason Segel's character Gary. Numerous times you will see him with a great big, cheese eating grin. He look's like a man who is living his dream. Which is absolutely true for both Gary and Segel. Many hard core Muppets fans have been vocal in their disdain for Segel's significant presence in the film. However, being a lifelong Muppets fan myself, I have to believe that anti-segel sentiment is based out of pure jealousy. I say that because, I am jealous. I wish, that I had the chance to be the fan that saved the Muppet's.
For the record, I had been completely on the fence about Jason Segel's involvement. However, the inclusion of director James Bobin and songwriter Bret McKenzie, co-creators of HBO's Flight Of The Conchords, gave me significant hope. I never could have imagined how much I would love their collaboration. What strikes me most of all, is that this film is all about the fans. You'll know it when you see Kermit for the first time and you feel tingles down your spine. You'll know it when you hear The Muppet's theme for the first time and start bobbing your head back & forth just like you did when you were a little kid. Most importantly, when you see Jason Segel's cheese eating grin, you will understand why The Muppets is The Most Sensational, Inspirational, Celebrational, Muppetational Muppet movie since the 1979 original.
-Admiral Duke
No comments:
Post a Comment