He’s been known for many things related to television. He made the word “Muppet” a common term. He created Sesame Street, a children’s show everyone has enjoyed for all ages. Most importantly though, he reinvigorated an industry that was seen as old fashioned and viewed as almost laughable. Ventriloquism and puppetry seem like a trivial way of entertainment, but before special effects and CGI were a thing, it has long been a means for that reason. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it no longer has value nor contributed to the evolution of the industry it’s related to. Rightfully so, with the success of The Muppet Show, Jim Henson took the next step in his film career by making a movie about them. What results is a strong first entry in Henson’s theatrical movies.
The story although not credited at all to Henson, is an allegory to Henson being able to make his Muppet movie. Even with the success of The Muppet Show, Henson had trouble finding someone to support his first theatrical film. Kermit the frog (Jim Henson) is enjoying his life in the swamp when he’s visited by a Hollywood agent telling him he could be a star. Feeling he could make an impact, Kermit sets out on the road and meets all his other friends people come to love and know so well. In a sense, it’s an origin story. The script was written by Jerry Juhl and Jack Burns, both who had worked on The Muppet Show as well. Directing the feature was James Frawley who had more experience heading TV shows like The Monkees and Magnum, P.I.
For those who enjoy the Muppets, the film gives the viewer a good idea as to how Kermit hit it big with Hollywood and was able to gather his group of diverse and colorful friends. Characters like Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, Animal, Scooter, Beaker, Bunsen and more get their introductions one way or another. The script also loves to break the fourth wall with the audience, letting them know the Muppets know it’s a movie. The puppeteers and voice actors all do a great job making these characters feel like they are their own individual. Not to mention as expected, the movie also contains several cameos from big name actors at the time like Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Edgar Bergen, Mel Brooks, James Coburn, Dom DeLuise, Bob Hope, Carol Kane, Richard Pryor, Orson Welles and Caroll Spinney playing who else but Big Bird.
Perhaps the only thing that suffers in the movie is pacing. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s most likely the weakest link in the production. At times, audiences may feel the story is kind of taking a wacky detour. This comes down to the incidents Kermit and his friends get involved with, some of which don’t make a lot of sense. Perhaps that was a part of the comedy? It’s a bit hard to tell, but that doesn’t mean the movie isn’t funny. There are plenty of moments where the characters get involved in over the top antics. The effects used in this movie are also commendable. There are a number of illusions used in the movie that are mind blowing for the time that show a puppet can fully exist on screen without being attached to a puppeteer. It’s very creative.
These camera tricks were caught by Albert Einstein lookalike cinematographer Isidore Mankofsky. From what is shown, Mankofsky filmed several nice countryside backdrops along with varying streets of California. Lastly, the music composed by Kenny Ascher and Paul Williams is notably an important piece. Having worked very famously on the second A Star is Born (1976) remake, it’s no shocker they created memorable music here too. Songs like the “Rainbow Connection”, “Movin’ Right Along”, and “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” are all songs that bring out the proper emotions for the scene. Making it all the more enjoyable are the small snippets of score that they composed throughout the film. Thankfully the album exists and has been reissued. Definitely something worth adding to a collection.
Pacing is probably the only thing that falters from time to time. That should not be too bad though because the acting, guest appearances, story, songs and cinematography all make this an enjoyable family picture.
Points Earned --> 8:10
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