The Muppets were formally inventive long before Charlie Kaufman came on the scene.
The Muppet Movie (1979)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:37
Fresh:33
Rotten:4
Average Rating:7.8/10
Consensus: The Muppet Movie, the big-screen debut of Jim Henson's plush creations, is smart, lighthearted, and fun for all ages.
Synopsis: Jim Henson's Muppets make their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. It all begins with Kermit the Frog sitting in a swamp singing and strumming a guitar. Realizing... Jim Henson's Muppets make their film debut in this charming story that chronicles their rise to fame. It all begins with Kermit the Frog sitting in a swamp singing and strumming a guitar. Realizing he can use his talent to "make people happy," Kermit decides to head for Hollywood. During his trip, Kermit meets fellow Muppets Fozzie the Bear, the Great Gonzo, Miss Piggy, and an odd assortment of others who join Kermit on his song-filled journey. But before Kermit and friends achieve their dreams of stardom, Kermit must confront the man who's been trying to catch him since he left the swamp--a man who sees Kermit as a potential meal ticket. THE MUPPET MOVIE is a lovingly made, touching story for kids of all ages as only Jim Henson could make it. The film includes clever, very funny cameo appearances by Milton Berle, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Cloris Leachman, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Telly Savalas, and Orson Welles. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Song ("The Rainbow Connection"), Best Original Song Score. [More]
Starring: Milton Berle, Edgar Bergen, Mel Brooks, Steve Martin
Starring: Milton Berle, Edgar Bergen, Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, Elliott Gould, Carol Kane, Madeline Kahn
Director: James Frawley
Director: James Frawley
Composer: Paul Williams
Reviews for The Muppet Movie
Cute without being insipid, funny without being childish, The Muppet Movie contains enough magic to please all ages.
The transition from the yank-'em-off-if-they-bomb lunacy of the TV show to the coherent narration of the film is not a complete success.
Jim Henson, Muppet originator, and Frank Oz, creative consultant, have abandoned the successful format of their vidshow, and inserted their creations into a well-crafted combo of musical comedy and fantasy adventure.
Not only was The Muppet Movie a great children's movie in 1979, one that viewers of all ages could enjoy, but it's still a great children's movie today.
Slapstick chases and weak movie references look tired, while the attitude towards Miss Piggy and Camilla the Chicken is, well, less than progressive.
...a passable but awfully slight big screen introduction to Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppets...
Few family films have the breadth of appeal of The Muppet Movie, the best screen evidence of the Muppeteers' dedication to magnificent illusion. [new DVD review]
The Muppet Movie has never suffered, still one of many great reasons to be a movie buff.
Regardless of your interpretation, it’s a movie that’s great to share with parents, with siblings, or with children, and it maintains a mature comedic edge that will leave multiple generations enjoying the same experience.
There's always room in movies for unbridled amiability when it's governed by intelligence and wit.
Sure, a pig and a frog are an unlikely couple, but who isn't? This film reminds us that we are loved, regardless of whether we roll in the mud or swallow flies.
Latest News for The Muppet Movie
December 30, 2009:
National Film Registry Adds 2009 Selections ![]()
The National Film Registry has named its latest additions, including "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "The Muppet Movie," and Michael Jackson's "Thriller." More...
September 22, 2008:
Disney Preps Huge Muppets Push ![]()
It's taken a few years for Disney to do anything with the Muppets, but the Mouse House is finally rolling out an ambitious plan designed to return Jim Henson's beloved creations... More...
May 07, 2008:
Charles Grodin Muppet Cameo Not a Myth (Myth!) ![]()
Lest you doubt Jason Segel has the level of Muppet love necessary to pull off a script worthy of Jim Henson's creations, he's revealed that his upcoming Muppet film has made... More...
March 19, 2008:
Jason Segel Talks New Muppet Movie
With the highly anticipated Forgetting Sarah Marshall and his regular gig on How I Met Your Mother, Jason Segel is gearing up for his dream project. More...
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