Rating: 
Summary: The Best Muppet Movie
Review: Hey, if you want a "sort of how it happened" story about what brought all the Muppets together, this is an awesome film.The DVD has a few extras including a hilarious screen test with Henson and Oz, as well as several Muppetisms which are little vignettes of muppet appearances that kind of show what the character is all about, I suppose.
Rating:
Summary: Movin' Right Along...
Review: "The Muppet Movie" which was released in 1979 was the first step into motion picture land for Jim Henson and his Muppet family. What a big step that was! It is sometimes very difficult for TV personalities to make the transition into film, but this was done very easily and smoothly by The Muppets and their popularity soared even higher. So it's safe to say this film not only appealed to youngsters, but also to their parents and grandparents, who sat right along side them, enjoying every minute of it. According to 'Variety' September 12, 1979, "Along with the predictable family biz, much of the audiences were 40-60 year olds, well acquainted with the Muppets from their syndicated vidseries." There was something for everyone in this movie: the antics of Kermit and all his pals for the little ones and the silly little offbeat jokes for the older people. The plot was simple enough so that even the youngest children could follow along with it. Kermit The Frog (Jim Henson) is sitting in the swamp, by himself, playing his banjo and contemporary life. Dom DeLuise, a Hollywood agent, who happens to be passing by on his way fishing, "discovers" Kermit. He shows him an Ad in Variety for open auditions for frogs that want to become rich and famous. Naturally, Kermit wants to become rich and famous and so he hits the road to Hollywood. Along the way, he picks up a bunch of "Muppet" friends who also want to join him in his quest. These new found friends, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy (both played by Frank Oz), The Great Gonzo (Dave Goelz), and the rock group Dr. Teeth (Jim Henson) and the Electric Mayhem (Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt and Dave Goelz). Their journey to Hollywood is filled with danger, obstacles, laughter and fun. There are cameo appearances by Steve Martin (a nasty waiter at a restaurant), Mel Brooks (a crazy scientist who wants to get a hold of Kermit's brain), and Charles Durning (as Doc Hopper who would like to hire Kermit as a walking advertisement for his chain of fried frog's legs restaurants). Needless to say, there's never a dull moment for this group of travelers nor are there too many minutes between songs. In the end, Kermit and his friends finally get to Hollywood and the rest is history. The most well-known song from the movie is "Rainbow Connection" which is sung by Kermit at the very beginning, while he's sitting on a log in the swamp, meditating about life. Before you know what is happening, he's in the car, with Fozzie Bear driving on his way to Hollywood. They glide into "Movin' Right Along" which is another popular and well-known song. While Kermit is in a restaurant with Miss Piggy, she gets up and walks out on him. He and Rowlf, the piano player, team up to sing "I Hope that Somethin' Better Comes Along." This song is a spoof of getting along with women ("You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em"). The grand finale, "The Magic Store" stars all of the Muppets when they're on the set of their new Hollywood movie. This is a reprise of the "Rainbow Connection" with some other lines built in to more personalize the fulfillment of their dreams. 'Newsweek's' movie review of July 2, 1979 states, "The innocuous score by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher, is the lease effective component of the movie..." I do not agree with this statement. The songs in the movie were what made the movie a hit because The Muppets were known and liked for their singing and performing, not for their acting. TV audiences watched their variety show because it was The Muppets and they enjoyed their singing, dancing, antics and notable guest stars. But, most of all, they enjoyed their songs. I first saw "The Muppet Movie" when I was 8 years old. (I must admit, I've seen it many times since then and I still listen to the soundtrack.) I liked the movie then and I still enjoy it for the same reasons even though I'm older. These Muppets almost seem real in the movie because of the expertise of their creators. They do many things in the movie, which are unbelievable. I enjoyed the naivety of these characters, the wholesome and simple ways they solve their problems, the uniqueness of each of them and the lively songs they perform. "As do the other actors in the movie, we very quickly come to accept The Muppets as real people who just happen to be made largely of felt." ('The New York Times' June 22, 1979) The creator of The Muppets, Jim Henson, who died in 1990, will be sadly missed for his tremendous contribution to the world of entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: On Par With Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffanies?
Review: Is "The Muppet Movie" on the same level of quality as "Casablanca" and "Breakfast at Tiffanies"? What about "Citizen Kane" and "Gone with the Wind"? I'd like to think that a seven year old might consider this among the greatest films ever. With no heavy message, "The Muppet Movie" is sheer joy. The singable songs, the colorful characters, the incredible silliness of it all make it a movie worth watching with your family without hesitation. As a DVD, you won't find many of the extras you might see on other films, but the kids won't care. In fact, as fun as the trailers are, your young ones simply want to watch the movie. I first saw this movie as a child, and still know the words to "Rainbow Connection." I fully recommend "The Muppet Movie". Anthony Trendl
Rating:
Summary: The Best Muppet Movie Ever!
Review: I saw this in the movies when I was a kid, and bought it on VHS when it first came out many years ago. Now I'm a mother with two kids under 7, and they LOVE it. They don't get all of the jokes because they are targeted mostly at adults, but it's still a lot of fun watching them watch the movie. Kermit and Fozzie are one of the best comic teams since Abbott and Costello! I also loved the cameos by Carol Kane, Steve Martin, and Orson Welles. I am still amazed by the scene of Kermit riding the bicycle; when my five year old sees it, she screams, "HOW DO THEY DO THAT????" It's huge fun for a young family.
Rating:
Summary: WACKA WACKA WACKA
Review: This is truly a great movie. My 3 year old son walks around quoting it. So, if a 3 year old loves it, it must totally rule. My husband and I think that Jim Henson is truly a genius and one of a kind. There is no comparison to him or to this timeless little treasure.
Rating: 
Summary: Dissapointing transfer of a classic film
Review: This film is an excellent version of the muppets, the DVD, however is disappointing. The extras are minimal, and the grain is evident in the transfer. Why no director's narration? Or better yet...why not a narration from Fozzie Bear? If you already own it on video, don't bother. If you don't own it yet, of COURSE you need this.
Rating:
Summary: Ever seen a frog riding a bike?
Review: A very well made movie, but also very funny.
This is not just a movie for children, it's fun for the whole family.
By far, the best Muppet movie made.
Rating:
Summary: How can you miss...
Review: If you love the muppets - especially the old muppet TV series, then you will love this movie. Jim Henson put a lot of love into this movie and it shows - again and again. I first saw the movie when it came to the theater and I can still sing the "Rainbow Connection" (a song sung by Kermit in the opening) by heart. It is rare that a song hits the heart with that much emotion and pure realism, but this song and "It's not easy being Green" (not in the movie but a Kermit fav.) are them. Get this movie - if you are a kid or adult. I am 30+ and still watch it at least once every couple months just for my own enjoyment and reminder that there is "love, kindness and innocence" in the world.
Rating:
Summary: Someday We'll Find It, The Rainbow Connection...
Review: This film is one of my fondest childhood memories. Seeing the Muppets (at the height of their popularity) heading Hollywood, singing and dancing, with Miss Piggy googely-eying her beloved Kermit, Fozzie Bear doing his best as everyone's manager, and a generous cast of "extras" delivering a film that turned out to be "okey dokey". -- Kermit's melancholy ukelely number "Rainbow Connection" was nominated for an Oscar that year, but was beat out by Norma Rae's "It Goes Like It Goes". I'll pick Kermit's song any day! -- Get the kids and enjoy this timeless fantasy!
Rating:
Summary: ******
Review: Though not up to the pace of todays children's entertainment, the Muppets remains just as funny and magical as when they first hit Hollywood. This movie captures a lot of the zaniness of their classic television series, the Muppet show, and tells a good story with a lot of heart.
| 
