By: Claudia Tan
The Muppets are back in Muppets Most Wanted (2014) following the success of The Muppets (2011).
Touring in Europe with sold-out performances and greeted with raving reviews and standing ovations, The Muppets could not be more excited at the opportunity given to them by Dominic Badguy, played by Ricky Gervais. Little did they know, they are actually involved in a scheming plot by the world’s top criminal and Kermit’s doppelganger with a thick and exaggerated Russian accent, Constantine, to steal the crown jewels of Britain. The film also sees an interesting development of Kermit and Ms Piggy’s relationship.
“Everybody knows that sequel’s never quite as good”, sang the Muppets in their self-referential opening song. True enough, the film disappointed in the terms of plot, or rather the lack of it since the lead, Kermit was locked away in Gulag for half the movie and the Muppets (including Ms Piggy) did not realize that anything was wrong with the new Kermit. It also lacked the human element of the Muppets interacting with the humans (Kermit’s interaction with Nadya, played by Tina Fey was brief and cringe-worthy) and also lacked the emotional impact of finding yourself like Walter did in The Muppets. The musical numbers in the film, though funny, did not stand out like “Rainbow Connection” or “Life’s a Happy Song” did from the first movie. I would hardly think that anyone would be humming “I’m Number One” on the way to school.
However, what it lacked in its storyline, it made up with witty gags and tasteful puns unique to The Muppets, providing light comedic relief for audience both young and old. The film also offered a decent celebrity cameo cast consisting of Celine Dion, Usher and also Lady Gaga.
Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted (2014) opens 24 April in Singapore.
