So (I used to get irritated when people start a sentence with "So", but here I am) it's 45 years since "The Muppet Movie" was released. It was so popular then that almost everyone--including our group of cool, childless early-20-somethings who would normally be attending the likes of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" or "Halloween"--was going to see it.
The writing and voice performances were amusing even for adults, and the musical score penned by top talent. It may have been marketed as a kids' movie, but the thing was just so darn entertaining, even for adults.
A decade later, so our young daughter and son could enjoy it it too, I added "The Muppet Movie" to our large collection of LaserDiscs ( thousands of bucks spent on a format I literally can't give away now that the player is gone with the wind.) The kids loved the movie, and the wife and I enjoyed it along with them.
Now, a few more decades later, they're grown and far away from us--and I'm watching a big ol' flat screen, a gift from the boy, scrolling thru a menu on this Roku thing that I frequently spar with. (It usually wins.)
But one night, there's the Muppet Movie in the listing--and for old time's sake I give it a run. And I'm glad I did.
The humor held up perfectly. The cameos by big stars (many now gone) were a real treat. The catchy songs were enhanced by the close-captioning: it enabled me to actually see the clever lyrics, which can be missed due to the cartoony voices of many characters.
It's written and put together so well that it remains very entertaining 45 years later, and it left a nice feeling of nostalgia. It lives up to its classic status and I'm glad I gave it another run. You should too.
The writing and voice performances were amusing even for adults, and the musical score penned by top talent. It may have been marketed as a kids' movie, but the thing was just so darn entertaining, even for adults.
A decade later, so our young daughter and son could enjoy it it too, I added "The Muppet Movie" to our large collection of LaserDiscs ( thousands of bucks spent on a format I literally can't give away now that the player is gone with the wind.) The kids loved the movie, and the wife and I enjoyed it along with them.
Now, a few more decades later, they're grown and far away from us--and I'm watching a big ol' flat screen, a gift from the boy, scrolling thru a menu on this Roku thing that I frequently spar with. (It usually wins.)
But one night, there's the Muppet Movie in the listing--and for old time's sake I give it a run. And I'm glad I did.
The humor held up perfectly. The cameos by big stars (many now gone) were a real treat. The catchy songs were enhanced by the close-captioning: it enabled me to actually see the clever lyrics, which can be missed due to the cartoony voices of many characters.
It's written and put together so well that it remains very entertaining 45 years later, and it left a nice feeling of nostalgia. It lives up to its classic status and I'm glad I gave it another run. You should too.