Simon Dillon reviews the film

The Muppets

Nostalgia seems to be a huge feature of present Hollywood output. The most prestigious films of late are The Artist and Hugo, both of which pay affectionate homage to early cinema. War Horse could have belonged to Hollywood's golden era. Classic Disney films are being regularly re-released, and the entire Star Wars saga is making its way back to cinemas over the next few years. The latest addition to this recent glut of nostalgia is the new Muppet film, simply entitled The Muppets. And the good news is that it's an absolute delight.

It's a film children will enjoy, certainly. But for the most part The Muppets is aimed at the adult audience who grew up with the original TV series. In a getting-the-band-back-together type plot set in motion by Gary (Jason Segal), his long time girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), and his Muppet brother Walter, Muppet regulars Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Animal et al come together for a reunion gig in an attempt to save the Muppet studios. Dastardly oil tychoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper - maniacal laugh, maniacal laugh) wants to tear them down to get the oil that's apparently underneath and. oh it hardly matters. What matters is the sheer quality of the consistently hilarious gags and the even more hilarious songs that director James Bobin helms to great effect. In particular the now Oscar winning Man or Muppet song (penned by Bret McKenzie) is surely destined for classic status, not to mention being a blast of fresh air compared with the usual bland fare that typically wins the best song Oscar. There are also some terrific cameos from the likes of Mickey Rooney, Emily Blunt and most memorably Jack Black.

On top of that, for people of a certain age there is the afore-mentioned nostalgia - a genuinely wistful poignancy amid the laughter. This isn't just about the Muppets but about growing up and finding your niche. There is even a modicum of social comment on how television today dumbs down to lowest common denominator nonsense when audiences deserve so much better. If you're my age, you may find a tear in your eye at memories of a long vanished childhood.

All of which makes this sound depressing, but it is anything but. In fact, films that provoke such feelings of sheer happiness are all too rare. It's perhaps a shade too long, but The Muppets is nevertheless a hilarious and unashamedly feelgood movie that all but the most curmudgeonly will enjoy. Highly recommended.

One more thing: don't arrive late and miss the short Toy Story cartoon before the main feature, as it's another Pixar gem. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.