I was brought back to my childhood today. I was eight years old, sitting in front of the black and white television set, and singing along. “It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight.” Oddly though, this time my eight-year old and six-year-old were sitting with me. The Muppets was an amazing movie and a truly fun experience. The parents were all chatting about our memories and filled with excitement about seeing our childhood friends again. The children were excited too, but with a different type of energy.
The theater my sons and I went to was incredible. It was so old-school and reminded me of the theater I used to go to at the Quaker Bridge Mall. This one was an AMC 8 and it was great. We don’t go to movies often because the buildings are too big, there are too many people, and too many cell phones. This one is only twice as big as the one I grew up going to and still has the same kind of service. For example, as we sat watching the previews, an usher came in to bring someone the food that wasn’t ready when they were at the counter. Then during the movie a person turned on her cell phone. Within thirty seconds an usher was there telling her to turn it off. Yes-there were ushers in the theater the whole time to monitor. The audience was well-behaved (parents included!). It was the magical experience I remember the movies to be from my childhood. We will be going to this theater regularly.
Then add that the movie was hysterical. Spoiler alert-I’m about to share details. If you want to be surprised, I am sad to say it, but stop reading. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, the whole gang plus Mickey Rooney! When Amy Adams says “this is going to be a short movie.” Traveling by map. The balcony guys. Uncle Deadly (I think that’s his name). Sam the Eagle. Whoopi, Jack Black, people that I am sure the tween-set will recognize. The songs were so Muppety. The humor was the same but with a slight 21st century edge. The music seemed very Paul Williams-esque. And yes, I cried as I quietly sang “Rainbow Connection” along with Kermit. It just felt so 1970s.
I know that some of the Muppeteers didn’t completely like the screenplay. Let it go. This brought the Muppets into today and kept their hearts pure. Even with a wee bit of an edge, the Muppets are still so much sweeter than anything else out there. It’s something parents and children can really enjoy together. It’s intelligent humor (okay, Fozzie’s fart shoes don’t quite fall under that category, but it’s FUNNY). If we want real television, it needs to connect with us emotionally. These pieces of felt and fur accomplish this with little to no effort. The Muppets connect our entertainment past with our present and future. The concept of a vaudeville theater and a variety show fully embracing the concept of live theater is wonderful and needed. Plus we want children to grow up to be accepting of all the different types of people in the world? Then watch the Muppets! No judgement anywhere!
The photograph cameos by the late great Jim Henson brought tears to my eyes. I believe he is smiling as he watches the generation who grew up with the Muppets share a new movie with their children. My sons have already seen other Muppet movies (Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island are staples in our home). I would love for the Muppet Show to return to television. I would love to be able to sit with my sons and laugh with these adorable felty, furry, and fuzzy creatures each week. Thanks to Jason Segel for bringing them back. Thanks to Jim Henson for creating them.
Mahna mahna (feel free to substitute Phenomena)
Do doo be-do-do
Mahna mahna
Do do do do
ohbloodyhell8 
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