Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
When Kermit the Frog and the Muppets learn that their beloved theater is slated for demolition, a sympathetic human, Gary, and his felt-faced brother, Walter, swoop in to help the gang put on a telethon show and raise the $10 million they need to save the day.
The Muppets (2011) is a warm, self-aware revival that succeeds largely on charm and nostalgia. The plot is formulaic — a classic 'let's put on a show to save the theater' structure — earning a below-average score for its predictability. Acting is solid, particularly Jason Segel and Amy Adams delivering earnest, game performances alongside the puppet cast. Cinematography is functional and bright but unremarkable for a big studio family comedy. Novelty earns above average for its clever meta-humor, fourth-wall breaking, and the surprisingly fresh way it handles the Muppets' cultural irrelevance as a theme within the film itself. The ending is satisfying and emotionally resonant, landing on a bittersweet but uplifting note that fits the franchise's spirit.