"I know that it's easier to portray a world that's filled with cynicism and anger, where problems are solved with violence. That's titillating. It's an easy out. What's a whole lot tougher is to offer alternatives, to present other ways conflicts can be resolved, and to show that you can have a positive impact on your world. To do that, you have to put yourself out on a limb, take chances, and run the risk of being called a do-gooder." ~ Jim Henson
The Muppet Movie
1979
We all have random childhood memories. I wasn't alive when The Muppet Movie came to theaters, but my parents had a record player, and my Dad had the original soundtrack on that giant vinyl. For hours (well, it felt like hours, time is a strange thing for a kid), I would look at the movie pictures. Those images are blurred now, but the feelings I felt while listening to those songs have never faded.
Kermit the Frog sitting on his log playing the banjo, when all of a sudden a Hollywood agent boats across the swamp (so many questions). The Muppet Movie is the muppets origin story, and this is Kermit's home. He wants to make millions of people happy, but is quite content hanging in his swamp and watching movies in the theater. It's the talent agent that encourages him to leave his comfort zone. What would have happened if that agent hadn't appeared? Would Kermit have ever left his swamp? How many lives would have remained unchanged?
The Muppet Movie is a journey and coming together of the muppets as a group of performers and friends. The movie is also a reflection of how vitally important Kermit is as a character and person. Everyone he meets has a dream, and as Kermit leaves to follow his dream, he encourages others to follow their dreams. A pebble in a pond rippling and bouncing everything into motion.
As an adult there's a lot that now makes a lot more sense. Nuanced jokes are more funny, though some jokes are dated with forgotten in time cultural references. In the scene where Kermit first meets Fozzie, one of them says, in order to clear the busy bar, "drinks are on the house!" and then everyone in the room runs to the top of the building. I remember asking my Dad why that was funny. He explained, though I didn't get it then, even after the explanation, but now it's silly funny. Then there's the visual gags. During "Moving Right Along" Kermit and Fozzie, while at a fork in the road, they see an actual giant fork in the road. Little things like that.
Heh, and then there's the things in The Muppet Movie that would probably never make it in a current film, like Kermit being chased down to star in frog leg ads. Creepy. But as a child that was Terrifying! So it worked.
It has been years since I've seen The Muppet Movie, and it was just a joy watching the movie again. A pleasurable trip down memory lane. All the funny cameos that fit well with the plot. Toe tapping songs. Dang can Frank Oz sing high! Creative puppetry that I still marvel at, such as Kermit riding a bike.
The Original Muppet Movie really is the best. Some of the films that follow are good, but the original is simply brilliant.
Sarah
P.S. Saw this on a meme: "Whatever you do today, do it with the confidence of a 4 year old in a Batman t-shirt".
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