Muppets Most Wanted

Muppets Most Wanted is a 2014 musical comedy caper film, a sequel to the 2011 film ‘The Muppets,' following the gang as they are entangled in an international crime plot. The film features high-octane comedy, frolic, and catchy tunes that will have viewers of all ages humming long after the final credits roll.

Award-winning comedian Ricky Gervais stars in the role of Dominic Badguy — pronouncing it "Bad-gee, it's French" to suggest an air of innocence and divert attention from his nefarious plans. Badguy is hired as the Muppets’ tour manager for a tour across Europe. Little do the Muppets know, Badguy is a mischievous thief planning malicious deeds to enrich himself and his covert partner, Constantine - the world's number one criminal and a Kermit lookalike.

Ty Burrell lends his comedic chops to the movie in the role of Jean Pierre Napoleon, a French Interpol agent. Dressed in a classic European style and armed with his tiny car, Napoleon is dead set on solving the mystery of the seemingly linked crimes popping up around the European tour stops. Napoleon forms an unlikely pair with Sam the Eagle, an FBI agent, providing ample room for their competitive bantering and comical investigative adventures with plenty of laughs.

Tina Fey, another stellar addition to the cast, puts on her Russian accent as Nadya, a zealous prison guard at Gulag 38B - a Siberian gulag, where Kermit finds himself by mishap. Fey portrays the strong-willed yet Muppet-loving Nadya with a twist of warmth and hilarity. Nadya believes every occasion is good enough for a song and dance, even in a gulag, creating a wealth of amusing scenarios.

Under the direction of James Bobin and screenplay by Nicholas Stoller and Bobin himself, Muppets Most Wanted continues the tradition of Muppet movies that appeal to both children and adults. The film masterly balances the ingenuousness of the characters, the clever puns, slapstick comedy, and moments that make you burst into laughter with its intricate plot filled with charm, suspense, and surprise.

The Muppets, everyone’s favorite furry puppet troupe, led by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal and the rest, find themselves in yet another classic showcasing their individualistic characteristics. From the serene and pragmatic Kermit, diva-ish yet loveable Miss Piggy, innocent Fozzie, to the unruly Animal, all the Muppets hold their own, displaying their unique colors, delightful quirks, and true essence of the Muppets' world. The familiar camaraderie within the gang, even while embroiled in a confusing pickle, never ceases to captivate and warm the heart.

The musical components of Muppets Most Wanted, with original songs written by Bret McKenzie, who won an Academy Award for his work in the preceding Muppet movie, stands out particularly. The numbers have an infectious quality and are strategically placed to lighten up the scenes, creating a fantastical world that Muppets inhabit. The film manages to gratifyingly stir a sense of nostalgia in long-time Muppets fans while entertaining the newer generation alike.

The cinematography and production design deserve praise as well. The film wonderfully replicates a convincing European aesthetic right from the streets of Berlin to the rooftops of London, creating vibrant backdrops for the Muppets' adventures.

Loaded with numerous celebrity cameos scattered throughout, Muppets Most Wanted gives the audience a delight in identifying favorite stars in unexpected moments. The film achieves a balance between letting the big-name stars have their moment and not detracting from the wonderfully crafted puppet characters we know and love.

While Muppets Most Wanted possesses all the elements of a classic Muppet film, it brings something fresh to the table. It continues the unique charm and wit integral to the Muppet franchise, along with the positive messages about friends and family, but explores a thrilling crime-caper plot. Despite this, the film never loses its distinct Muppet-ness, keeping audiences engaged and entertained throughout.

In summary, Muppets Most Wanted is a delightful roller-coaster of laughter, adventure, intriguing plot twists, memorable musical numbers, and showcases what the Muppets do best - capture hearts with their unadulterated joy and celebration of life, friendship, and music. It is an absolutely wonderful, whimsical, warm fuzzy feeling-inducing cinematic experience that is a must-watch not only for Muppet fans but for all lovers of comedy, musicals, capers and heartfelt fun!