OK for kids 5+
Muppet comedy offers memorable laughs, musical numbers.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Muppets is as kid-friendly (and fun for adults) as all of the popular Jim Henson characters' early movies. Families familiar with the Muppet gang will know to expect a romantic subplot from Kermit and Miss Piggy, some slapstick stunts/humor courtesy of Gonzo, and silly jokes thanks to Fozzie the Bear. There's also one scene with a fist fight/brawl, some romance between human characters Gary and Mary, the words "butt" and "idiot," and some mild insults aimed at the Muppets. Expect a few noticeable product placements and tons of celebrity cameos.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about sibling unity and teaming up to make a difference. How are Walter and Gary different than most on-screen brothers? What do the main characters learn about themselves during the movie?
- Which characters in the movie are meant to be role models? How can you tell?
- Do the Muppets still appeal to audiences of all ages? What makes them so popular? How are the actors' interactions with the Muppets different than movies that feature CGI creatures?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Although the movie aims to entertain rather than educate, there's a worthwhile lesson in teamwork and trying your best to make a difference. Kids unfamiliar with the Muppets will also learn about the characters' history and the years they spent on television with famous guest hosts.
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Messages: The characters' hard work on their big show provides positive messages about collaboration, teamwork, encouragement, and being proud of doing your best, no matter what happens in the end. The Muppets also have really strong friendships, and Walter and Gary are good examples of siblings who work together instead of tear each other down.
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Role models: Walter is the Muppets' No. 1 fan and gives Kermit the encouragement necessary to believe in the Muppets again. Kermit leads his fellow Muppets to glory with his optimism and support. Gary is a really generous brother, but he also learns when to prioritize Mary and her needs. The main bad guy stays pretty bad, but his henchmen have their moments of redemption.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A big brawl breaks out in Animal's anger management class, with several tackles/punches thrown. Miss Piggy leads a stealth team of Muppets to kidnap Jack Black and keep him "hostage" in order to host the telethon. Gonzo engages in some death-defying stunts, and there are slapstick gags (including loud explosions) throughout the movie. The villain's henchmen are a little bit threatening; one looks pretty monstrous, and they both wield potential weapons at one point. A spoofy reality show within the movie is called Punch Teacher.
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Sexy stuff: As always, Kermit and Piggy have a complicated romantic relationship. Gary and Mary hold hands, embrace, and kiss sweetly in one quick scene. Brief Muppet kissing.
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Language: The words "butt," "idiot," and "oh God" are used a couple of times, and some swine humor is directed at Miss Piggy and another performing pig. Fozzie has "fart shoes."
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Consumerism: Red Bull is displayed prominently in one scene, and a large poster for Cars 2 (also released by Disney) shows up more than once. Kermit drives around in a Rolls Royce chauffeured by an '80s robot. The robot tries to serve guests sodas from that decade, like Tab and New Coke. Miss Piggy works at Vogue in Paris. The Muppets have strong merchandising ties to toys, apparel, accessories, home decor, and -- of course -- their own programs and movies on DVD.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Muppets Prove They're Better Than Moopets by Alon Patterson
This movie is just top notch family fun, suitable and entertaining to everyone from baby to grandma. It's funnier than 90 percent of the adult comedies released this year and even funnier to kids. Finally, the new Disney produced a FAMILY movie that's not only great but impossible to be controversial. This one reminded me of those Disney films of yesterday like "Mary Poppins" and "Snow White." Filled with music, love and laughter, populated by the most loved of all children's characters, how could it go wrong? At risk of sounding cynical, with Disney's recent reputation I gave it 50/50 at best. Nope, the quality of the production and performance here is just superb. If you don't get misty and tear up once or twice, you're either dead or heartless. Don't miss this one. It's worth seeing twice for full price. You won't be disappointed and neither will the kids. It just doesn't get any better than this.
5
Great movie. Lots of fun. by blovinjen21
We really enjoyed the silly humor and the nostalgia of the movie. So many old concepts are remade into some new age spin, but it can ruin the classics. This movie left me pleasantly surprised with the cheesy humor and funny twists. Good family movie.
5
Love the Muppets! Go see the movie! by Bosslady6
You must go see the Muppets! It's fun for everyone in the family - just enough 'humans' and adult aside jokes; plenty of singing and dancing; enough plot to entertain - - - and of course, plenty of the Marvelous Muppets! Go see this movie. Again and again.
5
Made me feel 10 again by AZJumbo
My kids loved it and it made my wife and i fell like we were 10 again. There were several "laugh out loud" moments. This is a "buyer". His dad would be proud.
4
The Muppets by lisawolf
If you are a Muppet fan you will enjoy this movie. References from the old shows are in there and bring you back to being a kid and enjoying The Muppet Show. I did note that adults in the audience tended to be the only ones laughing at certain times as we were in on the joke because we knew the Muppets so well. Jason and Amy did a great job as the lead actors, and the cameos were fun too. It is very heartwarming movie (found myself a little emotional a few times), and though at times it seemed a little slow moving, overall I had a great time at the theater watching this movie. My daughter, age 11, enjoyed it too, but probably not as much as me! I sang right along to Rainbow Connection!!!
4
Muppets by akemist
It was fine. A little heavy for a muppet movie. They acted like they had not made any movies between the muppet show and today. Which is not true.
My 5year old was not captivated but my 7 year thought it was good. A little too much drama for Kermit.
Great for all ages. I enjoyed it.
5
a great movie for adults and children alike by Cannetela1
This movie was adorable! I hope parents take their children to see this movie and the children fall in love with the muppets like I did. Sure beats the hell out of childrens programming nowadays. This movie had me smiling the entire time.
4
Silly, nostalgic fun by shmoo27
Very faithful to the feel and style of the Muppets that we grew up with.
We took our 12 and 9 year old kids, and they enjoyed it too.
Lots of fun cameos as well!
4
Loved it, the kids, not so much by lizpfahler
Since this was my childhood favorite I loved it from start to finish, my 7 year old cousin, however, didn't have a clue what they were talking about the first half and was a bit bored. But I have to say that all the adults in the group thoroughly enjoyed it.
5
FAN-TASTIC!!! by cbambas
This was a GREAT tribute to everything Muppets! I want to send Jason Segal a thank you letter for making a Muppet movie for all the FANS of the show & the movies. Fabulous movie for all ages, but for those of us who remember the show, it was a wonderful trip back in time.