Chick 1 says:

The Muppets are back and I’m happy to say, they are still the Muppets.

The Basics: Does it really matter?  They’re the Muppets.  Let the shenanigans begin!

OK, maybe the basics do matter.  The writers (star Jason Segel and frequent collaborator Nick Stoller) wisely chose to keep the original spirit of the Muppets by creating a world (our world in fact) where cynicism has left the Muppets behind.  They’ve broken up  and Kermit now lives alone in a run down mansion in Hollywood.  Naturally, events unfold that force the gang to get back together (by Montage!).

What I Liked: From the opening number, it’s obvious that Segel is living out a childhood fantasy and his enthusiasm makes up for his OK performance.  Amy Adams, on the other hand, is completely in her element.  She’s practically a Muppet herself!  (I mean that as a  complement.)  Kermit is still Kermit, wise, revered, and a bit of a pushover.   The cameos are a hoot!  Is anything cooler than being a walk-on in a Muppet movie? 

What I really liked is how the Muppet brand of humor, though sweeter than we’re used to today, still has elements that are very current.  In fact, the Muppets were meta before meta was a thing!

Also, I’m a little concerned by how much I loved Piggy’s wardrobe and hair.

What I Didn’t Like: There were a few moments when the pace sagged.  Most of the song and dance numbers were the perfect length to keep things flowing but a couple needed to be clipped a bit.  But the main thing I didn’t like was… Not enought Neil Patrick Harris!  Honestly, he was in it about as much as the other celebrities but NPH standing next to a  Muppet is just funny!  More please.

Bottom Line:  Leave your cynicism at home.  Your cheeks will hurt from smiling.