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Disney's The Muppets

By Christopher Gildemeister

Release Date: November 23, 2011

MPAA rating: PG for some mild rude humor

Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Jack Black; voices of Peter Linz, Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobsen, Bill Barretta, David Rudman, Matt Vogel, and Dave Goelz

Recommended age: 5+

Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green

Walter and Gary are brothers from Smalltown USA, who have spent their lives idolizing the Muppets. But when the brothers visit Hollywood and learn that the evil oil baron Tex Richman is planning to buy the Muppets’ old studio and theatre, they and Gary’s girlfriend Mary leap into action, urging Kermit the Frog to reassemble the gang and put on a telethon to raise the money and save their theater. Will the Muppets save their theater? Will Gary and Mary find happiness together? Will Walter discover whether he is a man or a Muppet? And will Kermit and Miss Piggy finally confess their love for one another?

Disney’s The Muppets contains very little content to concern disturb parents. There is no sex or foul language. A couple brief gags involve very mild toilet humor (Fozzie Bear ties whoopee cushions to his soles and proclaims, “Fart shoes!”). On a few occasions the movie approaches the line of more adult humor, but never crosses it; for example, when Walter states that the Muppets “give people the greatest gift that can be given,” Kermit’s puzzled response is, “Children?” Similarly, a musical act involves the Muppets covering Cee Lo Green’s infamous hit “F*** You” – but only the tune is heard, with chickens clucking where the lyrics would be. Violence is limited, with one fistfight between human beings, and much mildly violent comic mayhem in the Muppet tradition – Crazy Harry and Gonzo blowing up buildings, Walter falling on an electric fence, Animal going berserk, and the like. No serious harm results and the “violence” is only for humorous effect. At one point, needing a modern celebrity to endorse them, the Muppets kidnap comedian Jack Black; but Kermit strenuously objects, telling them kidnapping is wrong.

The movie offers a welcome return for the Muppets, with a new take on many fondly-remembered moments (the opening to the 1970s TV series is re-created, Kermit sings “The Rainbow Connection,” and the like). It also has fun playing with the conventions of moviemaking and current popular culture, parodying genres like reality TV; a network refuses to air the Muppets, saying they aren’t “edgy” enough in comparison to reality shows like “Punch Teacher” – a program in which students do exactly that. The movie also features many delightful songs and a poignant moral: “You’ve got to believe in yourself, because that’s what growing up is all about: becoming the person you’re meant to be.”

For bringing back beloved characters in a respectful, entertaining, and family-friendly manner, the Parents Television Council is pleased to award Disney’s The Muppets  with the PTC Seal of Approval^TM. The PTC recommends this movie for viewers over age five.

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