Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
First Muppet movie has wonderful songs—and a few guns.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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The Muppet Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a blend of humor and nostalgia, delivering clever one-liners and catchy songs that appeal to both children and adults; however, some are concerned about its appropriateness due to scenes involving violence and mature themes that may not resonate with younger viewers. While many reviews praise its entertaining qualities and classic status, others caution that the message can be troubling and the storyline may bore or confuse small children.
- funny and sweet
- classic status
- age appropriateness
- mixed messages
- catchy songs
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the first Muppet movie is an entertaining classic that combines humor, catchy songs, and positive messages about friendship and following dreams, though it does contain mild violence and some edginess. Many viewers appreciate its timeless charm and recommend it for family movie nights, while some note that the humor isn't as strong as in its sequels.
- timeless charm
- positive messages
- mild violence
- family friendly
- catchy songs
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In a classic opening, THE MUPPET MOVIE begins with Kermit the Frog (voiced/puppeteered by Jim Henson) in the swamp singing "The Rainbow Connection" wistfully to himself. He's overheard by a passing showbiz agent (Dom DeLuise), who compliments the amphibian on his talent. Fired up by the thought of performing in Hollywood, Kermit hits the road on a bicycle, heading westward. Along the way, he gathers a menagerie of equally ambitious Muppet friends. There's the painfully unfunny standup comic Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz), the unclassifiable Great Gonzo (Dave Goelz), the rock band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and the narcissistic diva Miss Piggy (Oz again), who immediately becomes infatuated with Kermit. But upon seeing the charismatic frog, human Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) decides that Kermit would be the perfect mascot for Hopper's chain of frog leg restaurants. Kermit is morally against it, but Hopper is fixated and pursues him cross-country. And once Doc hires an expert "frog killer," it's not just the Muppets' dreams at stake, but Kermit's life.
Is It Any Good?
The relatively low-tech magic, innocence, and sweetness of Henson's characters hold up beautifully. Henson's delightful debut The Muppet Movie was a technological breakthrough in 1979 because it was the first time that his beloved Muppet Show characters were shown in full, from head to toe. In one of the movie's most impressive scenes, Kermit pedals a bicycle. But what's truly impressive is how alive and likable a piece of felt like Kermit still is, with just a smirk or tilt of his fabric head.
Viewers will have no trouble accepting the Muppets' interactions with humans or one another, even if the Kermit-obsessed villain seems like a weak afterthought. If anything's gone stale since the movie's release, it's some of the jokes and puns, which are seemingly pitched at the younger age range of the Muppets' global fandom. Still, adults will have more than one occasion to smile, especially at the parade of 1970s-era celebrity appearances, including Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Orson Welles, and Mel Brooks.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lasting appeal of The Muppet Movie. This film was made in 1979. Why do you think it endures? What gives it all-ages appeal?
Talk about all the cameos, from Orson Welles to Richard Pryor. Did you recognize anyone? Was there anyone you wanted to see more of?
Have you seen any other Muppet movies, from 1984's The Muppets Take Manhattan to 2011's The Muppets? How does this one compare? Do you have a favorite?
What do you think of Miss Piggy? Is she a strong female character? Is she a good role model? How has her portrayal evolved over time?
How do the characters in The Muppet Movie demonstrate perseverance, integrity, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 31, 1979
- On DVD or streaming : June 5, 2001
- Cast : Frank Oz , Jim Henson , Milton Berle
- Director : James Frawley
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 13, 2026
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