 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Muppets
- Review Date: November 23, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Muppet comedy offers memorable laughs, musical numbers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
Gary (Jason Segel) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) aren't just brothers; they're best friends. When Gary announces that Walter can come with him and his girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), on a trip to Los Angeles, Walter -- the Muppets' biggest fan -- immediately makes plans to visit the Muppets' studio. But when they get there, Walter discovers that an evil oil baron named Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) plans to tear down the now-crumbling studio for the oil underneath it. The only loophole is that the Muppets have one week to pay $10 million to buy back the building. Walter enlists Gary and Mary to track down Kermit (Steve Whitmire) and spur him to action. Kermit agrees that the only way to raise the money is to put on a show, so the four of them travel across the country (and beyond) to reunite Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, and all of the retired Muppets for one all-or-nothing telethon to save the studio.
Is it any good?
For many of today's parents, the Muppets are an immediate catalyst of nostalgia -- and they, along with all kids (whether they're already fans or are discovering Jim Henson's legendary creations for the first time) will delight in the reintroduction of everyone's favorite felt friends. Self-proclaimed puppet lover Segel lovingly depicts the story of the Muppets' biggest fan (clearly a stand-in for himself) and how one person's faith convinces Kermit and the gang to reunite. Kermit, as usual, is the heart of the story, but he's joined by the charming Walter, who -- as the newest addition to the Muppet family -- is a winning combination of funny, humble, and sweet. Segel and Adams make an adorable on-screen couple, and their ability to project innocent fun is irresistibly charming.
A series of celebrity cameos -- including everyone from The Devil Wears Prada's Emily Blunt to Whoopi Goldberg -- is a treat for grown-ups. The music mixes Muppet favorites like "Rainbow Connection" with catchy covers like "Forget You" and original songs written by Flight of the Conchords star Bret McKenzie. Whether you're planning to relive your childhood, introduce your kids to the Muppets, or just see a movie together, THE MUPPETS is a joy for the entire family.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Kid, 10 years old
November 23, 2011
AGE
I went to the premire!
GREAT muppet movie! i am a huge muppet fan and ive seen every episode of the show, but this was great! approprate for all ages!
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Adult
November 23, 2011
AGE
Too scary for my kids
This movie was too scary for my four year old and six year old. The villains are very menacing (no one gets hurt, but one has an ax, another is sharpening a knife, there is a lot of punching in the face and mean threats). The humor was fun for my husband and me (lots of 80s references), but it felt like the movie was aimed at our generation of Muppet fans and not for young kids.
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Parent of 3 and 7 year old
November 23, 2011
AGE
Awesome for kids and parents!
We won tickets to the premiere, and I took both our kids (7 and 3) without checking the rating. I'm glad I didn't check, because it would have made me worried about taking my little guy, and I honestly don't think there was anything in the movie that warranted a PG rating. I assume it's due to the mild violence, but really, it didn't worry me at all while watching. The kids enjoyed it a lot, but I think my husband and I loved it even more! A really happy, feel good movie for the whole family!
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AGE
jim would be pround
this movie is really good.this tells about true love,and friendship.Ilove the new muppet walter!
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AGE
jim would be pround
this movie is really good.this tells about true love,and friendship.Ilove the new muppet walter!
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Parent
November 26, 2011
AGE
A Little More Info
I agree with the CS review, but would also add a couple things I would have liked to clue my children into beforehand. There is a "what the heck", Fozzie the Bear has some "farting" shoes which he references periodically through the film, and there is one scene when the Muppets are trying to sell their show to a TV exec and she shows them an example of the shows that are popular now - the example is called "Punch Teacher" and in the brief scene there is a teacher getting punched in a guillotine-style contraption. It was slightly alarming. Otherwise, I was able to tell my boys about the use of the words "butt" and "idiot" ahead of time along with the fight scene at the anger management retreat, which prepared us for a sweet family outing.
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Parent of 6 year old
November 25, 2011
AGE
Fun for parents AND kids
This movie is hilarious. My 3yo and 6yo enjoyed it. Nothing inappropriate, no double-entendre, just good clean Muppet fun. For those of us who grew up on the Muppets, there are a lot of references you'll get. There is plenty of intelligent humor to entertain parents.
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Parent of 7 and 10 year old
November 26, 2011
AGE
Fun movie, a little complicated and spooky for the small ones.
We took my 7 and 10 year olds, and my 4 year old nephew. The grownups and my kids liked it a lot. The 7 and 10 year old could follow the plot, and got the jokiness of the villains and dark spots. The 4 year old got scared, refused to watch anymore by about halfway through and had to be taken out - the dark scenes and the villains spooked him, even with his mom and cousin reassuring him. I'm not sure my daughter would have liked it when she was 5, and not even sure she would have gotten so much out of it when she was 6. I agree with other reviewers that this movie is at least half directed at grownup Muppet fans, lots of nostalgia for those of us who grew up watching the TV show.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 26, 2011
AGE
A perfect family movie ;o)
It is GREAT for the whole family! However, the beginning was weak and things like Walter saying that the crowd was naked and Fozzie having fart shoes may not be appropriate. Even with that, Walter was a great role model telling Kermit to never give up and start the Muppet Show and get money to buy back their studio. IT IS GREAT OVERALL!
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Adult
November 23, 2011
AGE
funny and goodmovie
if you have a kid that loves learning and laughing this is the moive
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along, puppets |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | James Bobin |
| Cast: | Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Steve Whitmire |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 98 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 23, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | March 20, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some mild rude humor |
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