Parents' Guide to Muppets from Space

Movie G 1999 87 minutes
Muppets from Space Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

Plenty of jokes and mayhem to keep kids and parents amused.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 8+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 5+

Based on 11 kid reviews

Kids say this film has a mixed reception; while some find it to be a fun and entertaining experience filled with humor and cleverness, others criticize it for lacking substance and compare it unfavorably to other Muppet films, expressing disappointment in its execution. Despite the divide, there are strong endorsements for viewing it with children as it offers moments of joy, although some feel it falls short of previous Muppet adventures.

  • mixed reception
  • entertaining experience
  • lacks substance
  • strong endorsements
  • falls short
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

The plot of MUPPETS FROM SPACE focuses on a question that has intrigued Muppet fans for years: Exactly what is Gonzo? Gonzo feels alone and outcast, even in the midst of the busy Muppet group house. He dreams that Noah refuses to let him on the ark because there is only one of him, and Noah wants only pairs. But then he begins receiving messages and learns that he is an alien, and that his alien family is coming to meet him. There is a problem, though. Edgar Singer (Jeffrey Tambor), who works at a mysterious government office that tracks aliens, captures Gonzo and orders a scientist to remove his brain for study. Gonzo's pal Rizzo the Rat is put in a cage with lab rats. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and the others set out to rescue them.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 5 ):
Kids say ( 11 ):

Like all Muppet movies, Muppets from Space has plenty of jokes to keep the parents happy while the kids are enjoying the story. There are sly references to just about every space movie classic, from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Independence Day and Men in Black (plus The Shawshank Redemption), and cameos from stars including Andie MacDowell, Ray Liotta, and David Arquette. The score includes music by James Brown, The Commodores and Sly and the Family Stone.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the Muppets are so popular. What do kids like about them? How about parents?

  • Have you ever flet like an outcast fro being different, the way Gonzo does?

  • How do you think Muppets from Space compares with other Muppet movies?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

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