Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vulgar humor outweighs positives in raunchy puppet movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Happytime Murders
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 19 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is highly polarizing, with many labeling it as distasteful and vulgar due to its inappropriate humor and explicit content, which many feel is unsuitable for children, despite its puppet characters. Conversely, some viewers found it amusing and enjoyable, appreciating the raunchy humor and murder mystery elements, though they did caution that it isn’t typical Muppet fare and is best suited for adults.
- explicit content
- raunchy humor
- not for kids
- polarizing opinions
- adult themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie features puppets, it is not suitable for children due to its explicit content, including strong language, sexual themes, and violence. Despite some viewers finding it entertaining and funny, many criticize it for being inappropriate and lacking in substance compared to other works in the genre.
- explicit content
- not suitable
- entertaining moments
- inappropriate humor
- missed potential
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS, private detective Phil Philips (Bill Barretta) lives in a world in which puppets aren't viewed as humans' equals. Phil was once a cop, partnered with Detective Edwards (Melissa McCarthy), until a mishap cost him his job. Then a pretty puppet, Sandra (Dorien Davies), walks into Phil's office and hires him to look into a blackmailing. His first clue brings him to an adult video shop, where a masked killer shoots everyone in sight, including the bunny Mr. Bumblypants (Kevin Clash), who was once on the popular 1980s TV show The Happytime Gang. Phil learns from his brother, Larry (Victor Yerrid), that the show is going to be syndicated, which will bring in new cash for the cast. But then Larry is also murdered. As Phil investigates further, now reluctantly re-paired with Detective Edwards, other members of the Happytime gang meet their ends, with Phil nearby each time. Can Phil and Edwards solve the mystery before Phil gets blamed for the murders?
Is It Any Good?
Despite some good ideas, a likable cast, and a halfway decent mystery, this vulgar, naughty puppet show is far more interested in being juvenile and shocking than in being entertaining or inventive. Brian Henson, son of the legendary Jim Henson and the director of The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island, somehow thought this was a good idea, even though movies like Team America: World Police, Ted, and Sausage Party already pushed the envelope for raunchy humor in otherwise "kid"-oriented formats.
None of the so-called envelope-pushing humor here is funny -- not puppet sex, not puppets being addicted to sugar like a drug, and not the heavy swearing. Unfortunately, that stuff makes up most of The Happytime Murders. McCarthy is, as usual, amusing, and she shares some fun chemistry with Phil's character. But ideas like puppet "racism" and sugar addiction are barely explored, plopped casually into the movie as if they, too, were simply jokes. The movie is paced well and the story isn't bad; if only it could have focused on something other than tired, nasty humor, it might have been worthwhile.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Happytime Murders depicts addiction. Does it seem any less intense because the characters are puppets or because they're addicted to sugar? Are these sequences funny?
How violent is the movie? Does the violence have less of an impact because it involves puppets?
How is sex portrayed? What values are imparted?
How does the movie's over-the-top humor compare to the more wholesome humor of the Muppet movies?
What does the movie have to say about discrimination? Does it offer any lessons that can be applied to real life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 24, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : December 4, 2018
- Cast : Melissa McCarthy , Maya Rudolph , Bill Barretta
- Director : Brian Henson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : STX Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Puppets
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong crude and sexual content and language throughout, and some drug material
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate