The Muppets

Dir James Bobin US 2011 103mins

On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary and Mary from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate.

‘Generally reckoned by even the most hardened critics to be a true return to form for Muppet movies and acknowledged as a rare treat for parents and children alike, ‘The Muppets’ is also Mark Kermode’s number one choice in his ‘Five Best Films on release in UK Cinemas’ this week. And hey… two characters named Ker-something can’t be far wrong! I loved ‘Muppet Treasure Island’ and ‘Christmas Carol’. I shall certainly be there.’ John Wallett