Muppets from Space

Out of every Muppet movie since the first 1979 one, “Muppets From Space,” released in 1999, is probably the least best in the franchise. That’s not an easy choice, since the movie has a number of hilarious one-liners and a basic Muppet anarchy that’s enjoyable. It’s a nice movie, but when looking at the Jim Henson-style amazement and overall intelligence, “Muppets From Space” lacks that. It’s entertaining enough, but doesn’t have the formula the Muppets are masters at doing.

Gonzo, played by Dave Goelz, sees he’s having a difficult time with who he is, taking time to think about where he came from, scared that he’ll always be a “whatever.” Brian Orndorf said in his review, “When an alien civilization attempts to communicate with the depressed blue daredevil, Gonzo is puzzled, driven to comprehend this mysterious development.” Also looking interested is K. Edgar Singer, played by Jeffrey Tambor, a member of a secret government team looking to investigate alien incidents. With every sign saying to communicate, Gonzo goes to meets his own people, while Kermit, played by Steve Whitmire, and the Muppet gang go to support their friend, called in to rescue him when Singer brings him in for severe interrogation.

Orndorf said, “There’s an absence of inspiration floating around “Muppet from Space” that director Tim Hill (“Alvin and the Chipmunks”) can’t seem to suppress. It’s a flat Muppet feature with an exciting premise, handing Gonzo a rare opportunity to hog the spotlight, giving him a poignant story of belonging that seems ripe for a meticulous investigation. Instead, the picture is a mishmash of dark and light moods (with a dash of hallucinatory imagery) struggling to squeeze humor out of pedestrian situations, supported by a soundtrack of funk hits from the 1970s that’s just completely wrong on all levels. The tunes fit as comfortably as a cable knit sweater in July, creating a crater in the picture where a thoughtful run of musical numbers should rightfully be.”

Orndorf continues, “There’s a gloominess to ‘Muppets from Space’ that’s disconcerting. While Gonzo’s story is remote enough, dealing with existential concern and violent outbursts from Singer (Tambor is miscast here as a frustrated threat), the script heads in a few puzzling directions,” mainly Rizzo, also played by Whitmire, and his story as a tortured lab rat trapped in a cage. The Muppet tricks are wonderfully crazy and hilarious, yet a few twists add a little meanness that loses interest. Nothing’s really violent, but the typical Muppet insanity is a little unkind for this movie, which doesn’t go well with climatic moments for an emotional relating.

Orndorf noted, “Making beautiful music together are the Muppet performers, with this 1999 film merging the classic line-up with personalities from the short-lived ABC program “Muppets Tonight.”” Rising from the once in a while strange onslaught unharmed are Pepe the Prawn (Bill Baretta), a moving addition to the Muppet ranks fine, and Bobo the Bear (Baretta), who plays Singer’s bumbling assistant (“The goat?”). While familiar faces are put in the back for this movie (Kermit and Fozzie Bear just cameo), the new generation of Muppets give nicely hilarious moments to the weak movie, giving an unusual feel to the proceedings.

Also there are placements of late ‘90s pop culture influences, including a running joke with Rizzo and him being a fan for the girl group “Mice Girls,” “Independence Day” and “Shawshank Redemption” parodies, and many cameos from actors of the decade, including the worst insult comic Kathy Griffin, “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes, here reprising their “Dawson’s Creek” roles, Ray Liotta, Andie MacDowell and David Arquette. Orndorf is right when he said, “Nostalgia fanatics will have a blast with many of these cameos.”

Orndorf mentioned, “After an hour of amusing, occasionally uproarious shenanigans with Gonzo and his frantic friends, ‘Muppets from Space’ dies an unnecessary death once the moment that pays off all the alien suggestion arrives. Subduing the comedy to stage some vibrant extraterrestrial pageantry, the movie loses focus, reaching for awe with a lackluster conclusion. A shame, really, but the climax is a harsh miscalculation that ends the film on an unsatisfying note.” Even though the laughs it gets right and the memorable characters it shows around, “Muppets from Space” is only a little note in the franchise proving once again just how badly Jim Henson’s careful direction is missed.

Despite all of this, “Muppets from Space” isn’t really all that bad as some people say it is. I personally thought this was a nice addition in the franchise, and entertaining enough that it will keep your kids attention. Especially with Kool and the Gang’s classic song Celebration playing in here. If you have children who love the Muppets, or if you are a Muppets fan yourself and want to see all of their movies, don’t miss the chance to see this one. Don’t listen to all the negative reviews this movie got. See it for yourself and decide on your own.

Alright everyone, look out next week for the exciting conclusion to “The Muppets Month.”