Muppets From Space Review
by Jamey Hughton (bhughton AT sk DOT sympatico DOT ca)August 19th, 1999
MUPPETS FROM SPACE
** (out of five stars)
A review by Jamey Hughton
Starring- The Muppet Gang, Jeffrey Tambor, David Arquette, Andie MacDowell,
Ray Liotta, Kathy Griffin, Pat Hingle and Hollywood Hogan Director-Tim Hill
Rated G
Released July 1999
Sony
MOVIE VIEWS by Jamey Hughton: http://Welcome.to/MovieViews
Who doesn’t love the Muppets? They’re an adorable and colorful group of furry characters that carry a certain charm wherever they go. Seeing them in Muppets From Space, however, is somewhat of a letdown. Unlike their previous outings, this sixth installment is poorly written and choppily constructed, and Kermit and the gang can only go so far on their own charm.
The Great Gonzo, the likable big-nosed whatzit we all know and love, has been promoted from supporting player to lead. In a clever opening dream sequence, Gonzo is fighting gusty winds to get to Noah (F. Murray Abraham) and his ark which is just leaving for the long journey. When Noah asks Gonzo what species he is, the blue Muppet is at a loss for words. The truth is, Gonzo knows nothing about his family roots, and Noah turns him away in confusion.
The plot concerns Gonzo attempting to discover what he is, and where exactly he came from. His brothers hear the cries for help and send him messages in his Alphabet cereal, and after a brief meeting with the Cosmic Fish (“May the fish be with you!”), Gonzo realizes that he is a deserted member of an alien race. Unfortunately, a paranoid government operative (Jeffrey Tambor) in charge of monitoring extra-terrestrial activity is also involved. He will stop at nothing to prevent the landing of Gonzo’s alien family, including destroying them for the supposed well-being of America. Yes, it’s another villain with absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
This is not one of the better Muppet adventures. The plot is flat and shockingly devoid of the clever screen-writing that always assists these characters and magnifies their jokes. Once in a while, there is a refreshing taste of what the Muppets stand for - cute, cleverly placed retorts and innocent charm. But there is simply not enough to fuel a ninety minute movie. The Muppets are a charming and sweet-natured bunch, but not even they can carry an entire film without a sensible script backing their every step. Kermit’s better qualities are not on display, Miss Piggy has been transformed into a kung-fu warrior who shows no remorse, and even the Swedish chief doesn’t speak as much nonsensical gibberish as he used to. The Muppets still have potential, but this is not the movie for them.
Another bonus of a Muppet movie are the enjoyable musical numbers, which are unwisely discarded here until the final presentation of the 70’s funk hit “Celebration”. More toe-tapping songs and less draggy, familiar plot additions could have been the recipe for a smoother final product. The plot uses elements from Star Wars, Independence Day and Star Trek - but usually not to the clever effect that we’d hope for. Muppets From Space feels like a plastic-wrapped version of the earlier films that’s been sitting on the counter and drained of all inventive satire.
Keeping one tradition alive, there are numerous star cameos abounding here. Brief appearances range from Ray Liotta to Hollywood Hogan, David Arquette to Andie MacDowell, and so on. But none have the memorable presence they deserve, and Tambor is wasted as the only big name star to appear in more than a handful of scenes. The performers, both human and puppet, try desperately to inject more spice into this pointless and rambling excursion. But too much in the script is tired and formulaic, including scientific devices like invisible spray, for them to have a substantial effect on what sadly remains a sub-par Muppet outing.
Nonetheless, I am not entirely pessimistic about the future of Jim Henson’s marvelous creations. One poor script doesn’t derail the entire franchise, but it does raise certain questions. Perhaps the Muppets have had their day, and even if their legacy finishes on a bland note, they will always be remembered with a pleasant smile.
(C) 1999, Jamey Hughton
MOVIE VIEWS by Jamey Hughton: http://Welcome.to/MovieViews
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