The Muppet Movie (1979)

This was the first Muppet Movie I watched in preparation for the new Muppets film, it is also the best. It is everything that the Muppets should be, sweet, funny, heartwarming and entirely entertaining. It charts the story of how the muppets made their way to Hollywood and became the stars that they were at the time. The whole thing of course isn't actually true, at least not about them, but is in fact the tale of their creator, Jim Henson.

So the film begins and we see Kermit sitting on a log with a banjo singing a song about rainbows, along comes a man in a boat, he's lost and pulls over to Kermit's log to ask him for directions. Whilst there he happens to mention to Kermit that there is an add in Variety for talented frogs and that Kermit could make it big in Hollywood if he wanted. Despite initially being unsure of the prospect, insisting that he is perfectly happy where he is, in the swamp on his log, he decides instead to make his way to Hollywood and take a chance and try and make his name. Off he sets only to discover the big bad world which includes a KFC type restaurant that specialises in frogs legs. The owner spends the film chasing Kermit, not for his legs, but because he could do with a talented frog to front his advertising campaign for the restaurant - For obvious reasons Kermit is reluctant.

First on his route he comes across Fozzy Bear in a club, then Gonzo on the road and then they end up meeting other muppets favourites like Sweetums, Animal, Floyd and Janice, until they finally pull up and meet Miss Piggy. Romance obviously ensues. The rest of the film then is them all agreeing to go to Hollywood together and become rich and famous, whilst avoiding the dangers that lie in the way.

Made at the end of the 70s, the only thing dated about this film is perhaps the guest stars, though many of them are still just as famous today as they were then, like Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope or Orson Welles. What the time period does give it is a sweet naivety, very much one of Kermit's best attributes. Whereas you suspect that if this film were being made today it would feature garish spectacles, high powered car chases and more sinister bad guys, this film is dealt with a subtle hand which adds to the whimsy and charm.

The Muppets aren't just sweetness and light though, they are also very funny, including jokes that would later go on to become known as 'meta' before 'meta' was really a big thing, knowing, but not too knowing, and aware that it appeals to both adults and children in the way that Pixar capitalises so well on these days.

This is a superb film, with memorable music, a great talented cast and a really engaging story. Arguably the best Muppets film, but certainly fantastic whichever way you look at it, this is a film all generations should learn about and discover at any age. Just wonderful.