The Muppet Movie

Muppet Magic

There's a certain innocence to Muppets. From an emotional standpoint, they can usually be fairly simple, but they always have a heart of gold, and that's what matters. The Muppet Movie does nothing to disturb that. Most of the humor hinges on a wide-eyed approach to the world, and there's something about those little felt creatures that can bypass the usual defenses against such silliness.

It's incredible that Jim Henson (Kermit, Rowlf, and Dr. Teeth) and Frank Oz (Miss Piggy and Fozzie) can get so much expressiveness out of such inflexible, unblinking bodies. I just realized on this viewing that Miss Piggy's eyelids are almost always at the same level. Where Wallace & Gromit show their emotions mostly around the eyes, the Muppets do everything with their mouths and bodies. It's a testament to the skill of the Muppet Players that they don't need anything else.

Cameo City

The supporting cast of The Muppet Movie is loaded with celebrities. This is probably a testament to the parade of stars that hosted "The Muppet Show". in its run. Looking back through what I assume to be a partial list of guests, I see arrogant waiter Steve Martin, pageant judge Edgar Bergen, Hollywood agent Dom DeLuise, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Paul Williams, half of the song writing team for the movie, appears as the piano player in the bar. When Carroll Spinney, makes his appearance it's one of the best jokes in the movie. I'll let you try to identify the rest for your self and find out who Spinney is.