Classics: A Review of The Muppet Movie By Lauren Ennis

Family films are often dismissed as strictly juvenile fare that have little to offer adult viewers. Some family films, however, earn that family status by providing entertainment that truly is for the entire family. One such film is the 1979 adventure/comedy The Muppet Movie. Over the course of its ninety-seven minute running time the film offers so much laughter, life lessons, and inspiration that even the most cynical of viewers will be cheering for Kermit and company to find the rainbow connection and make their Hollywood dreams come true.

Moving right along, foot loose and fancy free!

The story begins as Kermit the Frog longingly daydreams about life beyond the confines of his swamp. After a chance meeting with a Hollywood talent scout who encourages him to pursue his dreams, Kermit leaps into action and sets out for Hollywood. Kermit soon learns that the road to fame is not paved with gold, however, when relentless restauranteur Doc Hopper attempts to persuade Kermit to become the face of his fast-fried frog legs chain. Despite Kermit’s repeated refusals Hopper will not take no for an answer and doggedly pursues Kermit on what is easily one of cinema’s wildest road trips. Along the way, Kermit encounters a colorful cast of characters including aspiring comedian Fozzy Bear, eccentric dare devil Gonzo, and model/actress Miss Piggy. Through their by turns slapstick and suspenseful adventure the group learn lessons in life and love that will hold equal appeal for the young and young at heart.

Much like Jim Henson’s previous success, The Muppet Show, The Muppet Movie succeeds by prioritizing being a good movie over being a family film. The film merges the best in family entertainment and cinema at large to relate its wonderfully wacky tale. The central premise of a protagonist looking to find himself on the open road would be at home in a number of coming of age films directed towards adult audiences, as would the characters’ struggles to find success in Hollywood. Similarly, the dynamic between Kermit and his cohorts recalls the best in buddy comedies past and present. While the film’s inclusion of these cinema staples maintains the interest of adult audiences, the film’s child-friendly approach ensures that it is still age-appropriate. The script strikes an ideal balance between adult and child humor by including pop-culture references that will largely be lost on young viewers as well as more universal slapstick gags. In this way the film is able to maintain its madcap sensibility while still carrying broad audience appeal. The innovative visuals which largely utilize hand-made puppets in place of actors brings the whimsical world of the Muppets to vibrant life. The inclusion of Broadway-style songs also enriches the story by lending valuable insight into the characters while still keeping audiences’ tapping their toes. The now famous Rainbow Connection particularly stands out for its inspiring message and wistful melody.

Piggy believes in miracles...where you from, you sexy frog, you

The cast perfectly captures the anarchic spirit of the Muppets as actors work alongside their puppet co-stars, to bring the antics of the beloved puppets to life. Charles Durning and Austin Pendleton make an ideal comedic pair as the deranged Doc Hopper and his conflicted henchman, Max. The host of celebrities who pepper the film with cameos also lend apt support even as the spotlight remains firmly upon our felt heroes. The efforts of the voice actors and puppeteers combine to create top-notch performances that will have viewers forgetting that the leads aren’t flesh and blood.

Equal parts comedy and adventure, The Muppet Movie is a journey for the eyes, ears, and above all the heart. Through a combination of song, dance, and setting the film creates a whimsical version of our own world in which even our wildest dreams can come true. The film defies genre expectations through its use of witty but gentle humor, loveably flawed characters, and resonant but not forced life lessons, earning it a spot amongst the best in family entertainment. Nearly forty years after its release The Muppet Movie remains a must-see for the lovers, the dreamers, and the child within us all.

 

Classics: A Review of Stranger Things Season 2

In 2016 Netflix viewers partied like it was 1983 with the release of the hit series Stranger Things. Inspired by the pop-culture of the 1980s’, Stranger Things proved itself to be more than a mere homage to cultural icons past by becoming one of the most hotly discussed and debated series of the new millennium. Following the first season’s success fans and critics alike wondered if a second season would, or even could, reach the standards of excellence set by the series’ debut. As 2017 approaches its end the question remains; was 1984 in Hawkins, Indiana as chilling, thrilling, and downright strange as we had hoped?

Who you gonna call?

The story begins roughly one year after the events of the first season as the residents of Hawkins attempt to return to some semblance of normality. For the series’ central players the emotional scars that they sustained in season one remain painfully raw one year later. Just as the characters come to terms with their traumas, however, events begin occurring across Hawkins which suggest that the government experiments in Hawkins’ Lab were just the beginning of the strange things to come.

This season largely manages to avoid the pitfalls typical of most sequels by continuing to build upon the events of season one, rather than placing the characters into a whole new adventure. The most obvious example is the use of the overarching theme of trauma to highlight the ways in which the characters cope with the losses that they suffered in season one. This exploration of trauma allows viewers crucial insight into the characters, while grounding the often fantastic plot through the inclusion of an all too real issue. This theme also offers ample opportunity for the script to address the questions raised in season one such as how will his time in the Upside Down affect Will and what were the consequences of Barb’s death. The series also provides viewers with much needed insight into the inner workings of the mysterious Hawkins Lab and Upside Down in a way that enrichens the story while still leaving room for future surprises.

Despite the script’s efforts to remain true to the spirit of first season, the second season contains enough twists of its own to keep viewers coming back for more. Most notably, the inclusion of the newest Upside Down villain the Shadow Monster/Mindflayer infuses the plot with psychological thrills that will have viewers keeping the lights on long after the final credits fade. Perhaps the most satisfying changes are those that the central characters undergo as they grow and evolve in response to a set of all new challenges. In spite of this season’s many praiseworthy aspects, however, season two did contain flaws which were largely the result of the writers’ efforts to expand the story’s universe too much too quickly. The script’s stumbles are most glaring in the scenes featuring new kids in town Billy and Maxine, who could have been compelling characters had they been given back stories that were more developed and more directly connected to the central plot. Similarly, Eleven’s adventures beyond Hawkins proved a distraction rather than a story thread, with her encounter with fellow lab experiment Kali/Eight significantly slowing the season’s momentum. Overall, however this second visit to Hawkins, Indiana was a worthwhile trip that already has this reviewer anticipating what thrills season three will have in store.

In a world full of tens be an Eleven

While Stranger Things contains a plot that is truly out of this world, its greatest draw remains the humanity at the heart of the performances of its ensemble cast’s performances. Wynona Ryder continues to shine in her complex portrayal of Will’s struggling mom, Joyce. David Harbour adds an essential vulnerability to his role as cynical sheriff Jim Hopper, particularly in his scenes opposite Millie Bobby Brown. Natalia Dyer infuses Nancy with an empowering spunk and resilience as she evolves from teenage follower to confident young woman. Charlie Heaton enlivens social outcast Jonathan with a boyish charm, especially in his scenes opposite Dyer, which crackle with chemistry. Joe Keery proved to be this season’s breakout star as season one’s stereotypical jock turned season two hero Steve Harrington. Gaten Matarrazzo rightfully earned plenty of buzz in his reprised role as the always endearing Dustin, with his scenes opposite Keery lending the season some of its most memorable moments. Caleb McLaughlin turned in another winning performance as Lucas, while adding a new dimension to his role as Lucas struggles with changing group dynamics and girls. Noah Schnapp finally gets the chance to show off his acting skills as Will evolves from plot device to compelling and tormented protagonist. Finn Wolfhard adds an edge to his role as Mike through his portrayal of Mike’s grief following the disappearance of Eleven. Millie Bobby Brown electrifies the screen once again as the enigmatic Eleven as she aptly portrays Eleven’s full range of conflicting emotions. Series newcomer Brett Gelman is endlessly entertaining in his performance as an eccentric freelance journalist. Sean Astin proves to be the series’ best addition in his role as underdog turned surprising hero Bob Newby.

Science fiction, supernatural thriller, coming of age tale, and homage to all things 1980’s; whatever its classification Stranger Things has become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Through its innovative scripts and heartfelt performances, the series continues to push the boundaries of television. Both a horror story with a heart and a period piece with lessons for today, Stranger Things is strange in all the best ways.

I don't think we're in Hawkins anymore, Toto