Oh, I talked it up. I showed everyone the brilliant parody trailers numerous times. I told anyone who would listen that The Muppets was my most anticipated film of 2011 (not completely a lie, but perhaps a slight fib of sorts…). And in an honest moment, I did think that Jason Segel, as lead actor and co-screenwriter of this reintroduction of the beloved Muppets characters of days gone past, would likely deliver a film that would be some kind of a success. Truth be told, I have memories of the Muppets, but they did not define my childhood all that much. I have my favorite characters, moments archived in my mental Rolodex. Moreover, I just always like seeing these Muppets pop in and out from time to time and I have often chuckled over YouTube clips, one-off appearances, and even enjoyed Sesame Street’s Muppets with both of my daughters through the years. Yes, I have laughed out loud watching Elmo. Don’t judge.
Film reviewers and writers are rightfully mocked for dropping quotable absurdities such as “_________ is the Best Film of the Year!” for a film coming out in March or May. I also love the constant hyperbole which accompanies declarations that we, as critics, make when we declare a male or female actor’s work as “the greatest ever!” or they have given “a performance to define their career!” Ugh. Lastly, I cringe when reviewers use the loathsome, “If you see one movie…see this!” line, ignoring one of the first rules in the “Please Don’t Say or Write These Words Ever!” chapter of the movie reviewer’s handbook.
My point with all of this is that when I talked up The Muppets to people, I championed these same types of cliches because it felt alright to tell people that this will be the best film ever and the Muppets are the greatest and there will be no movie better ever than this one. I was kidding. But, you know what. The joke is on me. So…(ahem)…let me memorialize these words in print.
If you see one film to share with the entire family, which features characters you have come to know and love appearing better than ever before, and you want to experience one of the year’s best films, see “The Muppets.”
With all the sincerity I can muster, I mean every last word.
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