The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) -
This film probably had more poignance at the time of release for viewers that would have been following the TV series and recognised the characters and their antics, but for a newer audience it may be a struggle to feel for them without more knowledge of their back story. The biggest issue I found watching this film, 35 years after it's release, is that I have been spoiled every year by watching 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' (1992). It is such a great way of utilising these quirky and fun characters to tell, what is in my opinion, the greatest story ever told. So "Manhattan" seems quite weak by comparison. The humour is not as strong as it should be and the script is quite poor and dragged out.
I think that the whole film needed to be more like the actual stage show at the end, maybe more like the series itself. I personally would love to see the Muppets take on 'Romeo & Juliet', 'Gulliver's Travels' or other classic stories. Their interpretation of 'Treasure Island' wasn't the best, but it was still an improvement on this one and I think that their parodies work the best for them.
With all that said, it's still a harmless and fun film to watch that doesn't hurt anybody or offend. It's easy to sit in front of and anyone can appreciate the great characters, even if the script is not outstanding.
Kermit really is the star of any Muppets production, I just love him, but I also love the way him and Piggy bounce off of each other. They all contribute to the story and the flow of the humour, but it's Kermit that holds it all together.
I will always be a Muppet fan and I hope that they find a way to continue and last, because the films that have come since 'The Muppets Treasure Island' (1996) haven't been the best. I hope they find someone to help them to keep going throughout the 21st Century with stories, scripts and productions worthy of their talent and loveable personalities.
549.99/1000.
This film probably had more poignance at the time of release for viewers that would have been following the TV series and recognised the characters and their antics, but for a newer audience it may be a struggle to feel for them without more knowledge of their back story. The biggest issue I found watching this film, 35 years after it's release, is that I have been spoiled every year by watching 'The Muppets Christmas Carol' (1992). It is such a great way of utilising these quirky and fun characters to tell, what is in my opinion, the greatest story ever told. So "Manhattan" seems quite weak by comparison. The humour is not as strong as it should be and the script is quite poor and dragged out.
I think that the whole film needed to be more like the actual stage show at the end, maybe more like the series itself. I personally would love to see the Muppets take on 'Romeo & Juliet', 'Gulliver's Travels' or other classic stories. Their interpretation of 'Treasure Island' wasn't the best, but it was still an improvement on this one and I think that their parodies work the best for them.
With all that said, it's still a harmless and fun film to watch that doesn't hurt anybody or offend. It's easy to sit in front of and anyone can appreciate the great characters, even if the script is not outstanding.
Kermit really is the star of any Muppets production, I just love him, but I also love the way him and Piggy bounce off of each other. They all contribute to the story and the flow of the humour, but it's Kermit that holds it all together.
I will always be a Muppet fan and I hope that they find a way to continue and last, because the films that have come since 'The Muppets Treasure Island' (1996) haven't been the best. I hope they find someone to help them to keep going throughout the 21st Century with stories, scripts and productions worthy of their talent and loveable personalities.
549.99/1000.