The Muppet Movie

1979

Director: James Frawley

Distributor: Walt Disney Studios

Key Elements: Characters – Lines –Message – Music

My Review:

The first and greatest Muppet Movie.

There is so much great stuff in this movie. Its humor seamlessly ranges from dry to corny to clever. Its characters are likable and fun. And it’s got great cameos throughout: Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Orson Welles, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin and even Edgar Bergen.

I also love the songs. “Rainbow Connection” is beautiful, as is Gonzo’s haunting “I’m Going to Go Back There Some Day.” There are moments when the movie slips into the existential.

The message of the movie is exactly what you’d expect: Never give up. Never stop dreaming.

Clip:



Quotes:

• Kermit, does this film have socially redeeming value?
• Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection. The Lovers, the Dreamers, and me.
• Have you tried Hare Krishna?
• It's too bad the dancing girls are on vacation. This crowd's getting ugly.
  - If you think this crowd's ugly, you should see the dancing girls.
• Hey, why don't you join us?
  - Where are you going?
• We're following our dream!
  - Really? I have a dream, too!
  Oh?
  - But you'll think it's stupid.
  No we won't, tell us, tell us!
  - Well, I want to go to Bombay, India and become a movie star.
  You don't go to Bombay to become a movie star! You go where we're going: Hollywood.
  - Sure, if you want to do it the *easy* way.
  … We've picked up a weirdo.
• I don't know how to thank you guys.
  - I don't know *why* to thank you guys.
• I hope you appreciate that I'm doing all my own stunts.
• Ooh, you mad, impetuous fink, it's champagne!
  - Not exactly. Sparkling Muscatel, one of the finest wines of Idaho.
• “Stay away from women.” That’s my motto
  - But I can’t.
  Neither can I. That’s my trouble.
• It's not often you see a guy that green have the blues that bad.
• Bear left
  -Right, frog.
• Oh, I'm so nervous. If I'm not funny, I won't be able to live with myself.
  - Well, then you'll have to get another apartment, won't you?
• Everybody stay in focus.
• Life is like a movie. Write your own ending.

Stills: