One of the best things about the recent Muppets movie was seeing the chickens do a rendition of Cee-Lo‘s Forget You. Well I guess it’s now time for the Muppets to return the favour as the video for the first track off of Cee-Lo’s upcoming holiday album, All I Need Is Love, has been released.
It took about a minute for me to get into it as it is not what we were are used to from a Muppets song. I am glad I did because not only does it reaffirm Cee-Lo’s talent, but we now have ourselves a holiday classic featuring the Muppets and really that is pretty damn awesome.
So behold folks, Cee-Lo Green and Disney’s The Muppets in ‘All I Need Is Love’ which samples ‘MAH NA MAH NA’, written by Piero Umiliani.
ps..how great is the artwork for the single?
It’s time to play the music! It’s time to light the lights! It’s time to get things re-started again with The Muppets, and oh boy, how we missed them so!
Kermit the Frog and the gang are back on the big screen for the first time since Muppets From Space (1999). That one didn’t do so well and we weren’t sure we were ever going to see them in a big screen movie again. And what with Pixar, 3D, Imax and the age of ironic detachment and foul humor, it appeared that a puppet show was something that would stay forever in the 20th century, never to be seen again.
But here they are.
Wicked, winning, corny, fresh and in a delightfully self-aware musical all set to revitalize their franchise.
singing and dancing down the street in a good old-fashioned number that feels like memories
**Spoiler Alert**
We start in Smalltown, U.S.A. where Gary (Jason Segel) and his best bud Walter grew up and have lived their entire lives. Correction: Walter hasn’t grown so much (at all, actually) since he’s a muppet, only he doesn’t know he’s a muppet although he knows he hasn’t grown any because he’s still not tall enough to ride on the roller coaster at the fair. Gary’s girlfriend is Mary (could it be any other name?) and for their 10-year anniversary, Gary has purchased round-trip tickets for all three of them to take a bus ride out to Hollywood so they can tour Muppet studios — but not before they go singing and dancing down the street in a good old-fashioned number that feels like memories. Cameos are staples within the Muppet franchise, and so it’s appropriate that Mickey Rooney makes one of the first one in the film’s opening sequence.
Mary (Amy Adams) loves Gary (not simply because their names rhyme, that would be shallow) but she wonders about when Gary will finally propose to her and also if they could get some time alone without Walter, who she loves as well, but cheese whiz, he’s always around!
Once in Hollywood, the trio discovers that Muppet studios are closed and in another terrific cameo, Alan Arkin plays their tour guide. “That’s Kermit’s old office”, pointing to the dusty old store-front, “you should really come and visit it sometime”.
Walter is just too curious at the discovery of the Muppets, who uncannily remind him of himself. He sneaks into Kermit’s office, taking in the pictures on the wall through all those cobwebs and dust but quickly hides as a back door opens suddenly with Statler and Waldorf entering the room with millionaire oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper). There’s oil under Muppet studios, and Tex wants at it. Statler and Waldorf show him the deed to Muppet studios and (wouldn’t you know it) unless the Muppets can come up with $10 million smackeroos by like, next week, it’ll belong to Tex.
The problem? The Muppets went their separate ways long ago. Fozzie’s with a third-rate Muppets tribute act in Reno called the Moopets; Gonzo’s the owner of a highly successful plumbing business; Miss Piggy‘s in Paris running the plus-sized part of Vogue, (of course); Animal’s in anger management with Jack Black; and of course, there’s Kermit, who Gary, Mary and Walter search for first in order to tell him about Tex Richman’s dastardly plans. Hearing this, Kermit decides to round up the old gang and hold a live telethon on TV in order to raise the money they need to save Muppet studios. Kermit, incidentally, still lives in the big old house he once shared with Piggy, and along with Gonzo they could probably kick in the money that’s needed since they appear to be the 1%’ers in the bunch, but nevermind, “it would be a short movie then”!
**End Spoiler Alert**
That’s the easy peasy plot of it, a clothesline for Muppet hijinks and sweet little musical numbers – new tunes by Bret Mackenzie (Flight of the Conchords) - like the re-staging of “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit and Piggy that left audience members choking back tears and hugging themselves. Is there a place in today’s world for something as corny and delightful as the Muppets?
MAHNA-MAHNA!!!
Of course there is! They’re needed now more than ever, and The Muppets succeeds at bridging the divide between old and young, and what a fascinating experience watching this movie was as it introduces itself to a whole new generation while properly tugging at the heart-strings of adult viewers.
Jason Segel and Amy Adams do a great job of being the kind of human characters that fit like a glove in the world of the Muppets. Chris Cooper as Tex chews up the scenery nice and good and I suppose I could complain or make fun of his wild and wacky rap number, but that’s small potatoes. Besides, it’s a number that young kids will understand and appreciate even if it’s as humorously ridiculous as it is.
Amazing, in today’s world of CGI and sarcasm how true-to-life our Muppet friends seem to us. They are as we remember them – still hand puppets; still doing wondrous things that make us ask: “How did they do that?” in the same way we remember asking ‘how?’ when Kermit rode his bicycle in their first movie. Like us, they share the same qualities: they’re funny, self-aware, filled with hope, and do their best to rise above, carry on and believe in themselves.
The Muppets is filled with laughter and warmth, some super-sweet cameos that I won’t give away here, and now that they’re back let’s hope they’re here to stay.
We are trucking along to the November 23rd opening date of The Muppets movie with our Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets tribute. Surprisingly, for something that has been around for 40 years, a lot of of folks don’t know the history of the Muppets and how they came to be. Created by the genius that was Jim Henson, the Muppets tend to bring out the best of us. Check out this video below and you might just see why.
First we brought you a Q&A with the incomparable and iconic Kermit the Frog. Today, it is his better half (or so she says), the bigger than life: Miss Piggy! So read and enjoy the Xavierpop 10 Days of Muppets as we count down to the opening night of The Muppets, in Theatres November 23rd.
MISS PIGGY (Miss Piggy) makes her long-awaited and much-sought-after return to the big screen in 2011 in Disney’s “The Muppets.” The larger-than-life star of television, film, stage, online and all media known and unknown throughout the universe has been dominating show business since her initial public appearance in the chorus on “The Herb Alpert Special” in 1974.
She appeared as 1st Sow in the “Return to the Planet of the Pigs” sketch on “The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence” in 1975 (which was, in effect, the pilot for “The Muppet Show”). But her unforgettable break-out performance came during the musical number “Temptation” on very first episode of “The Muppet Show.” Miss Piggy started as a chorus pig and came back a star… who wouldn’t let go of Kermit. The rest is history.
Miss Piggy’s film credits include “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999). She’s also had starring roles in the TV films “Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005) and “A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa.” In addition to her star-making turn in “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, Miss Piggy’s television credits include “Muppets Tonight,” as well as the blockbuster TV specials “Miss Piggy’s Hollywood” and “The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show.” She has appeared on every talk show worth talking about, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The View” and “Today,” among others. Piggy has also been featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Got Talent,” among other notable programs lucky enough to land her talents. She stars in a veritable cornucopia of videos and captivated audiences worldwide with her appearance in the recent Webby-winning Muppet viral video performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2009). She has graced the covers of magazines around the world and appeared on the 68th Annual Academy Awards® as a presenter. She is still (impatiently) awaiting her first nomination.
Piggy’s book “Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life” was a national bestseller. And she recently followed up this success with her wildly popular book “The Diva Code: Miss Piggy on Life, Love, and the 10,000 Idiotic Things Men Frogs Do.”
A CONVERSATION WITH MISS PIGGY…
What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about? It’s moi’s story, of course. It’s about how I am working in Paris and Kermit and the other Muppets come over and beg me to come home. I run the complete gamut of acting—from smiling to frowning. It’s got Oscar® written all over it—and I’m not just talking de La Renta. I have heard rumors that there’s another storyline in the movie that doesn’t involve moi, but who really cares about that?
What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets?” Moi plays moi. It’s a casting no-brainer. Naturally, all of Hollywood’s top actresses tested for the part—Roberts, Streep, Winslet, Jolie, Bullock—but in the end they decided that there is only one moi and I’m it!
In the movie, I portray the plus-size fashion editor of Vogue Paris—I’m in charge of a whole office full of editors who all want to look just like moi. But of course, Kermit wants me back with the Muppets to save the day and put on some big show. Can I resist? Well, see the movie and find out.
How does your life differ from the characters you portray on the big screen? In real life, my wardrobe is much, much bigger and more expensive, but I’m a lot like what you see on the big screen. The camera does add a few pounds—when people meet me in person they’re always amazed at how svelte I am. Take my word for it.
What made you agree to star in Disney’s “The Muppets”? It was written especially for moi. And they said I could keep all the shoes.
What is the funniest scene in the film? The scene where Kermie begs me to come back to Hollywood with him is the funniest scene. I’m hilarious; and the frog isn’t half bad either. There are so many very funny scenes in the film… and guess what, moi is in all of them! Coincidence? I don’t think so.
What was it like working opposite Jason Segel? Jason is a sweet, sweet man… and a very funny comedic actor. Of course, when I heard he wrote the movie and could write my part even bigger, we became best friends forever.
…Amy Adams? Amy and moi are so much alike, except for the fact that she’s been nominated for an Academy Award® THREE TIMES and I’ve gotten bupkis! (Entres nous, I think they just don’t want to nominate anyone outside their species.)
There was a little tension at first, but once Amy learned about not touching the frog, we became fast friends. We hang together whenever we’re in the same city, which up to now has been… let’s see… never.
…Kermit? What can I say about Kermie and moi? Separately we’re fabulous and together we are absolute legends—like Astaire & Rogers, Tracy & Hepburn, Oprah & Stedman.
…Walter? Walter is delightful! He worships the Muppets and especially moi. And as everyone knows, I absolutely adore being worshipped.
You are a fashion icon. What is your secret? I have a few fashion secrets:
- Never wear anything that requires a hoist to get into.
- There is no such thing as too much accessorizing.
- If it’s expensive, it fits.
- Style comes in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the bigger you are, the more style you have.
What do you do in your free time? Shop. Eat Chocolate. Pose for photographers. Rinse. Repeat. I’m a diva. I have people to schedule my free time. You have no idea how time consuming that is.
Are you and Kermit together? Of course we’re together. In the movie, we seem to be apart, but that’s just for dramatic tension. In real life, we’re fabulously happy and the longest-running interspecies couple in all of Hollywood.
Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”? Because moi is in it! What a silly question!
It is the best movie I have ever made…and therefore the best movie ever made. Other than that, it’s got a lot of laughs and you’ll have a good time. Are those enough reasons for you?
Our good friends at Disney have been great in giving us passes to the upcoming Muppets movie coming out November 23rd. Their generosity has now been stepped up a level because we have a very cool one on one interview with the number one dude of the Muppets himself!
Ladies and Gentleman…
I present to you, Mister Kermit the Frog:
KERMIT THE FROG (Kermit the Frog) returns to the big screen in 2011 in Disney’s “The Muppets.” With 56 years in show business, he boasts countless credits in television, film, stage and online, including the recent hit viral videos featuring the Muppets’ take on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2009) and “Ode to Joy” (2008)—both Webby winners (an award very dear to Kermit’s heart and feet). He has been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002), and his song “Rainbow Connection” was nominated for an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® in 1979. Kermit has appeared many times in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He received the Key to the City from Kermit, Texas, in 2005, and holds an honorary Doctorate of Amphibious Letters from the Southampton College at Long Island University. He was the first amphibian to address the prestigious Oxford Union at Oxford University.
Kermit’s film credits include “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999). He’s also had starring roles in the TV films “Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005) and “A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa.” In addition to hosting and starring in the international hit phenomenon “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, Kermit’s small-screen credits include “Muppet Babies” and “Muppets Tonight.” He has appeared on a host of variety shows, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” “Today” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brian.” Kermit has also been a guest on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “Saturday Night Live,” among many others. Kermit’s memoirs—“Look Before You Leap: A Frog’s Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons”—were published in 2006.
Kermit resides in a swamp, where he maintains a bachelor pad.
A CONVERSATION WITH KERMIT THE FROG…
Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”? It’s funny, upbeat and full of laughs for everyone… frogs, pigs, bears… even people.
For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans, it’s a chance to get together with old friends… and get a little crazy together.
What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about? Well, it’s the story of this incredible Muppet fan named Walter who comes to Hollywood to meet us… and ends up having to get all the Muppets back together to put on a show and save Muppet Studios.
I guess it’s the first Muppet movie that’s really from the point of view of a fan. Jason Segel, who is a really big Muppet fan in real life, co-wrote the movie. He wanted to show what it would be like if the world’s biggest Muppet fan—along with his brother Gary (played by Jason) and friend Mary (played by Amy Adams)—came to Hollywood to meet us.
What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”? I play me, Kermit the Frog. I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and Captain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favorite part.
Playing a frog named Kermit might be type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I was happy to get the part.
In the movie—and in life, really—I’m a humble frog in Hollywood who wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people.
How does your life differ from the characters you play in the films? Well, on the big screen. I’m 16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to say the biggest difference is more height—and better lighting.
Seriously, though, my life on screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’m surrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigs—just like any other Hollywood star.
Why did you want to take part in this film? I understand they considered other actors—George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes to playing short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to director James Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.
What is the funniest scene in the film? I like the scene where everything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm, come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.
I can’t pick JUST one scene—all the other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy, too.
What was it like working opposite Jason Segel? Jason is not only a great comedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If you forget your lines, he can make up new ones.
Jason’s a swell guy. He really loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after. That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can find funny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.
…Chris Cooper? Chris plays the villain, Tex Richman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incredible feat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s not that easy being mean.
…Amy Adams? Amy is incredible. She’s so beautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. but Miss Piggy won’t let me.
She’s also a great actress: she can sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hoping she gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paint myself gold and stand on her mantle.
…Miss Piggy? I have to say: working with Miss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.
This was a different kind of movie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Paris and we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is tough for frogs… with legs.
What’s the deal with you and Miss Piggy? Are you still together? Miss Piggy and I have a professional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in a relationship.
Actually, Miss Piggy and I are good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we are not romantically involved—despite her best efforts.
Describe director James Bobin. James has a quirky sense of humor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see this isn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helps when you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professional—and we’re not, so we really needed him.
What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors? Never say croak.
The title of this post says it all.
This great video has unearthed the ‘secret screentests of the Muppets trying out for Yoda‘. Or something like that.
Enjoy!
(ps…shout-out to @richardcrouse for the heads up).
