A political hot potato right now, but I’m not afraid of controversy, so let’s deal with the problematic text that is The Muppets Take Manhattan. Serious political scholars will know that the Muppets have recently been banned for public life due to the inflammatory nature of their ‘shows’, which are, in reality, celebrations of socialism, obscenity or capitalism depending on who you ask. I noted when I furtively but legally obtained my Muppets movie boxed set last year that The Muppets Take Manhattan was no longer part of the package; what outré imagery and dangerous political thought would be contained within?
That title throws me for a start; in what way could or should The Muppets ‘Take’ Manhattan? The line seems to come from Leonard Cohen’s ‘First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin…’ which seems to suggest that Kermit and his friends are organising some kind of military take-over, but instead we see them hoping to put on a simple vaudeville show. A first meeting with an agent (Dabney Coleman) proves a false dawn, and soon the Muppets are reduced to sleeping in lockers in a train station, again, exactly the kind of anti-social behaviour that Disney should rightly be cracking down on in these uncertain times.
Alas, it turns out that The Muppets Take Manhattan is the usual friendly fare, and the reason for its ‘banning’ is actually to do with copyright issues involving Lew Grade’s old ITC brand. That said, there’s a few moments here that wouldn’t cut the muster in today’s politically correct cinema, namely Animal chasing buxom young women about as a joke. Apparently Dustin Hoffman pulled out at the last minute, and a slew of guest stars did the same; Liza Minnelli is the one big name still involved, in a brief gag about a Sardi’s style diner with pictures of celebrities on the walls.
Neither the stars nor the songs are a big draw this time around, but The Muppets Take Manhattan has an airy, lightweight quality that gets it over the finish line. For those seeking political discourse, however, it would be best to look elsewhere. No-one is banning the Muppets; the difficulty in seeing this particular film is about them being victims of capitalism rather than socialist thinking.
Nice wind up and solution there at the end of the review. I frankly don’t want muppets unless they get to be “monsters” occasionally. Sweedoms also got to chase some bikini clad cuties around in one of the films. But I don’t recall which. Which reminds me that Peter Jackson did a kind of adult “muppet” film wiht some foul themes. I keep wondering why we can’t have more adult puppet shows.
oh shoot, I uploaded both drafts of this message. Well Enjoy.
ah good lead up to the twist ending in the review! Very nicely stated. In another muppets film Sweedoms chases a bunch of lovelies in bikinis as they squeal. While the muppets are adorable it’s good to remember that they may have the capacity to cause damsel-in-distress behavior in otherwise rational beings. I have to say I love the old Peter Jackson puppet movie for the very reason of its foulness. Why can’t we have more adult offerings from “muppets”?
If I wasn’t so busy snorting up kilo’s of the purest coke with my local seniors center, I’d soundly denounce you for b ringing such an abominable movie before the eyes of children. But since I am so busy, let the little rotters watch it!
Of course, the less said about Minelli the better….
It’ll be the cocktail connection that’s the problem for the authorities. As you know there has been an increasing problem with puppet intake of alcohol.
Kermit has had his issues in the public arena, but should we ban ALL the muppets because of one frog’s misdemeanors?
Wait a second . . . are you just ripping another site off . . . again?
You want to make something of it, pal?
Nah. It’s hard to come up with original content every day. I can only think of one movie site that manages . . .
you mean mine then?
NOPE
Was asking Alex, not you.
I said a *movie* site! Modesty forbids me to name the specific site I had in mind. Not the one with all the recycled content though.
Aha, I think I know the one you mean, it’s like a parody movie review site run by some Hills Have Eyes extra, he reviews discounted boxed sets that his local library doesn’t want anymore? That the one you mean, Bunty?
I do think I know the site to which you are referring. Damn my eyes but that boy can write! I think I would read him every day even if he was writing about puppet shows.
Well, I did write about puppets today, and am happy to accept the compliment. And let’s be honest, maybe one day your own inane scribblings might improve to a semi-readable level by exposure to such literary skill, so there’s hope for you yet.
Planning a piece about dogs being turned inside out by matter transmitters, so just make sure that you stay clear of my patch, OK? Wouldn’t want to find my ideas being stolen. The world is watching.
Ah right, read too fast and missed that!
And you are commenting on it right now! Haha!
Just trying to post something fresh around here . . .
It’s all box fresh here, not like your lacklustre, outdated stuff…having access to the internet does seem to give me an unfair advantage, I’ll give you that, sunshine…
So did they take Manhatten? If so, where to?
It was still there when Jason took it in ’89.
Thanks for this valuable insight.
Now you KNOW I never did any of the Fri 13th stuff. I’m far too wussy.
Alex probably got the boxed set from his ‘library’
And your point is?
There is no point to him.
I have not read much about the muppets controversy but they will always be part of my childhood memories. Rip Jim Henson. Great read
Let your memories remain unsullied by their current controversy! The muppets rule!
They were a special part of my childhood, too. Jim Henson was a creative genius. And this review was “inspirational, celebrational,” well played, sir!
Inspirational and Celebrational indeed, much like your comment! Thank you!