TV Review: "The Muppets" on ABC

I have been excited about this Muppets TV show for a while now. Go re-read my post from May about it (also find a brief history of all of the Muppets previous appearances). The reviews of the pilot have been mixed, but the negative ones stick out more with critics claiming that the show is a far cry from the previous "Muppet Show" and is too crude to have puppets (*cough* One Million Moms- Here's a rebuttal to that).

Here is my take.

The Story

It's a show within a show. These are the backstage moments of the new show "Up Late with Miss Piggy". Get inside the minds' of your favorite Muppets like Kermit, Piggy, Fozie, Gonzo, Scooter, Pepe, Rizzo and many more. Kermit and Piggy are dating new people. Fozzie is dating a human. Gonzo is probably dating a chicken like usual. And they are all trying to put on the best show they can.

The Stars

So far we have seen: Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Rizzo, Pepe, Gonzo, Scooter, Electric Mayhem, Animal, Dr. Honeydew, Sam Eagle, Beaker, Denise (Kermit's girlfriend), Bobo, Rowlf, and Swedish Chef. We hope there will be even more Muppets to come.

The Message

Even puppets made of felt have feelings.

Overall

In recent Muppet installations (see my reviews of "The Muppets" and "Muppets Most Wanted"), there has been a serious lack of felt- the green fuzzy kind. In part, I believe this was done in fear that the Muppets could no longer bring out the big bucks as they had in their prime. It was feared that the Muppets would be associated with Sesame Street and children's entertainment.

This happens to be something that Jim Henson himself fought throughout his career. He was constantly trying to prove that the Muppets were not just for kids and that they could handle a whole show on their own. That is part of the reason, the show only lasted 5 years. Henson moved onto "Dark Crystal", a movie made entirely of Muppet characters and nothing that was light and cheery. (If you want to learn more about Jim Henson, watch this great documentary about his life from PBS).

The problem is that today the world only knows the Muppets through their family friendly show and appearances on Sesame Street. But I think this show is what Jim Henson would have wanted. He would have wanted his characters to be more than flat stereotypes but real living people- just made of felt.

There are moments of the pilot that my parents and I laughed out loud at, whether it was Fozzie's meeting with his human girlfriend's parents or the well-played pop culture references, I think that this new show has the potential to be something I keep on my regular TV schedule. But, I think that the show #1 needs to be longer- at least an hour. Seeing that this show is more about character development, we need more time to spend with the characters. #2 needs more songs. They don't need to be huge numbers, but since the world has grown up with singing and dancing Muppets, we will need to have that desire satisfied at least once. (Maybe a musical episode?) #3 bring in the next generation. If we want the Muppets to live on past this show, we need to relate to the younger generation (preferably the teens) by including celebs that they know. Who watches "Dancing with the Stars"?? Mostly moms. Although I love Elizabeth Banks, Jennifer Lawrence would have been a better choice for this generation.

With all of this in mind, I will continue to watch this show in hopes that they find their place in this time period and genre.

2 out of 4 Pigs (ggies)

In Review: "The Age of Adaline" (April 2015)

Time-travel romances are hard to market so it's understandable why you may have only heard of this movie once before, and had no idea it ever even got to theaters. Once again, this was an OnDemand find. (I highly suggested roaming those waters when you have a boring Friday night)

The Story

Adaline was born in the 1900's. She goes about her normal life -- getting married, having children-- when all of the sudden, everything changes. She gets in a car accident and wakes up to never age another day again. More like an eternal youth than an immortal potion. So she goes through life running away from everyone to keep her secret hidden. She changes names, hairstyles, but her heart remains very much the same.

One day, in modern time, she meets Ellis who turns out to be the son of a guy who she used to be in love with. Will this be the time she finally decides to stop running?

The Stars

Blake Lively is awesome in this movie. I remember her from the days of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" when she was the fun-loving Bridget or the days of "Gossip Girl". But here, I barely recognize her. I almost mistook her for a more practiced drama actress like Reese Witherspoon. She is flawlessly able to pull off a manner of sophistication (like she lived 100 years ago) and a manner of grace (like she's lived 100 years). I hope to see Lively more in more drama roles that stretch her acting ability and the audience's idea of this talented woman.

The Message

I think the point the film was trying to get across was that life is short-- maybe not in Adaline's case, but in everyone else's. You can't hide from the mistakes you made in the past, and you can't let a single day go by where you run away from what you want or who you are.

Overall

What this movie was missing was a sense of urgency and tension. One of the best time travel romance films that I have ever seen is "The Lake House" (2006). The pair are separated by time and it is time that is very important to the demise or survival of their relationship. Throughout the film, we are given a little bit of hope that they have found the way around time, and then we are reeled back in, creating this tension. Then finally, when they do get together there is a great sense of release after a long struggle.

This movie doesn't have real tension. Sure, Adaline definitely had to hide her identity from the communist seekers, but our story isn't during that time. She's not really running from anyone, and we see no evidence that she really has to hide anymore. Sure, her predicament is a little awkward and revealing her secret would cause some discomfort but nothing life shattering. Her daughter even says, "No one's chasing you anymore." So why is she running? Why is she hiding? Why do we need to watch this movie?

My answer to that would be for Blake Lively. She really has come a long way in her career and this film is proof that she has a long glorious road ahead of her.

In reality, this movie would have worked better as a book. It would have allowed the audience to build up that tension and anxiety over time instead of having to skip threw it. There were moments that would have been fun to explore. Even the idea of a character having to adapt to each change of the century would have been interesting. But movies only allow for 2-3 hour windows of storytelling.

1.5 out of 4 Stars

Disney Sequels/Prequels to Watch, Skip, and Totally Ridicule

One of the many reasons I get to call myself a Disney expert is because I have seen almost every Disney movie ever. You may say that I need to grow up and get a life, but I would say to you, this is not the blog post for you so you should go.

One of the interesting questions I get as a self-proclaimed Disney expert is if I have seen the sequels and prequels of the Disney classics. The answer is yes- but more importantly, I want you to know which ones you should watch, which ones you can skip, and what ones you need to watch just to laugh at hysterically.

Below is a list of all of the sequels and prequels and my rating. Enjoy!

PS- These are Disney animated movies- I didn't include any live-action or any Pixar. Not because I don't like them. More because that would have taken forever.

Key:

Watch it! 

Laugh Hysterically While Watching

Skip it

Original: "Aladdin" (1992)

 Sequel: "The Return of Jafar" (1994)

 Jafar was not really defeated in the first movie. Turning a guy into an all-powerful genie is not exactly a punishment. So it comes back to bite our heroes in the butt. This movie is also horribly bad because we are missing our real genie- Robin Williams. Though, we imagine that he was pretty busy with other offers.

Sequel: "Aladdin and the King of Thieves" (1996)

In the first film, a little song titled "Proud of Your Boy" was going to be in the movie. The song talks about Aladdin's longing to please his mother (who was alive in the original version). But we always wonder what happened to his dad? This movie brings father and son back together and I still can't decide who is more attractive! And, THE GENIE IS BACK!

Original: "Beauty and the Beast" (1991)

 

Prequel(ish): "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas" (1997)
 This movie happens while Belle is still a "prisoner" in the castle. The Beast has forbidden Christmas, but Belle decides to have it any way. There's a fabulous tree angel ornament played by Bernadette Peters, fantastic songs that you will want to add to your Christmas playlist, and Tim Curry as an evil organ. Still one of m favorite Christmas movies.

Original: "Pocahontas" (1995)

Sequel: "Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World" (1998)

You know all those history buffs who scolded the original animated movie for its inquiries? This movie is for them.Pocahontas goes to England, meets another John (who we can guess she marries), and wear English clothing and stuff. There is a really good song in this movie ("Where Do I Go From Here").

Original: "The Lion King" (1994)

Sequel: "The Lion King II: Simba's Pride" (1998)

Simba is all grownup and he has a daughter who is just as rebellious and rambunctious as he was. And she falls in love with one of Scar's offspring! A real Romeo and Juliet thing. All of the original voices are back- even Matthew Broderick as Simba.

Prequel(ish): "The Lion King 1 1/2" (2004)

A movie from Timon and Pumba's point of view about what was going on in their world when "Lion King" was happening. It's fun to watch the original and then watch this one. You will see a cause-and-effect theme going on, and many of your favorite characters show up.

Original: "A Goofy Movie" (1995)

Sequel: "An Extremely Goofy Movie" (2000)

Max is headed to college, and Goofy finds out that he never got his college degree. So he goes back to school with his son! This was the age of skateboards so there's a college X-Games and tons of 70s music that will please the parents.

Original: "Lady and the Tramp" (1955)

Sequel: "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure" (2001)
Lady and Tramp have a pup who falls for another pup who lives on the street with a bunch of rough-and-tough street dogs. It's really a repeat of the original with puppies. Songs aren't really worth it either.

Original: "The Little Mermaid" (1989)

Sequel: "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" (2000)
 ARIEL AS A MOM!!! Somehow she can still wear a shell bra, That's real Disney magic for you. Prince Eric and the Princess of the Sea learn how hard it is to be parents with a daughter who wants to run away to the sea. Doesn't that sound familiar? Also, Ursula's sister is the villain of this one- ready to prove that she can outdo her sister.

Prequel: "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning" (2008)

This movie is the reason I am writing this post. It is a totally unexpected surprise. All of the original voices are back for what happened before Ariel found her prince, and music was banned from Atlantica. The songs are fantastic and Jodi Benson still has the melodious voice of her youth.

Original: "Cinderella" (1950)

Sequel: "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True" (2002)

After Cinderella gets married, the mice are retelling stories that include Jacque getting turned into a man, Anastasia finding her true love, and a lot of other useless stories that have nothing to do with anything. BUT. This was the start of Jennifer Hale as Cindy- a perfect choice.

Sequel: "Cinderella III: A Twist in Time" (2007)

This one is hard to keep up with, but Evil Stepmother steals Fairy Godmother's wand and turns back time to make the Prince dance with Anastasia instead of Cinderella. Cindy has to fight to get her man back and it is seriously EPIC!

Original: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1996)

Sequel: "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II" (2002)

Didn't you always feel sorry for Quasimodo? He didn't get the girl in the end. This movie says he does find his true love in a circus performer. It's cute for a boring Saturday afternoon- nothing to write home about but worth a little time to end Quasi's story on a happy note.

Original: "101 Dalmatians" (1961)

Sequel: "101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure" (2003)
 This movie almost makes fun of itself. Cruella has fallen waaaay far down the hole, Horris and Jasper are terrified of her, and it was bound to happen that one of the 101 puppies would get lost. Also, the amazing Thunderbolt is not so amazing. This movie sparked an equally hysterical and ridiculous TV series. You will never look at Corgis the same.

Original: "Atlantis" (2001)

Sequel: "Atlantis: Milo's Return" (2003)
Really, really boring tales of what happens after the movie. Really, really boring.

Original: "Mulan" (1998)

Sequel: "Mulan II" (2005)

What happens when you decide to marry someone you thought was a man for the majority of the time you've known them? This. Mulan and Shan are getting married and they are totally different people. The soldier triplets (you know who I'm talking about) also try to find love. The songs are reminiscent of the originals. Kinda disappointing that Eddie Murphy doesn't reprise his role though.

Original: "Tarzan" (1999)

 

Sequel-That's-Actually-a-Prequel: "Tarzan II" (2005)
Tarzan 2 is actually when Tarzan was younger and is trying to find his place in the jungle. None of the original voices are back because they all grew up. Yet another attempt at Disney trying to turn to a younger generation. And I'm sorry- baby Tantar in the original was the cutest ever! And no one replaces Rosie O'Donnell.

Original: "Lilo & Stitch" (2002)

 

Sequel: "Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch" (2005)
I can't get enough of Stitch! And it turns out there are more Stitches! Because as you know, Stitch was experiment 626. What happened to all of the other 625 experiments? They had one giant family reunion! This movie sparked a TV series and was totally awesome.

Original: "The Emperor's New Groove" (2000) Sequel: "Kronk's New Groove" (2005)  Kronk had his moments in the original film- speaking squirrel is pretty awesome. But a whole movie of him is not worth it to me. But baby Kronk and his little oven mitts is adorable! Original: "Bambi" (1942) Sequel: "Bambi II" (2006) After Bambi's mom, well, dies, Bambi lives with his dad, the Prince. Who has absolutely no idea how to raise a baby dear. And you feel bad for little Bambi. Original: "Brother Bear" (2003) Sequel: "Brother Bear 2" (2006) The original is very underrated. I recommend you watch that one before you move onto this one. In this one, a girl turns into a bear and joins the boys on their bear adventures. And of course there's some romance involved. But it's all about the girl power or grrrrrl power. Original: "The Fox and the Hound" (1981) Sequel-That's-Actually-a-Prequel: "The Fox and the Hound 2:(2006) I can't. I can't watch it! Not without knowing what happens in the end! Skip it! Skip it if you want to live! Also, Reba is a singing dog. Seriously, skip it.