Disney Enlists Segel & Stoller for new Muppets movie

[Mr Devco]

I like VMMCM. It was ten times better than Oz or Swamp Years

I give it that, but it lacks the heart it was just depressing in my opinion.

 

[RedPiggy]

On the other hand, Kermit was having a problem with his heart. He was doubting his dream ... again. I took it as a metaphor for the company's psychology at the time. Meh.

 

[frogboy4]

On the other hand, Kermit was having a problem with his heart. He was doubting his dream ... again. I took it as a metaphor for the company's psychology at the time. Meh.

Actually Kermit's doubt harkens back to the first Muppet Movie. He is the very definition of a reluctant hero.

The issue with the Christmas special is that there was little joy to counter balance the more somber moments. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the special very much, but it went from somber, to clever to a few funky moments, but there was no real heart-felt tingly moment of happiness like the other projects seem to have.

Sure there's some slightly disturbing pushing of boundaries. The Muppets have always done that, but after being away for a while they had some catching up to do. I think that, if anything is where the growing pains are in the project.

They also needed some new original music by Paul Williams. We know he's working on Emmet Otter the musical. He won a Grammy for Rainbow Connection. He's definitely game!

 

[theprawncracker]

They also needed some new original music by Paul Williams. We know he's working on Emmet Otter the musical. He won a Grammy for Rainbow Connection. He's definitely game!

Totally agree, and lots not forget what he said at MuppetFest during "The Muppet Show Live!" Something like, "Ya know guys, after all these years... the most fun I've ever had--the most fun, was coming to work with you."

I'd say that's a good sign that he'd want in.

 

[ploobis]

Hey Gang'

I just saw on the TV Guid channel Segal talking about him writting the new Muppet Movie!

He said that he wants to bring back the early Muppet Movies look, Like bring back the kinda stuff from TMM, TGMC and TMTM!

 

[Drtooth]

The issue with the Christmas special is that there was little joy to counter balance the more somber moments. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the special very much, but it went from somber, to clever to a few funky moments, but there was no real heart-felt tingly moment of happiness like the other projects seem to have.

Sure there's some slightly disturbing pushing of boundaries. The Muppets have always done that, but after being away for a while they had some catching up to do. I think that, if anything is where the growing pains are in the project.

I think the problem was that it just couldn't decide if it was to be a TV special or an honest to gravy movie. It seemed to bounce back and fourth. Plus, you could tell all the influences of the Simpson's writer. popping up and just saying irrelevant lines because he has a funny voice (like Sideshow Mel, Cletus, and Ralph Wiggum do in every episode). I feel there was heart, but it was broken up into smaller pieces and spread amungst the pop culture gags. I did like the Moulin Scrooge number, and the Grinch thing, but there were things that didn't need to be added in (The Steve Irwin stand in, the poorly dubbed kung fu sequence, stuff like that).

They also needed some new original music by Paul Williams. We know he's working on Emmet Otter the musical. He won a Grammy for Rainbow Connection. He's definitely game!

If not Paul Williams, another brilliant songwriter that understands the heart of the Muppets. Even if we wind up with Sesame Street's Chris Cerf. Someone who can do a great job with the musical numbers. But I'm pulling for Williams myself.

think about it. The thing the last 4 Muppet Movies lacked was in the music department. Didn't see KSY yet, so I can't judge that one. But no original music in MFS, one original song in VMX, and the just poorly written and unmemorable songs in OZ. Though I did like "The Witch is in the House" and "Naptime." But Music is the heart of the Muppets. Take that away, and you leave them with slapschtick and a few other little things.

 

[Mr Devco]

Sure there's some slightly disturbing pushing

Like Scooter Cagedancing

 

[unclematt]

I am sick and tiredof people making a big deal about Scooter cagedancing. It was a funny moment in an alternate universe. I appreciated it. Thank you to whoever wrote that that realised that the Muppets needed to be on the edge of the time they are in not the edge of twenty years ago.

 

[Mr Devco]

I apologize for upsessing you

 

[frogboy4]

One Frogboy's Observation (but not a judgement)

Why is it that the cage dancing Scooter upsets people more than the rave Sam sporting a pacifier (a known mark of drug use with Ecstasy)? I mean it's all very subtle, but it is an alternative universe. And the artifacts of the cage and pacifier don't have to mean anything. I think with some fans they thought it made Scooter look a little gay. As a gay guy, heck I do too and that's what makes it funny to me. But again, it's there for individual interpretation like so much of the Muppets' abstract and archetypal work.

Why weren't religious groups that loved the Muppets upset at the Hare Krishna jokes in the Muppet Movie or all that time spent in bars and around alcohol, the gun use, the metal fork shot into the plywood Kermit target, the fact that being rich and famous is what life is all about?

I'm certainly not saying that's what the Muppet Movie (my favorite film) is about, but there are those who would take it there. Heck, if the Great Muppet Caper or Manhattan had been the first film and the Muppet Movie had come later those might be some criticisms.

I think people get overly sensitive about Muppets and taboo subjects. That's why I'm glad the Muppet Show seasons are being released. I encourage people to really watch them, think in the mindset of the 70s and then consider the possibility that many of these weird one-liners or sight-gags aren't the least bit out of place.

The Prince episode of Muppets Tonight has Gonzo in fishnet stockings and Seymour in chaps (leather pants with no rear coverage for those outside of the language).

People seem to get upset that Kermit loses faith and yells at the gang (this has happened many times under Jim), the weird off-color humor and language at times (Jim went on a talk show with Rowlf before he died and had the dog loosely use the term “b****”, the Muppet Shows were always filled with brutal interactions with actions (explosions, karate) and words (Statler & Waldorf) and yes a few of the guest stars weren’t up to snuff. There seems to be an idealized standard set-forth by many fans that requires a short attention span when it comes to Muppet history.