A case of mistaken identity puts innocent Kermit in the line of danger and at the center of a ring of espionage and lies. He finds himself questioning who he is, and whether or not he has true friends who will come to his rescue. Muppets Most Wanted – Kids Unite! opened in theaters on March 21 and families with children across America are spending their family screen time excited to engage in some “Muppets on a mission for PG fun!”
The movie is designed to create laughter as the audience connects with the light-hearted mystery and intrigue. A spattering of humor underscoring throughout the entire movie keeps it hopping for kids and adults alike, with lines like, “It’s not easy being mean” as a takeoff on Kermit’s famous line, “It’s not easy being green.”
It may also be seen as a bit of a sendoff to two Henson family members. The movie was already slotted to be dedicated in part to Jane Henson, Jim Henson’s wife, who passed away in 2013 after a long battle with cancer. It may also now be somewhat of a silent tribute to John Henson, the son of Muppet creator, Jim Henson. John Henson, known as the voice of Muppet Sweetums, passed away in February; leaving his brother, Brian Henson, and sister, Lisa Henson as two remaining family members who work for the company that bears the namesake of their father.
The story takes flight while the Muppets gang is on a global tour when mayhem breaks out as they find themselves mixed up in an “international crime caper headed by Constantine – the World’s Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit.” Added elements of humor come into play when “Number Two” is introduced with a business card that reads, “Dominic Badguy.” Of course, he quickly exclaims that it is French and pronounced, “Badgee.”
A huge array of Hollywood stars adds to the big screen intrigue. The movie is packed with star appearances from:
- Tina Fey plays Nadya
- Ty Burrell plays Jean Pierre Napoleon
- Ricky Gervais plays Dominic Badguy
- Tim Hiddleston plays the Great Escapo
- Zach Galifianakis plays Hobo Joe
- Bridgit Mendler plays Minnie
- Tony Bennett
- Lady Gaga
- Celine Dion
- Usher Raymond
- Ross Lynch
- Ray Liotta
- Debby Ryan
This list is just the beginning of the star-packed appearances, not to mention the off-camera workmanship that goes into a movie starring furry puppets. Kermit is puppeteered by Steve Withmire, with Eric Jacobson creating the movements for Ms. Piggy.
There are movies that have recently been released that take family entertainment on adventures, and there are those that bring about laugh after laugh but still present a take-away moral lesson in the end. This newest Muppet movie is meant for both entertainment and laughs, but it also drives home some meaningful message for Christians:
- A message of mistaken identity
- A message of loyalty, friendship and love amidst lies and scandal
Far too often, as Christians we live as if we have no idea who we really are in Christ. It is not until our faith is questioned that we are pressed to figure out who we are and who our true friends are.
The Bible tells us that we are valuable:
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. —1 Peter 2:9
Though intended to be completely light-hearted entertainment, Kermit just might find himself in the middle of a similar lesson on a level children will relate to and understand.
The PG-rated movie is written by James Bobin along with Nicholas Stoller, and it is directed by James Bobin. Muppets Most Wanted – Kids Unite! opened in theaters across the US on Friday, March 21, 2014.