I wouldn’t say it was THE best, (I have to give that to the first Muppet movie), but it’s definitely one of the better ones. The worst one was Muppets Most Wanted.
Brian Bommarito I wouldn’t say that it was the “worst” Muppet Movie ever made. Remember, we’re counting *every* Muppet Movie here, so I would say that the worst one was probably Kermit’s Swamp Years, or possibly even Muppets Wizard Of Oz, or Muppets From Space.
It’s not the most engaging or exciting muppet movie, but I have a soft spot for it as it shows muppets struggling for success in New York, and the muppet technology and tricks are still very admirable to watch, and that wedding at the end, it’s worth the price of admission. You can still feel the passion the creators have for the Muppets
This was the first Muppet movie I ever saw. My dad had recorded it off the TV on VHS and I near wore the damn thing out lol. To this day it's still one of my all time favourites which is really odd as I cannot stand musicals.
It may just be because of Can You Picture That? And the Electric Mayhem's role in the film, but they win me over to the Muppet Movie every time... The Muppets take Manhattan is still a great film, one of my personal favorites I might add, but that song Alone will always win me over... Well, that and Rainbow Connection🌈
18:07 - Not just did they get all of the Sesame Street characters in the wedding scene, but Jim Henson and Frank Oz also briefly reprise the voices of Ernie, Bert and Cookie Monster, which is very nice.
My takeaway from this was Muppet Babies. Oh and the wedding. Still love that. putting that aside I would LOVE the Muppets on Broadway. I'm thinking you can do it easier and with greater possibilities now. I'll order my front row seat, they just have to say the word.
Personally, I think you criticizing a Muppet movie for not making sense is somewhat redundant. The Muppets have been, are, and always will be silly, and the story-lines in which they get involved in will normally not make a whole lot of narrative coherence, they put having fun above strong narrative.
Fynn Levy It is true that the mere presence of Muppets excuses a lot, but I think it’s fair to wonder how Manhattan Melodies’ new ensemble managed to keep in time and tune with the show. And how on earth they managed to market, prepare and rehearse a show to levels of perfection in two weeks without its star.
The Muppet Babies scene was always my personal favorite. I have always said there needs to be a new Muppet movie called 'The Muppets Search for Skeeter'.
I’d have to say Pictures in my Head is the most depressing, because they are already not together, and it’s just Kermit reminiscing and realizing that they won’t be together again.
I think the problem with this clearly non-canon story is that it takes itself too seriously. No one breaks the fourth wall and says they're actors playing characters like in Muppet Caper or even Christmas Carol, so you have to assume it's a somewhat "canon" story like The Muppet Movie or the 2011 film, which doesn't really fit per say. Maybe if they had some meta framing device, like having the gang at a screening at Fozzie's house, and have the movie be seen as a film he directed, with Kermit saying something like "I decided to give myself a break as the leader for a while and focus on other things" paralleling both Frank focusing on his directing and Jim briefly moving on to Creature Shop films. You could even have one or two moments where they cut back to the screening and have Kermit say something like "Fozzie, what's with the overly artsy and atmospheric tone?" And have Fozzie say something "I'm experimenting with our format, okay?!" A major reason why the heartfelt moments worked in The Muppet Movie is that it felt like a genuine origin story. And the 2011 film felt like a genuine semi sequel to both it, and the original Muppet Show. So when something sentimental or sad happens, you're intrigued because you see it as the characters playing themselves. At least, that's my take.
Even though the movies arent technically sequels, they all seem connected, as I mentioned in the comments of the Muppets Most Wanted review, the movies are connected by the things they do in the movies. So from what I can see, I would put The Great Muppet Caper, Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, and Muppets from Space in their own separate universes. So with the other 4 movies in order are The Muppet Movie, The Muppets take Manhattan, The Muppet Show, The Muppets, and finally, Muppets Most Wanted.
Yeah, I had a mindblow after first seeing the live action Muppet Babies too. lol re: ARE they really married? - Yeah... Muppet continuity is REALLY weird... Except for Muppets Most Wanted, every movie is set up like its own stand-alone property. But then we see A Very Muppet Christmas point out how it's connected to The Muppet Movie, so... is every OTHER Muppet movie somehow connected to each other? What happened here, Manhattan???
If you look closely in the scene where miss Piggy and Kermit are getting married if you look behind miss piggy when they say I do you’ll see uncle traveling Matt from fraggle rock
Wow how do you get through any film if it blows your mind on the most trivial issues. By your logic of the muppets age we can't believe that Kermit was Bob Cratchit, a father and husband in a Christmas Carol...
I think this was your best review so far. Very thorough and you makes some pretty good points. I agree this movie probably tried to take itself a little too seriously at times, though I'm not sure that made it better geared toward kids. I remember this was my least favorite Muppet movie growing up because it was so horribly sad when they had to break up. And when they did get the show sold, they almost lost Kermit! Very stressful Muppet experience as a kid. Anyway, kudos on the review!
They need to have some tense, heartfelt moments. It wouldn't be the Muppets as we know them without that. I mean, the same is said for Gonzo's heavenly lament "I'm Going to Go Back There, Someday" from the first Muppet Movie, Sesame Street's "I Don't Want to Live On the Moon" as sung by Ernie, "Saying Goodbye" from this film, "Petals Off the Rose" and "Just a Dream Away" from Fraggle Rock, etc. and of course, "Rainbow Connection" itself, which is to the Muppet family (Sesame, Muppet, and Fraggle) what "Wish Upon a Star" is to Disney as a overall theme song.
Aren't the muppets just supposed to be characters or like actors, like the the muppet movie was the main plot and the other movies are just like the ones that they "acted" in
I really thought you did a fantastic job in your review. I completely see where you're coming from for the most part. One thing you said at the end was, "It was a film that tried taking itself too seriously." I think that was one of the reasons I liked it, but I see how there's this uneven feel to it, if it's a parody of a certain type of movie. In regards to characters knowing what to do for songs on cue, that happens quite a bit with the Muppets, especially on The Muppet Show. This was great!
I agree with you here. Even as a kid when I watched this, I had many concerns: How did all those extras suddenly know their lines? And you can’t say it’s just a muppet movie, because there were parts earlier in the film where characters talked about having to rehearse day and night. Even Kermit, himself, who regains his memory minutes before the opening curtain somehow knows the entire show. Yes, I know he was the writer of the show, but this was all kind of last minute, and with tons of new characters. Also, how did the Electric Mayhem magically get from being the band to suddenly guests at the wedding? Will all those muppet cameos appear at every performance? And like you said, will they use that real priest at every show, or will it be Gonzo in future shows? I agree, it’s not the best Muppet Movie, but has entertaining moments.
I was about to speak against you point about how them graduating from College is bad, but I guess I agree. Animal wouldn't have even gotten ACCEPTED into college. XD Nor would a chicken actually-
I enjoy this movie. But I have absolutely no interest in Broadway, so I don't really care about their main goal in this. I only want them to succeed because I already like the characters. But there is a lot good in this movie, particularly the humor and heartfelt emotional moments.
I think the reason why you find this Muppet Movie underwhelming is that while the other movies had their serious moments, this one focused less on their over the top humor, and more on the drama even though it certainly had its zanny moments. Missy Piggy on roller skates anyone? This was my favorite Muppet Movie for years just because the third act and just overall story had a more coherent plot than the previous two. Well, that and the fact that I kind of lost interest after Jim Henson died. But I eventually saw Muppet Treasure island which I was pleasantly surprised with, Robin is the thread that holds The Muppet Christmas Carol together, and Muppets from Space, well.....it tried.
They were married because Miss Piggy hired the clergyman, not Frank Oz. AND they were doing a show because Kermit didn’t know he was giving his vows for real. He thought the “new” priest was just the understudy. It was shotgun, but the only one who really complained later was Kermit.
0:07 to 0:13 - This confirms my suspicions about this and Muppets from Space, and much like the MCU Spider-Man films, Sony will NOT let Disney add them to their streaming service. Good grief. You'd think they would make an exception for the Muppets, but NOPE. They're just too strict with their properties. If not Disney Plus, then at least put them on Netflix if they haven't been on there already. I mean, The Dark Crystal is on there because of Age of Resistance.
I just watched this film and its better then i remembered. I found myself laughing a lot. My favorite part is wen Miss Piggy is giving chase to the guy who stole her purse. Those angry eyes looked so goofy and ridiculous that i was laughing my ass off. I only saw this film one other time and I thought it was the worst Muppet movie I ever seen. But now i feel it is the most funniest Muppet movie iv seen. The comedy in this movie is spot on and really hits you. This movie has grown on me but I cant say I love the film but its comedy, Characters and story makes this film a decent watch in my eyes.
I never actually saw this one, or The Great Muppet Caper. But one of my managers at work, oddly enough, gave me a box of old DVDs thqt he had no use for and that box just so happened to luckily enough contain a copy of The Muppets Take Manhattan brand new and still in the factory sealed plastic.
The Muppets are supposed to be celebrities. You see, the Muppets know they're making a movie in all their movies. In TGMC, Kermit and Fozzie are siblings and news reporters. They're just acting there. In this film, they're acting as teenagers from college. And of course Fozzie is Captain Obvious, do you even know Fozzie? And everything else can be explained with... Muppet logic. For instance, when the audience dissapears during the wedding scene, that is similar to when the audience would laugh at the backstage scenes in the Muppet Show. Muppet logic.
The way I see it, the movies aren’t canon. The shows and stuff are all the Muppets making their show with special guests appearing as themselves, The movies are the Muppets playing a part (usually a fictional version of themselves) in the case of this and the original movie, they’re telling a fictional version of their origin story (id say the original movie is as an exaggerated version of the “true” story. While Take Manhattan is a what if) that’s why there’s guest stars not playing as themselves. The only ones that might be Canon are Muppets 2011 and Most Wanted. Bud I’d wager on the side of them not being canon either with guest stars playing characters like Tina Fey, Jason Segall & Ricky Gervais. Kermit even mentioned in another instance that the Marriage in Take Manhattan was “in a movie” and that they weren’t really married
I have seen the film a lot of times and I can see why it was the best Muppet film hands down. I like how they not include fourth wall jokes in the film, unlike the first two. Then again, not every film had to have fourth wall jokes. The main reason I like the film is because it is the first Muppet movie to be distributed by TriStar Pictures. This is one of only two films by Jim Henson to be distributed by TriStar Pictures. The other being “Labyrinth.” It is one of the only three films to still be owned by Sony, rather than The Walt Disney Company. ITC couldn’t distribute the film as they are experiencing financial difficulties.
The adorable Muppet Babies, yes. I might want to throw in that there was no mention of Animal or Skeeter in the number. Skeeter's absence is, well, understandable, but they could put in Animal at the least. I mean, it's a good bit and all, but we could have at least put in one of the two. Sorry for all of my complaining, but it's true.
I totally see your views on this film. It came out when I was in pre-K and of course in my childhood watched it over and over. I think I mainly watched it because of the nostalgia and upbeat music. Yeah there are a lot of elements of the story that don’t make sense, but it was what it was and enjoyed the iconic zany characters for who and what they are. In my opinion I felt like the following Muppet motion pictures, sadly after Jim’s passing, did not reach my expectations. Then the Muppets from Space was a breath of fresh air.
I respect your opinion. Are you saying that Muppet Babies was better than the movie? I grew up with both and for me the movie has way more nostalgia than the TV show. I was born in 1984 I love both but if you enjoyed the TV show more I feel it because it is what you grew up with. When I was young it was the True Muppets followed by the movie then the TV show. I think If you were older you would have a much great appreciation for the movie.
First of all, this film, while watching for the first time on vhs, was when my mom called me, in my childhood home AFTER having survived my first memorable near-death hospital experience as a “bleeder,(slang for hemophiliac)” when I was 13(thirteen) in 1990, trying VERY HARD to be “happy” again by watching the “new” muppet movie at home, (a “practice” I would later copy by watching jay and silent bob strike back on dvd AFTER getting the “devastating” news of my “hidden” genetic “curse” of hemophilia on my “dead” maternal grandfather’s side, but AFTER having been to the ER weeks earlier on 09/11/2001, nobody, including my sister who lived in New York at the time, I knew died at the World Trade Center, even though the ONLY time i ever visited New York years later, she showed me the new building they built to replace it) and told me that Jim Henson had died from a preventable illness, a WORST FEAR I STILL HOLD with my “severe” chronic illness! But, second of all, you made at 6:45 in the video a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very (ten(10) very(s), one(1) for each muppet movie you’ve reviewed! (Yeah, yeah, I know I have betrayed the true intent of being a Sesame Street/muppet fan by not using my vocabulary I learned by reading and watching “new” stuff every day, like I always do!)) VALID point! And, finally, like the “unintentional” trilogy this film made the “original” muppet movies, thanks to the play that goes wrong-style thinking, let me point this out: remember, the “together again” opening number is ACTUALLY the “closing” number to “Manhattan melodies!” And the closing number of the “film/trilogy,” is ACTUALLY the opening number to the show: that wedding! And, ironically, if you apply ghostbusters logic to the film, more in-jokes about the “show” would’ve made the show more universal, like how the “ghostbusters” movie showed how to operate a “new” business from start to finish! Think about it: make some jokes about “rehearsals,” “run-through(s),” and, maybe even “read-through(s)” at the diner to “familiarize” the “audience” the ACTUAL story, however weak, of the “musical!” Get through some of the “show,” maybe a few “key” scenes,” before the muppets “mess” it up, each time, maybe three(3) at most, “faster” for the muppets to “screw” the “rehearsals” up, maybe that’s why KERMIT gets angry, and THEN everyone has a “good” reason to “separate!” That makes it worth it and understandable for the “audience” when KERMIT finally figures out his “script” issue and we “see” how ALL the “extra” dogs, and bears, pigs, frogs, chickens, and stuff helps the show!!!!! Isn’t that cooler? Thanks again for an OUTSTANDING video of your AWESOME videos!!!! Dan aka the WORST human being who EVER existed, dead or alive, or ever will exist, or is currently in existence, and THAT includes HITLER, but NOT his cool nephew, or the nephew’s children, who, as children, decided to remain celibate, so as to KILL the hitler name!
Yeh I never quite understood the ending in terms of real wedding or staged musical. And yes there's a bit of weirdness. However it is one of those Muppet movies that has seriously classic moments and lines. The puppetry as always is amazing. Maybe it's because it was one of the movies I had on VHS throughout the 90s and I watched it a lot but I have a soft spot for it, even if some of it is cringe now.
Muppets, making sense? What rock - not Fraggle, of course - did you crawl from? j/k The Muppets were always meant to be wacky and whimsical. Yes, they do have tug-at-your-heart moments and an abundance of satirical comedy and homages to what came before them, but at the end of the day, they are meant be simply silly and just purely enjoyable fun.
I don't really care for this film either. It just looked... bland and colorless. Also, did anyone else notice that this movie has absolutely *NO* fourth wall breaks? Yup, oneof the things the Muppets are famous for is completely absent from this film.
Its true, this is the worst of the "original three" Muppet movies, but I dont know I feel like it was made for kids more than adults, hence the obvious moments being pointed out by characters and lack of fourth wall jokes. (Also, Saying Goodbye is the saddest thing on Earth still)
Sorry, small correction: I meant to say, “”familiarize” the “audience” with the ACTUAL story….” INSTEAD of “”familiarize” the “audience” the ACTUAL story…” sorry about the typo/mistake, okay? Sorry, sorry, sorry, PLEASE forgive me and try to understand my points, please? Thanks again for your UNDERSTANDING and UNBELIEVABLE BRILLIANCE!!! Dan aka….
This is one of my sister’s favorites, but I didn’t really appreciate it until I saw it in Blu-Ray. The quality of the VHS and DVD versions was so poor it made the viewing experience even more deceitfully mediocre. It was almost like the film was caught on a home movie camera. Don’t get me wrong, this is a BEAUTIFUL film, but it should probably be viewed before The Great Muppet Caper. That film will outshine Muppets Take Manhattan like the sun outshines the moon. Not that the moon isn’t beautiful in it’s own proper context. So is this film.
Thanks for saying that you have to be a young adult in order to go to college. Might as well tell those older people who try to go back to college that only young people fresh out of Highschool can go. (Seriously it's the muppets. Why are you taking that point seriously? Even when your point was dumb in the first place? You were way too harsh on this film.)
Even given all its fine production values, brilliant puppetry and the inescapable charm of the beloved Muppet gang, I do have to agree that this film fell a bit flat in comparison to the two previous Muppet films. I'm just wondering if maybe it had anything to do with the absence of the brilliant Jerry Juhl from the writing team. Seriously, can you imagine how different the writing would have turned out if they had him on board? (In fact, I believe this is the only Muppet feature film released during his lifetime on which he didn't write. To this day I still wonder why he was absent from this one. We may never know...)
Every sing Muppet movie has these unbelievable twists in the plots. That is present in very Muppet movie. If the reason you thought it to be bad ten I must question you're Muppet knowledge.
What if Manhattan Melodies and The Muppets Take Manhattan movie were one and the same? It would have given a well deserved case of self awareness to the feature itself.
3:36 No! I categorically refuse to respect your opinion! How dare you, a person who is not me, have an opinion! I will not stand for this! Grr! Snarl! Snap! Roar! I will now hold a petty and pointless grudge against you FOREVER! *Storms to the door, turns around* FOR-EVER! *SLAM!* And...scene.
0:33-0:59: You.. don't like this one, do you? 3:30-3:47: Well said, Rachael. I LOVE this one, but let's see why you don't. 4:13-4:19: Agreed--it's really cool. 6:10-6:44: Ah, channeling your inner Nostalgia Critic, huh? ;) I just took the college thing as they were playing characters, like in "Caper." 7:40-7:52: Fair point. :) See, I guess after seeing the first two, I just ASSUME they're playing characters until told otherwise. But, again, fair point. :) 12:14-12:21: Amen, sister. :) 20:02-20:15: Huh. Never thought of that. 21:05-21:08: Really????? I didn't know that!!!!! Huh. :) I still love this movie. Insightful commentary though Rachael. Onward! :)
This is literally the best Muppet movie ever created. It was perfect back then and perfect now.
I love it to. 😊
I wouldn’t say it was THE best, (I have to give that to the first Muppet movie), but it’s definitely one of the better ones. The worst one was Muppets Most Wanted.
Brian Bommarito I wouldn’t say that it was the “worst” Muppet Movie ever made. Remember, we’re counting *every* Muppet Movie here, so I would say that the worst one was probably Kermit’s Swamp Years, or possibly even Muppets Wizard Of Oz, or Muppets From Space.
The best muppet movies are the muppet movie and the muppets 2011
@@bediebysstar1939 I love the muppet wizard of of oz
This movie went over my head as a kid, but I appreciated it greatly once I had graduated from college and was trying to make it in the big city.
wow
I just finished watching it for the first time. I'm still trying to make it big as well. I'm planning on beginning with UA-cam.
@@hunteradams2123 wow
@@MrGabeanator wow
It’s not the most engaging or exciting muppet movie, but I have a soft spot for it as it shows muppets struggling for success in New York, and the muppet technology and tricks are still very admirable to watch, and that wedding at the end, it’s worth the price of admission. You can still feel the passion the creators have for the Muppets
This was the first Muppet movie I ever saw. My dad had recorded it off the TV on VHS and I near wore the damn thing out lol. To this day it's still one of my all time favourites which is really odd as I cannot stand musicals.
It may just be because of Can You Picture That? And the Electric Mayhem's role in the film, but they win me over to the Muppet Movie every time... The Muppets take Manhattan is still a great film, one of my personal favorites I might add, but that song Alone will always win me over... Well, that and Rainbow Connection🌈
18:07 - Not just did they get all of the Sesame Street characters in the wedding scene, but Jim Henson and Frank Oz also briefly reprise the voices of Ernie, Bert and Cookie Monster, which is very nice.
My takeaway from this was Muppet Babies. Oh and the wedding. Still love that. putting that aside I would LOVE the Muppets on Broadway. I'm thinking you can do it easier and with greater possibilities now. I'll order my front row seat, they just have to say the word.
Personally, I think you criticizing a Muppet movie for not making sense is somewhat redundant. The Muppets have been, are, and always will be silly, and the story-lines in which they get involved in will normally not make a whole lot of narrative coherence, they put having fun above strong narrative.
Fynn Levy It is true that the mere presence of Muppets excuses a lot, but I think it’s fair to wonder how Manhattan Melodies’ new ensemble managed to keep in time and tune with the show. And how on earth they managed to market, prepare and rehearse a show to levels of perfection in two weeks without its star.
@@psifla99 It's the Muppets. Don't question it.
The Muppet Babies scene was always my personal favorite. I have always said there needs to be a new Muppet movie called 'The Muppets Search for Skeeter'.
lol
Saying Goodbye still gets to me.
Just heard it and my eyes still have tears
I’d have to say Pictures in my Head is the most depressing, because they are already not together, and it’s just Kermit reminiscing and realizing that they won’t be together again.
I think the problem with this clearly non-canon story is that it takes itself too seriously. No one breaks the fourth wall and says they're actors playing characters like in Muppet Caper or even Christmas Carol, so you have to assume it's a somewhat "canon" story like The Muppet Movie or the 2011 film, which doesn't really fit per say. Maybe if they had some meta framing device, like having the gang at a screening at Fozzie's house, and have the movie be seen as a film he directed, with Kermit saying something like "I decided to give myself a break as the leader for a while and focus on other things" paralleling both Frank focusing on his directing and Jim briefly moving on to Creature Shop films. You could even have one or two moments where they cut back to the screening and have Kermit say something like "Fozzie, what's with the overly artsy and atmospheric tone?" And have Fozzie say something "I'm experimenting with our format, okay?!"
A major reason why the heartfelt moments worked in The Muppet Movie is that it felt like a genuine origin story. And the 2011 film felt like a genuine semi sequel to both it, and the original Muppet Show. So when something sentimental or sad happens, you're intrigued because you see it as the characters playing themselves. At least, that's my take.
I literally saw this last night since it was on TV, and it'll be on again 2 more times. I love it lol!
Even though the movies arent technically sequels, they all seem connected, as I mentioned in the comments of the Muppets Most Wanted review, the movies are connected by the things they do in the movies. So from what I can see, I would put The Great Muppet Caper, Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, and Muppets from Space in their own separate universes. So with the other 4 movies in order are The Muppet Movie, The Muppets take Manhattan, The Muppet Show, The Muppets, and finally, Muppets Most Wanted.
I can now see the timeline
Yeah, I had a mindblow after first seeing the live action Muppet Babies too. lol
re: ARE they really married? - Yeah... Muppet continuity is REALLY weird... Except for Muppets Most Wanted, every movie is set up like its own stand-alone property. But then we see A Very Muppet Christmas point out how it's connected to The Muppet Movie, so... is every OTHER Muppet movie somehow connected to each other? What happened here, Manhattan???
As the reviewer herself said from the previous review, "Continuity? What's that?"
If you look closely in the scene where miss Piggy and Kermit are getting married if you look behind miss piggy when they say I do you’ll see uncle traveling Matt from fraggle rock
Wow how do you get through any film if it blows your mind on the most trivial issues. By your logic of the muppets age we can't believe that Kermit was Bob Cratchit, a father and husband in a Christmas Carol...
Okay First off I WHOLLY enjoyed the hell out of "Muppets Take Manhattan" and YES I LOVED "Muppet Babies"!
I'm curious if that was their inspiration for the new Muppets Baby series 😂😍
When I saw Kermit flail in the air from that car scene freaked me out when I was a kid..
I still love this movie. I was a 10 year old Muppet fanatic when this movie came out.
Its CANDACE BERGEN, the late Edgar Bergen's daughter, not Frances Bergen. Edgar passed away after filming his cameo in The Muppet Movie.
this is one of my favorite muppet movies
I think this was your best review so far. Very thorough and you makes some pretty good points. I agree this movie probably tried to take itself a little too seriously at times, though I'm not sure that made it better geared toward kids. I remember this was my least favorite Muppet movie growing up because it was so horribly sad when they had to break up. And when they did get the show sold, they almost lost Kermit! Very stressful Muppet experience as a kid. Anyway, kudos on the review!
They need to have some tense, heartfelt moments. It wouldn't be the Muppets as we know them without that. I mean, the same is said for Gonzo's heavenly lament "I'm Going to Go Back There, Someday" from the first Muppet Movie, Sesame Street's "I Don't Want to Live On the Moon" as sung by Ernie, "Saying Goodbye" from this film, "Petals Off the Rose" and "Just a Dream Away" from Fraggle Rock, etc. and of course, "Rainbow Connection" itself, which is to the Muppet family (Sesame, Muppet, and Fraggle) what "Wish Upon a Star" is to Disney as a overall theme song.
Yeah, when I saw Gates McFadden on the BTS video for Labyrinth as "Cheryl McFadden," I was confused and geeking out at the same time.
I was born almost exactly 7 years after Jim Henson passed away. So you know I've never seen Muppet Babies
Aren't the muppets just supposed to be characters or like actors, like the the muppet movie was the main plot and the other movies are just like the ones that they "acted" in
I really thought you did a fantastic job in your review. I completely see where you're coming from for the most part. One thing you said at the end was, "It was a film that tried taking itself too seriously." I think that was one of the reasons I liked it, but I see how there's this uneven feel to it, if it's a parody of a certain type of movie. In regards to characters knowing what to do for songs on cue, that happens quite a bit with the Muppets, especially on The Muppet Show. This was great!
The Muppet Babies wouldn’t have an existing show on their own if it weren’t for Muppets Take Manhattan and the dream sequence scene.
Rachel .... so the muppets are at college I think that a great idea
a dream brought me here
Anybody who disliked this movie should TRY DIRECTING A PUPPET MOVIE THEMSELVES,, AS WELL AS PLAYING 5 OR 6 CHARACTERS IN IT. How well would that do??
10:55 the point of Pete is that he is a spoff on the old outlandish guy that is wise. And who is used in so many movies back then.
I agree with you here. Even as a kid when I watched this, I had many concerns:
How did all those extras suddenly know their lines? And you can’t say it’s just a muppet movie, because there were parts earlier in the film where characters talked about having to rehearse day and night. Even Kermit, himself, who regains his memory minutes before the opening curtain somehow knows the entire show. Yes, I know he was the writer of the show, but this was all kind of last minute, and with tons of new characters.
Also, how did the Electric Mayhem magically get from being the band to suddenly guests at the wedding?
Will all those muppet cameos appear at every performance?
And like you said, will they use that real priest at every show, or will it be Gonzo in future shows?
I agree, it’s not the best Muppet Movie, but has entertaining moments.
6:14 Well wait the muppets already had met themselves in the two previous movies so why is this so different?
I was about to speak against you point about how them graduating from College is bad, but I guess I agree. Animal wouldn't have even gotten ACCEPTED into college. XD
Nor would a chicken actually-
I enjoy this movie. But I have absolutely no interest in Broadway, so I don't really care about their main goal in this. I only want them to succeed because I already like the characters. But there is a lot good in this movie, particularly the humor and heartfelt emotional moments.
I think the reason why you find this Muppet Movie underwhelming is that while the other movies had their serious moments, this one focused less on their over the top humor, and more on the drama even though it certainly had its zanny moments. Missy Piggy on roller skates anyone? This was my favorite Muppet Movie for years just because the third act and just overall story had a more coherent plot than the previous two. Well, that and the fact that I kind of lost interest after Jim Henson died. But I eventually saw Muppet Treasure island which I was pleasantly surprised with, Robin is the thread that holds The Muppet Christmas Carol together, and Muppets from Space, well.....it tried.
She reviewed great muppet caper
Honestly kind of surprised there's not a Muppet Babies Movie
Written by: AndiCurrie/ Joe Raposo/ Jim Henson / Paul Williams/ Kenny Ascher/
Fun fact
The location of Pete’s luncheonette is now a McDonald’s
They were married because Miss Piggy hired the clergyman, not Frank Oz. AND they were doing a show because Kermit didn’t know he was giving his vows for real. He thought the “new” priest was just the understudy. It was shotgun, but the only one who really complained later was Kermit.
One aspect of the scam scene that bears mention, is Animal’s reaction.
0:07 to 0:13 - This confirms my suspicions about this and Muppets from Space, and much like the MCU Spider-Man films, Sony will NOT let Disney add them to their streaming service. Good grief. You'd think they would make an exception for the Muppets, but NOPE. They're just too strict with their properties. If not Disney Plus, then at least put them on Netflix if they haven't been on there already. I mean, The Dark Crystal is on there because of Age of Resistance.
I was waiting for Disney+ to add TMTM and MFS. The Muppets Take Manhattan is the only Muppet theatrical film I haven't seen.
I just watched this film and its better then i remembered. I found myself laughing a lot. My favorite part is wen Miss Piggy is giving chase to the guy who stole her purse. Those angry eyes looked so goofy and ridiculous that i was laughing my ass off. I only saw this film one other time and I thought it was the worst Muppet movie I ever seen. But now i feel it is the most funniest Muppet movie iv seen. The comedy in this movie is spot on and really hits you. This movie has grown on me but I cant say I love the film but its comedy, Characters and story makes this film a decent watch in my eyes.
I never actually saw this one, or The Great Muppet Caper. But one of my managers at work, oddly enough, gave me a box of old DVDs thqt he had no use for and that box just so happened to luckily enough contain a copy of The Muppets Take Manhattan brand new and still in the factory sealed plastic.
9:03----Oh, Hi, Dr. Crusher from STAR TREK: NEXT GEN.
Do you know how they get the characters mouth to move on the bicycle?
The BEST Muppet movie hands down
The Muppets are supposed to be celebrities. You see, the Muppets know they're making a movie in all their movies. In TGMC, Kermit and Fozzie are siblings and news reporters. They're just acting there. In this film, they're acting as teenagers from college. And of course Fozzie is Captain Obvious, do you even know Fozzie? And everything else can be explained with... Muppet logic. For instance, when the audience dissapears during the wedding scene, that is similar to when the audience would laugh at the backstage scenes in the Muppet Show. Muppet logic.
Them acting doesn’t seem like a good excuse
The way I see it, the movies aren’t canon.
The shows and stuff are all the Muppets making their show with special guests appearing as themselves,
The movies are the Muppets playing a part (usually a fictional version of themselves) in the case of this and the original movie, they’re telling a fictional version of their origin story (id say the original movie is as an exaggerated version of the “true” story. While Take Manhattan is a what if) that’s why there’s guest stars not playing as themselves.
The only ones that might be Canon are Muppets 2011 and Most Wanted. Bud I’d wager on the side of them not being canon either with guest stars playing characters like Tina Fey, Jason Segall & Ricky Gervais.
Kermit even mentioned in another instance that the Marriage in Take Manhattan was “in a movie” and that they weren’t really married
And now I feel the urge to watch the movie
The Muppets take manhattan the orginal Muppet movie and Muppet treasure island are the best Muppet movies
I have seen the film a lot of times and I can see why it was the best Muppet film hands down. I like how they not include fourth wall jokes in the film, unlike the first two. Then again, not every film had to have fourth wall jokes. The main reason I like the film is because it is the first Muppet movie to be distributed by TriStar Pictures. This is one of only two films by Jim Henson to be distributed by TriStar Pictures. The other being “Labyrinth.” It is one of the only three films to still be owned by Sony, rather than The Walt Disney Company. ITC couldn’t distribute the film as they are experiencing financial difficulties.
The adorable Muppet Babies, yes. I might want to throw in that there was no mention of Animal or Skeeter in the number. Skeeter's absence is, well, understandable, but they could put in Animal at the least. I mean, it's a good bit and all, but we could have at least put in one of the two. Sorry for all of my complaining, but it's true.
I respect your opinion but personally Muppets in Space and Take Manhattan are in my top 3
Your absolutely right!
So sad you don't like this. I love, Love, LOVE this movie!!!
I totally see your views on this film. It came out when I was in pre-K and of course in my childhood watched it over and over. I think I mainly watched it because of the nostalgia and upbeat music. Yeah there are a lot of elements of the story that don’t make sense, but it was what it was and enjoyed the iconic zany characters for who and what they are. In my opinion I felt like the following Muppet motion pictures, sadly after Jim’s passing, did not reach my expectations. Then the Muppets from Space was a breath of fresh air.
I loved it :D Your reviews are always quite factual and enjoyable.
I noticed you never mentioned a DVD/Blu-Ray for the film and Muppets from Space
can you review kermit's swamp years?
NOOOOOOO
NOOO NO NO!
I heard we are getting a Disney+ series taking place after this movie. So I’m excited for another Muppets series.
I think that got cancelled
They had great fans
I respect your opinion. Are you saying that Muppet Babies was better than the movie? I grew up with both and for me the movie has way more nostalgia than the TV show. I was born in 1984 I love both but if you enjoyed the TV show more I feel it because it is what you grew up with. When I was young it was the True Muppets followed by the movie then the TV show. I think If you were older you would have a much great appreciation for the movie.
has a lot of bloopers puppeteers being seen while it wasn't cut out check it out
First of all, this film, while watching for the first time on vhs, was when my mom called me, in my childhood home AFTER having survived my first memorable near-death hospital experience as a “bleeder,(slang for hemophiliac)” when I was 13(thirteen) in 1990, trying VERY HARD to be “happy” again by watching the “new” muppet movie at home, (a “practice” I would later copy by watching jay and silent bob strike back on dvd AFTER getting the “devastating” news of my “hidden” genetic “curse” of hemophilia on my “dead” maternal grandfather’s side, but AFTER having been to the ER weeks earlier on 09/11/2001, nobody, including my sister who lived in New York at the time, I knew died at the World Trade Center, even though the ONLY time i ever visited New York years later, she showed me the new building they built to replace it) and told me that Jim Henson had died from a preventable illness, a WORST FEAR I STILL HOLD with my “severe” chronic illness! But, second of all, you made at 6:45 in the video a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very (ten(10) very(s), one(1) for each muppet movie you’ve reviewed! (Yeah, yeah, I know I have betrayed the true intent of being a Sesame Street/muppet fan by not using my vocabulary I learned by reading and watching “new” stuff every day, like I always do!)) VALID point! And, finally, like the “unintentional” trilogy this film made the “original” muppet movies, thanks to the play that goes wrong-style thinking, let me point this out: remember, the “together again” opening number is ACTUALLY the “closing” number to “Manhattan melodies!” And the closing number of the “film/trilogy,” is ACTUALLY the opening number to the show: that wedding! And, ironically, if you apply ghostbusters logic to the film, more in-jokes about the “show” would’ve made the show more universal, like how the “ghostbusters” movie showed how to operate a “new” business from start to finish! Think about it: make some jokes about “rehearsals,” “run-through(s),” and, maybe even “read-through(s)” at the diner to “familiarize” the “audience” the ACTUAL story, however weak, of the “musical!” Get through some of the “show,” maybe a few “key” scenes,” before the muppets “mess” it up, each time, maybe three(3) at most, “faster” for the muppets to “screw” the “rehearsals” up, maybe that’s why KERMIT gets angry, and THEN everyone has a “good” reason to “separate!” That makes it worth it and understandable for the “audience” when KERMIT finally figures out his “script” issue and we “see” how ALL the “extra” dogs, and bears, pigs, frogs, chickens, and stuff helps the show!!!!! Isn’t that cooler? Thanks again for an OUTSTANDING video of your AWESOME videos!!!! Dan aka the WORST human being who EVER existed, dead or alive, or ever will exist, or is currently in existence, and THAT includes HITLER, but NOT his cool nephew, or the nephew’s children, who, as children, decided to remain celibate, so as to KILL the hitler name!
Yeh I never quite understood the ending in terms of real wedding or staged musical. And yes there's a bit of weirdness. However it is one of those Muppet movies that has seriously classic moments and lines. The puppetry as always is amazing. Maybe it's because it was one of the movies I had on VHS throughout the 90s and I watched it a lot but I have a soft spot for it, even if some of it is cringe now.
I wish Nigel (The Muppet Show) was part of the Manhattan Melodies finale.
Muppet babies was awesome
8:21 Songs?........AND Dances?!?!?!?!?
I never liked that " graduating college" story line. It never made any sense to me.
Muppets, making sense? What rock - not Fraggle, of course - did you crawl from? j/k The Muppets were always meant to be wacky and whimsical. Yes, they do have tug-at-your-heart moments and an abundance of satirical comedy and homages to what came before them, but at the end of the day, they are meant be simply silly and just purely enjoyable fun.
TherealRNO muppets not making sense isn’t an excuse
They don't have to be 20 to be in college
Besides every Muppet movie after the first one is non-cannon
LB Kenney The Muppets 2011 and Most Wanted are canon!
I still watch Muppet Babies
I don't really care for this film either. It just looked... bland and colorless. Also, did anyone else notice that this movie has absolutely *NO* fourth wall breaks? Yup, oneof the things the Muppets are famous for is completely absent from this film.
Your opinion is fair. This was my least favorite of the original three too. Mostly because I preferred the Great Muppet Caper tone.
Its true, this is the worst of the "original three" Muppet movies, but I dont know I feel like it was made for kids more than adults, hence the obvious moments being pointed out by characters and lack of fourth wall jokes. (Also, Saying Goodbye is the saddest thing on Earth still)
I grew up on teh 3d version the muppet babies cartoon inrto and the song from teh moive is stuck in my head
Sorry, small correction: I meant to say, “”familiarize” the “audience” with the ACTUAL story….” INSTEAD of “”familiarize” the “audience” the ACTUAL story…” sorry about the typo/mistake, okay? Sorry, sorry, sorry, PLEASE forgive me and try to understand my points, please? Thanks again for your UNDERSTANDING and UNBELIEVABLE BRILLIANCE!!! Dan aka….
As usual, awesome review, Rachel! Keep up the great work! :)
This was my first muppet movie
This is one of my sister’s favorites, but I didn’t really appreciate it until I saw it in Blu-Ray. The quality of the VHS and DVD versions was so poor it made the viewing experience even more deceitfully mediocre. It was almost like the film was caught on a home movie camera. Don’t get me wrong, this is a BEAUTIFUL film, but it should probably be viewed before The Great Muppet Caper. That film will outshine Muppets Take Manhattan like the sun outshines the moon. Not that the moon isn’t beautiful in it’s own proper context. So is this film.
Thanks for saying that you have to be a young adult in order to go to college. Might as well tell those older people who try to go back to college that only young people fresh out of Highschool can go. (Seriously it's the muppets. Why are you taking that point seriously? Even when your point was dumb in the first place? You were way too harsh on this film.)
Even given all its fine production values, brilliant puppetry and the inescapable charm of the beloved Muppet gang, I do have to agree that this film fell a bit flat in comparison to the two previous Muppet films. I'm just wondering if maybe it had anything to do with the absence of the brilliant Jerry Juhl from the writing team. Seriously, can you imagine how different the writing would have turned out if they had him on board? (In fact, I believe this is the only Muppet feature film released during his lifetime on which he didn't write. To this day I still wonder why he was absent from this one. We may never know...)
Every sing Muppet movie has these unbelievable twists in the plots. That is present in very Muppet movie. If the reason you thought it to be bad ten I must question you're Muppet knowledge.
This is my second favorite after The Great Muppet Caper.
20:02 It does..when you're a Muppet.
Elliott GOULD (his last name rhymes with FOOLED)
I guess it's just me, but honestly, I never enjoyed Muppet Babies. I did love the scene from the movie but I just don't like the cartoon.
Love. Movie. This.
Peoples is peoples.
+Luu Sapphire I have the DVD.
+Michael Frazier Jr me 2
MrGabeanator Lol
+Michael Frazier Jr I know
What if Manhattan Melodies and The Muppets Take Manhattan movie were one and the same? It would have given a well deserved case of self awareness to the feature itself.
I love you haha your erviews are awesome :)
My muppets movie is muppets take manhtin
I love this movie lol
I wish elmo could've been at the wedding
He was!
You have to look very closely and pause at the right time.
@@stevennorthrup5790 ok
Elmo didn't exist yet
@@andrewft31 well i know that now
3:36 No! I categorically refuse to respect your opinion! How dare you, a person who is not me, have an opinion! I will not stand for this! Grr! Snarl! Snap! Roar! I will now hold a petty and pointless grudge against you FOREVER!
*Storms to the door, turns around*
FOR-EVER!
*SLAM!*
And...scene.
Bruh
You didn't care when the great muppet caper was not a continuation of the muppet movie so what's different here?
This girl should met the nostalgia critic!
Oof. She's better off not. Nostalgia Critic has become a joke.
Another muppet universe like muppet babys
0:33-0:59: You.. don't like this one, do you?
3:30-3:47: Well said, Rachael. I LOVE this one, but let's see why you don't.
4:13-4:19: Agreed--it's really cool.
6:10-6:44: Ah, channeling your inner Nostalgia Critic, huh? ;) I just took the college thing as they were playing characters, like in "Caper."
7:40-7:52: Fair point. :) See, I guess after seeing the first two, I just ASSUME they're playing characters until told otherwise. But, again, fair point. :)
12:14-12:21: Amen, sister. :)
20:02-20:15: Huh. Never thought of that.
21:05-21:08: Really????? I didn't know that!!!!! Huh. :)
I still love this movie. Insightful commentary though Rachael.
Onward! :)
great video
Oh come on, It's Not That Bad
Disney Everything She said it is a pretty good, but it's her least favorite Muppet movie outside from The Muppets From Space!
Makoto Naegi,yeah Muppets in space was bad