Dear Reader: Update, Movie Review Intelligence will
continue publishing this website through June (more...)
Search a Movie:
THE MUPPETS (2011)Movie Reviews
Family musical comedy about three friends who help Kermit reunite the Muppets in order to save the theater where they once performed. Cast:Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida JonesDirector:James BobinRelease Date:November 23, 2011DVD Release:March 20, 2012From:Walt Disney PicturesRating:PGLength:2 hr 0 min
The Muppets (2011) played to very good reviews. • Amy Biancolli wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle, "...a triumph of simplicity, innocence and goofy jokes." • Rene Rodriguez wrote in the Miami Herald, "...a sparkling, joyous movie..." • And Curt Holman wrote in Atlanta Creative Loafing, "...as inspirational, celebrational, and muppetational for grown-ups as the original show was for its young admirers." More Reviews Below...
The Muppets (2011) Positive Reviews (49 Reviews, reviews below)
Alynda Wheat, People: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...bursts with quirkiness.... If it weren't for co-writer/star Jason Segel's affection, we'd still be without the Muppets, and for this die-hard fan, it had been way too long."(See all of Alynda Wheat's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 145 words, 11/24/11
Mary Pols, Time: GOOD "...a giddy goof-fest.... gently mocks the whole business of moviemaking while still participating in it.... The Muppets are irresistible."(See all of Mary Pols's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 958 words, 11/23/11
David Germain, Associated Press: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a very welcome return... the songs campy but catchy, the humor corny but clever, the cast one of the most lovable gangs you'll ever spend time with at the pictures..."(See all of David Germain's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 772 words, 11/22/11
Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...a ridiculously entertaining treat.... Jack Black and other A-listers pop up to deliver self-deprecating quips, but the lovable Muppets upstage them all."(See all of Mara Reinstein's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 70 words, 11/24/11
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: EXCELLENT(cg) "...enhanced by laughs provided in cameos from a very up-to-date roster of stars... Rashida Jones, Jack Black, Neil Patrick Harris, Selena Gomez, and Emily Blunt."(See all of Lisa Schwarzbaum's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 506 words, 11/25/11
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: VERY GOOD(cg) "R-rated talent with their hands up the Muppets? Whaaat! Take a breath.... 'The Muppets' slaps a smile on your face you won't want to wipe off."(See all of Peter Travers's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 248 words, 11/25/11
Claudia Puig, USA Today: OUTSTANDING(cg) "More fresh than retro... bursts with charm and cheeky humor.... The cast -- plushy felt or flesh and bone -- is winningly cheery, but never in a schmaltzy way."(See all of Claudia Puig's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 431 words, 11/23/11
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a funny, wickedly self-aware musical... The remarkable thing about the Muppets, then and now, is what distinctive personalities and presences they have."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 445 words, 11/22/11
Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies: EXCELLENT(cg) "...a lot of goofy globe-trotting fun, accompanied by snappy tunes, oodles of celebrity cameos and plenty of the inside, absurdist, but always incredibly good-natured humor..."(See all of Glenn Kenny's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 783 words, 11/22/11
get our iPhone app... or get our mobile web app...
movie review intelligence
NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES/CHICAGO/TORONTO (14 Reviews)
Stephen Holden, New York Times: VERY GOOD "...done just about right... These are the same old, adorable Muppets, as sweetly innocent and likable as ever.... The rainbow connection is a smooth, unbroken arch."(See all of Stephen Holden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 740 words, 11/23/11
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: EXCELLENT "One of the movie's delights is all the subversive parody slipped into its very smart script by co-writers Segel and Nicholas Stoller ('Get Him to the Greek')."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 784 words, 11/23/11
Kyle Smith, New York Post: VERY GOOD(cg) "...the Muppet relaunch is as it should be: the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational treat you could wish for..."(See all of Kyle Smith's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 663 words, 11/23/11
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: VERY GOOD(cg) "...in the nicest way the Muppets' human co-stars, Jason Segel and Amy Adams, are sort of Muppety themselves, especially when they're wide-eyed and grinning."(See all of Michael Phillips's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 526 words, 11/23/11
Rafer Guzman, New York Newsday: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...provides plenty of nostalgia but can't quite match the memories fans have in their heads.... That said, it's nice to see the band back together."(See all of Rafer Guzman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 303 words, 11/23/11
Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine: GOOD "It may not entirely work as a movie, but it shines as a piece of touching pop nostalgia.... don't be surprised if the grown-ups find themselves inspired to sing along..."(See all of Bilge Ebiri's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 630 words, 11/23/11
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a funny, wickedly self-aware musical... The remarkable thing about the Muppets, then and now, is what distinctive personalities and presences they have."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 445 words, 11/22/11
Linda Barnard, Toronto Star: VERY GOOD(cg) "Director James Bobin keeps the gang's signature approach -- barely controlled mayhem -- at full steam and adds the charm of big musical productions..."(See all of Linda Barnard's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 590 words, 11/23/11
Josep Parera, La Opinion: VERY GOOD(cg) "...son los ingredientes de este agradable largometraje que nos devuelve en plena forma a unos personajes que nunca deberían haberse marchado."(See all of Josep Parera's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 522 words, 11/23/11
Norman Wilner, Toronto Now: EXCELLENT(cg) "...recaptures the unpredictable energy and genuine magic of Jim Henson's beloved felt creations, and releases that energy back into the wild."(See all of Norman Wilner's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 189 words, 11/24/11
KEY CITIES (14 Reviews)
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...both a delightful family film about the Muppets and a winking, self-referential satire about how lame the Muppets are.... It's a giggle, and it works a strange kind of magic."(See all of Michael O'Sullivan's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 668 words, 11/23/11
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer: VERY GOOD(cg) "...treats its titular heroes with affection and respect, even as Fozzie Bear shows off his 'fart shoes' and toilet humor abounds."(See all of Steven Rea's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 586 words, 11/23/11
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star-Tribune: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...made me feel warm and Fozzie.... It proves there's a place for Kermit and Miss Piggy in a world of computer-generated kiddie movies."(See all of Colin Covert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 565 words, 11/23/11
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic: OUTSTANDING(cg) "It's true that it's basically a supersized episode of the old 'Muppets' television show, an updating of the previous 'Muppets' movies. But it's a delight."(See all of Bill Goodykoontz's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 487 words, 11/23/11
Stephen Whitty, New Jersey Star-Ledger: VERY GOOD(cg) "...while those of us who always loved the original can carp about the changes, what's here is preferable to the empty lot it could have been."(See all of Stephen Whitty's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 537 words, 11/23/11
Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "The oddest, sweetest movie you're likely to see this season... a quirky little musical fantasy about plush frogs, diva pigs, friendship and dreams."(See all of Moira Macdonald's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 530 words, 11/23/11
Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian: EXCELLENT(cg) "Jason Segel, serving as co-writer, and director James Bobin have, with a knowing wink, mined the old-time Muppet charm and humor, and they have hit paydirt."(See all of Shawn Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 231 words, 11/23/11
Steve Persall, St. Petersburg Times: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...laughter is the third-greatest gift ever, after children and ice cream. This movie belongs somewhere on that list."(See all of Steve Persall's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 535 words, 11/23/11
Tom Long, Detroit News: GOOD(cg) "Is it perfect? No. Is it a lot of fun and does it successfully revive this inspired franchise? Absolutely and let's seriously hope so. A world without Kermit is just too hard to face."(See all of Tom Long's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 556 words, 11/23/11
Josh Tyler, Cinema Blend: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...one of the best movies you'll see this year.... Amy Adams is absolutely luminous... Jason Segel is tremendous... the songs amazing..."(See all of Josh Tyler's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 689 words, 11/18/11
Alison Willmore, Movieline: VERY GOOD(cg) "...the most extravagant work of fan fiction ever... the love Segel has for the Muppets is a genuine, perceivable, positive quality that suffuses this good-hearted revitalization..."(See all of Alison Willmore's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,016 words, 11/22/11
Bill Weber, Slant: VERY GOOD(cg) "...finally irresistible... supplies one of the year's biggest laughs with a Cee Lo Green cover that victoriously plays chicken with the movie's PG rating."(See all of Bill Weber's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 585 words, 11/19/11
Norman Wilner, Toronto Now: EXCELLENT(cg) "...recaptures the unpredictable energy and genuine magic of Jim Henson's beloved felt creations, and releases that energy back into the wild."(See all of Norman Wilner's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 189 words, 11/24/11
Curt Holman, Atlanta Creative Loafing: EXCELLENT(cg) "...as inspirational, celebrational, and muppetational for grown-ups as the original show was for its young admirers."(See all of Curt Holman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 487 words, 11/23/11
HIGHBROW PRESS (5 Reviews)
Stephen Holden, New York Times: VERY GOOD "...done just about right... These are the same old, adorable Muppets, as sweetly innocent and likable as ever.... The rainbow connection is a smooth, unbroken arch."(See all of Stephen Holden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 740 words, 11/23/11
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: EXCELLENT "One of the movie's delights is all the subversive parody slipped into its very smart script by co-writers Segel and Nicholas Stoller ('Get Him to the Greek')."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 784 words, 11/23/11
Dana Stevens, Slate: VERY GOOD "...an exuberant, sunny musical that's occasionally tongue-in-cheek but never even remotely snarky. It respects the spirit of the original while finding ways to update it..."(See all of Dana Stevens's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,022 words, 11/22/11
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon: VERY GOOD "...there was I, sitting in a Manhattan theater between two 7-year-olds, watching a pair of puppets from a decades-old TV show... with tears streaming down my face."(See all of Andrew O'Hehir's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 892 words, 11/21/11
Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...disarmingly upfront about its raison d'etre -- to reboot the Muppets for a new generation of moppets.... a breezy, keen-to-please attitude prevails..."(See all of Todd McCarthy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,074 words, 11/17/11
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: EXCELLENT "One of the movie's delights is all the subversive parody slipped into its very smart script by co-writers Segel and Nicholas Stoller ('Get Him to the Greek')."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 784 words, 11/23/11
Emanuel Levy, Cinema 24/7: VERY GOOD(cg) "...often hilariously reintroduces the beloved Muppet family.... the last minutes are bogged down by preachy pep talks on growing up and believing in yourself..."(See all of Emanuel Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 790 words, 11/18/11
Stephen Holden, New York Times: VERY GOOD "...done just about right... These are the same old, adorable Muppets, as sweetly innocent and likable as ever.... The rainbow connection is a smooth, unbroken arch."(See all of Stephen Holden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 740 words, 11/23/11
12.3 Percentage Points Average Difference Between Reviews (Norm is 18.4pp; <18.4pp = More Consistent; >18.4pp = More Mixed)
The Muppets (2011)'s reviews are separated by an average 12.3 percentage points. The norm for this measure is 18.4 percentage points. Less than 18.4 indicates more consistent reviews; greater than 18.4 indicates more mixed reviews. In the chart below, each dot represents a review, with the dots at the top more positive than the dots at the bottom. From left to right, the dots represent reviews in big, bigger and biggest publications. Roll over each dot for more detail.
The Muppets (2011) (49 reviews) Roll over dots for each review
Coverage:The Muppets (2011)'s reviews cover 92.6% of potential readers (average is 67.9%). Volume:The film's reviews total 28,595 words involume (average is 20,194 words). Length:The film's reviews average 584 words in length (the norm is 517 words).
Reviews Broke 2.6 Hours After Release (Norm is 1.2 Release)
The Muppets (2011)'s reviews on average broke 2.6 hours after opening. Norm for this measure is 1.2 hours before. The chart below shows reviews on opening day and the days before and after opening; the left side is earlier and the right side is later. The red bars extending above the horizontal mid-line represent more positive reviews, and the red bars extending below represent more negative reviews. The white space/red bar in the middle is The Muppets (2011)'s opening day. Click on any bar for a list of the reviews for that day.
The Muppets (2011) (49 reviews, click on bars for reviews)
Mobile Web App version 1.2 shows a list of all current movies and review information. You can click through to the cast, director, synopsis, release date and rating on page two, plus individual reviews on page three. The information is updated on a live/real-time basis. You can also search our database of films. Designed for when you're on the move and want the latest info, this app will work on any mobile web browser. From your mobile device -- only from a mobile device -- open our Mobile Web App here...
