The Muppets Most Wanted

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for profit. All images and footage used are property of their respective companies unless stated otherwise. I do not claim ownership of this material

The problem with sequels is that, no matter what merits a follow up has on its own, if it does not measure up to its predecessor, it will always feel like a failure. This is exemplified in the Muppet’s Most Wanted, which came out just three years after the far superior ‘The Muppets’. It’s is fairly funny, but not as sharp or fast as ‘the Muppets’. The storyline is alright, but not as entertaining as ‘the Muppets’. The songs vary in quality, unlike the stellar soundtrack of ‘The Muppets’. The list could go on and on, with the only exception being the villain, who is admittedly brilliant. However, even this works to its detriment, as he is so funny he actually outshines the protagonists, which is probably not a good sign. Ricky Gervias also plays well off the villainous Constantine, as they plot to steal the Crown Jewels by tricking the Muppets into going on a World Tour.

The rest of the side characters and celebrity cameos are fine as well and there is entertaining sub-plot involving Kermit in prison, but it is largely disconnected from the main plot and as a result it generally feels like pointless padding. In addition to this, as I previously said, the humour is not as frequent or fresh as ‘The Muppets’ – in fact, the Muppets themselves are probably the least entertaining characters in the film. This then means that the film’s good elements make for an entertaining film, but not a good Muppet film.

That essentially sums up 'The Muppet's Most Wanted'- it is alright as a movie on its own, but as a follow up to The Muppets and as a Muppet movie in general, it does not do quite so well.

The Lego Movie

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for profit. All images and footage used are property of their respective companies unless stated otherwise. I do not claim ownership of this material.

Any animation fan will know that the cornerstones of the challenging, often varied and always entertaining genre are innovation and charm- and on the whole this cartoon hit has both in bucket loads. Critics have lauded it, especially praising its creativity- but what does it really offer in that field, or in any other?

If you look at the Lego Movie on the surface, you will realize that the storyline is actually rather clichéd. In a universe of Lego, an ordinary construction worker is suddenly told by an ‘pretty but tough action girl/love interest’ that he is the special and is therefore prophesized to save the Lego Universe from being glued down by the evil ‘Lord Business’- sound familiar?

Unlike other recent animated films, ‘Disney’s Frozen’ being a prime example, nothing is really done to subvert these overdone ideas- however, it does make up for this in the fact that it uses certain clichés to its advantage- mostly a humorous advantage instead being plot related, but still it is an advantage. Another surprising element that actually works in the film’s favour are the pop culture references, which are genuinely funny instead of feeling hacked in like many other films.

Furthermore, there are also many elements of the film that are very clever and in some cases have never really been done before, at least not in mainstream animation. The animation of the Lego Movie is a unique blend of CGI and stop motion which is very innovative and looks beautiful- the aforementioned humour is also quick and sharp and both of these elements add to the infectious charm that hooks the audience and keeps them watching until the end credits roll.

Aside from innovation, charm and humour, the final element that an animated film needs to work is heart- whilst it seems that this is one of the few elements that the majority of the film lacks, an emotional twist in the third act adds an inventive and emotional layer to this overall brilliant film.

All these elements seem to come together perfectly within the last 10 minutes, meaning that on the whole it is well worth a watch.       

Into the Woods

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not for profit. All images and footage used are property of their respective companies unless stated otherwise. I do not claim ownership of this material.

The clever way in which four classic fairy tales are blended together in new musical film ‘Into the Woods’ makes for an overall magical experience. Beautiful cinematography reminiscent of many an animated Disney classic combines with wonderful music and outstanding performances from many members of the film’s all-star cast, including James Corden, Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick – on the  whole, it is splendid, with the first half being especially well-done. One of the only problems with the performances occurs due to the fast nature of the songs, meaning that some of the younger actors are hard to understand at certain points.

As similar as it is to various classic fairy tale films, it takes a darker turn in the third act and it is hard to decide whether this section works for or against the film as a whole. On the one hand, it poses many interesting moral questions not seen in most musicals. Whilst its predecessors simply finished on ‘happily ever after’, Into the Woods goes beyond the final page of the fairy-tale books, which is an interesting and refreshing twist. On the other hand, the fact that essentially two stories are being told means it drags on for far too long, with the third act especially lacking in real structure.

                                                                                                                                                    Generally, the complexity and messages of the third act make up slightly for the length and structural problems - but if just a few songs or scenes had been cut, it would have fixed the problem easily.

On the whole, Into the Woods is a joy to watch, even if it does go on for just a bit too long.