Die Muppets erobern Manhattan

A fascinating insight into the lives of a variety of talking animals and the trials and tribulations they face in the human dominated New York, this film deals with the age old tale of frog meets pig in a mature, contemporary fashion. The director, late great Mr Henson, pulls no punches in his gritty treatment, and the viewer is left with no doubt as to the authenticity and integrity of the bold statement this film makes; in truth, "peoples" really is "peoples". Shocking at the time, the film may now seem clumsy in comparison to modern epics such as the highly charged "Toy Story" or more violent bloodfests such as "Antz", but Henson's meisterwork is nonetheless worthy of acclaim. The foolishness of the Academy in witholding an Oscar in fear of controversy was later exposed by an older and more embittered Kermit, in his 1993 director/writer debut short entitled simply "Pondlife", an autobiographical return to form which revealed the story of his consequent lack of self esteem and alcohol problems, leading to his eventual divorce from manhattan co-star Miss Piggy. Piggy herself has since written a series of well received self-help books.

Very fun and impressive third Muppet movie has our heroes leaving college to make it big on Broadway in New York. Once again cameos and fun songs make up the film that re-captures the charm that "The Muppet Movie" had, but lost with "The Great Muppet Caper". There is also a little drama too though as Kermit gets in an accident and ends up suffering from a case of amnesia. Perfect for all audiences, the kiddies should gobble this one up with furious force. 4 stars out of 5.

What else can you expect when the Muppets don't take Manhattan but steal the show from cameo celebrities and a plot to get their musical on Broadway called "Manhattan Melodies." The Muppet gang finished college in some small town New England and go to the big city. Kermit and the gang try but unsuccessfully at first to get Manhattan Melodies. Kermit and the gang split up and get jobs in various places. Miss Piggy works at a department store with Joan Rivers. Kermit works at a diner with Jenny. Kermit comes with innovative ways especially the scene at Sardis where he replaces Liza Minnelli's picture with his own in her cameo. There are plenty of celebrities like the three term Mayor Ed Koch; Gregory Hines in Central Park; Brooke Shields at the diner; Linda Lavin as Kermit's doctor; Elliott Gould; James Coco; Dabney Coleman; Gates McFadden and more. The story and songs are entertaining and likable. Jim Henson was still alive and this film was done in his adoptive city.

I personally don't think it is QUITE as good as Muppet Movie or Great Muppet Caper, and one or two scenes towards the beginning could have been better paced, but along with those two Muppet movies, Christmas Carol and Treasure Island, The Muppets Take Manhattan is one of the better Muppet movies by far. It has a great story, different but still a fun one, bouncy songs especially It's Time for Saying Goodbye and the superb Together Again, the Manhattan locations are clever and truly stunning and the cameos from the likes of Liza Minelli, Joan Rivers, Brooke Shields and Gregory Hines are fun personified. And the Muppet performers are once again spot on, and any scene with Miss Piggy especially is a joy. Overall, terrific fun and recommended. 8.5/10 Bethany Cox

This is my least-favorite of the three Muppet movies of the Henson era. There just isn't enough Muppets. Most of the gang leaves during the very beginning and it's all about Kermit, Piggy and Rizzo. Great characters, yes, but without the whole wacky ensemble it's just not the same. That, and the film is kind of just reinforcing what happened in the original Muppet movie, only replacing Hollywood with Broadway.

Don't get me wrong, it's an enjoyable movie, but it's not grade 'A' muppet material.