Let's finish up Disneymber with a movie people have been asking me to review for a long time, Muppets from Space. It's a common misconception to think of it as Muppets in Space, likely due to the influence of The Muppet Show. Regardless of the title, the movie doesn't quite deliver as expected. The film doesn't feature much of the Muppets either from or in space.
Despite requests for a Nostalgia Critic review, I avoided watching it due to its obscurity on physical media and my lack of urgency. Watching it reveals many flaws of the Muppets brand when it's not functioning well, resulting in a dull experience rather than something exciting or so bad it's enjoyable.
The plot focuses on Gonzo feeling out of place as he experiences dreams about being left off Noah’s ark, which is amusing. However, despite his friends' love, he feels unfulfilled until he receives a message from space. This draws government attention, leading to Gonzo's kidnapping by a government official who believes in aliens. The Muppets then try to save him. However, this is where the plot halts.
If you hope for an exciting journey into space, you might be disappointed. The extraterrestrial beings send messages but only appear in the final moments of the movie. Any sense of a narrative payoff is unfortunately absent. The film feels like a collection of leftover Muppet jokes.
The Muppets engage in mundane activities like poker and painting, and Miss Piggy's interesting reporting job is underutilized. Only when Gonzo is kidnapped does the story gain some momentum, but the conclusions about belonging and connection are predictable.
Although there are some humorous moments, such as an invisible spray prank, they lack satisfying punchlines. The film directed by Tim Hill includes some familiar faces like F. Murray Abraham and David Arquette who offer some entertainment, but this isn't enough to uplift the movie.
Muppets from Space doesn't fit with other Muppet movie series, lacking any musical numbers or a strong storyline. Despite not being terrible, its blandness makes it forgettable, appealing perhaps to young children or die-hard Muppet fans for completion's sake.
Despite these shortcomings, Muppets have an enduring charm and creativity that aligns with the Disney brand. Thank you to everyone who joins me in discussing films like this, whether you agree or disagree, your discussions are valued as Disney always provides topics worth exploring.