I don't think it is possible to read that headline without hearing Kermit's voice. Bravo, subby.

I leave this threads in the hands of this man:

Someone call my name?

yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Does it begin by someone explaining to the Muppets that they are totally depraved?

FTA: "My aim was to make the music feel Muppety, for lack of a better word," says former Conchords star Bret McKenzie, who wrote most of the film's songs. To that end, he notes, "I removed all the swear words. You can't say things like 'motherfrogger.'"

I LOL'd.

csb incoming.

I spoke to Jason Segel I think the day or two after he pitched to Disney and they agreed to let him write/direct the next movie. dude was on top of the world, you could really hear the passion in his voice for the muppets.

He's as worried this Muppets movie will suck just as much as you are. the franchise (fart shoes notwithstanding), is in good hands.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Frank Oz isn't happy, and he's not in it.

Quoting Oz: "I wasn't happy with the script. I don't think they respected the characters. But I don't want to go on about it like a sourpuss and hurt the movie."

Continuing from the article:

"Oz himself was hoping to mount the next Muppet movie himself until Disney struck a deal with star Jason Segel, but Oz isn't the only one dissatisfied with the new direction: Other Muppet insiders quibbled with jokes in the film (like Fozzie's fart-shoes, given a point of prominence in the most recent trailer) or even the plot point that Kermit now lives in a mansion, which causes the other Muppets to resent him for his wealth. "

So, no. Don't think I'll be seeing this.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

well, the muppets really haven't had a hit movie since the muppet christmas carol in 1992. the 1999 muppets in space was terrible, even as a muppet lover.

it might be time to inject a bit of modernity into the muppets if they are expected to continue on.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

This movie has had one of the most imaginative, talked-about markenting campaign in years but some people just can't get past the fart shoes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

The last movie was 12 years ago, and it flopped. Since then, what have the muppets done except amusing viral videos? As TFA said, there's a new generation of kids barely familiar with these characters. Oh sure, a lot of parents watch the old DVD box sets with their kids, but that's not at the same level of popularity the Muppets used to be.

It still rankles me that the Disney name (may they EABOD and DIAF) is where the Henson name should be. It's like my favorite meal being served by my least favorite relatives.

I always thought Kermit introduced himself as "Kermit T. Frog". Am I just imagining this?

chopit: I always thought Kermit introduced himself as "Kermit T. Frog". Am I just imagining this?

no, he pronounces it so it sounds that way

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?


1996:



1999:


These movies were crap.

Then you had this in 2005:



It was average at best and something a bit racy for my 5 and 7 year olds.

Now I am not saying "it had to be saved". I'm suggesting when the last movie in your franchise that was REALLY good was made in *1992* (Christmas Carol), then your series isn't exactly humming along.

Jim from Saint Paul: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?


1996:
[upload.wikimedia.org image 220x334]


1999:
[ecx.images-amazon.com image 300x300]

These movies were crap.

Then you had this in 2005:

[www.dvdactive.com image 300x141]

It was average at best and something a bit racy for my 5 and 7 year olds.

Now I am not saying "it had to be saved". I'm suggesting when the last movie in your franchise that was REALLY good was made in *1992* (Christmas Carol), then your series isn't exactly humming along.

By This I mean "The Muppets WIzard of Oz".

Znuh: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Frank Oz isn't happy, and he's not in it.

Quoting Oz: "I wasn't happy with the script. I don't think they respected the characters. But I don't want to go on about it like a sourpuss and hurt the movie."

Continuing from the article:

"Oz himself was hoping to mount the next Muppet movie himself until Disney struck a deal with star Jason Segel, but Oz isn't the only one dissatisfied with the new direction: Other Muppet insiders quibbled with jokes in the film (like Fozzie's fart-shoes, given a point of prominence in the most recent trailer) or even the plot point that Kermit now lives in a mansion, which causes the other Muppets to resent him for his wealth. "

So, no. Don't think I'll be seeing this.

I can see Oz being upset. He's always been part of the creation process. Any changes to the Muppets that aren't in his/Henson's mind would feel wrong. To that end though, I can understand though some of the plot ideas. Kermit being resented for his wealth isn't outside of the Muppets. They all have flaws and seem to stink at the things they love. Plus in MTM, they even at one point all gave up and broke up as a group. My vibe from the fart shoes is that they are one of the stupid things Fozzie does that everyone else thinks is stupid (see, every Fozzie appearance in the Disney 4-D show).

Subby has a strange definition of "saved."

Jim from Saint Paul: Jim from Saint Paul: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?


1996:
[upload.wikimedia.org image 220x334]


1999:
[ecx.images-amazon.com image 300x300]

These movies were crap.

Then you had this in 2005:

[www.dvdactive.com image 300x141]

It was average at best and something a bit racy for my 5 and 7 year olds.

Now I am not saying "it had to be saved". I'm suggesting when the last movie in your franchise that was REALLY good was made in *1992* (Christmas Carol), then your series isn't exactly humming along.

By This I mean "The Muppets WIzard of Oz".

Link (new window)

there are several titles that people forget about... but I'm a 2nd generation Henson Fan (meaning I was born in the 70's ) and frankly haven't been that happy with much of whats been done since Jim Henson passed away in 1992.
my point being that the franchise is a Disney tentpole. just because we've not had a "MUPPETS!!!!" film in theaters for a few years doesn't mean it's in danger of anything other than bad writing and cheap pandering...apparently.

/crossing fingers that the new Dark Crystal movie is a prequell.

// have become a big fan of Bryan Hensons side project

PUPPET UP! (new window)

Znuh: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Frank Oz isn't happy, and he's not in it.

Quoting Oz: "I wasn't happy with the script. I don't think they respected the characters. But I don't want to go on about it like a sourpuss and hurt the movie."

Continuing from the article:

"Oz himself was hoping to mount the next Muppet movie himself until Disney struck a deal with star Jason Segel, but Oz isn't the only one dissatisfied with the new direction: Other Muppet insiders quibbled with jokes in the film (like Fozzie's fart-shoes, given a point of prominence in the most recent trailer) or even the plot point that Kermit now lives in a mansion, which causes the other Muppets to resent him for his wealth. "

So, no. Don't think I'll be seeing this.

Ditto. Retconning the Muppets sucks, not having Frank Oz doing the voices sucks, and so I won't sully my childhood memories by watching Disney rape yet another bit of purchased intellectual property.

Fark Disney.

TheManofPA: My vibe from the fart shoes is that they are one of the stupid things Fozzie does that everyone else thinks is stupid (see, every Fozzie appearance in the Disney 4-D show).

And it's not like the original Muppet Show never ventured into bawdy humor. Remember the bit where Rowlf the Dog had Sam the Blue Eagle sing the Titwillow song from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado?

Muppet Treasure Island was awesome. What did people not like about that movie?

Stratohead: Jim from Saint Paul: Jim from Saint Paul: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?


1996:
[upload.wikimedia.org image 220x334]


1999:
[ecx.images-amazon.com image 300x300]

These movies were crap.

Then you had this in 2005:

[www.dvdactive.com image 300x141]

It was average at best and something a bit racy for my 5 and 7 year olds.

Now I am not saying "it had to be saved". I'm suggesting when the last movie in your franchise that was REALLY good was made in *1992* (Christmas Carol), then your series isn't exactly humming along.

By This I mean "The Muppets WIzard of Oz".

Link (new window)

there are several titles that people forget about... but I'm a 2nd generation Henson Fan (meaning I was born in the 70's ) and frankly haven't been that happy with much of whats been done since Jim Henson passed away in 1992.
my point being that the franchise is a Disney tentpole. just because we've not had a "MUPPETS!!!!" film in theaters for a few years doesn't mean it's in danger of anything other than bad writing and cheap pandering...apparently.

/crossing fingers that the new Dark Crystal movie is a prequell.

// have become a big fan of Bryan Hensons side project

PUPPET UP! (new window)

Well it's either a show or not. I can hear the "don't make another" talk. I'm just saying that everything has been crap since Christmas Carol. Almost 20 years ago.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Came to say this but I would posted: 'This article is a load of farking bullshiat.'

i'm already afraid there will be a lack of old vaudeville tunes

*sigh*

Well, it's part of growing older to see beloved icons stomped on. Maybe I'm just getting used to it.

Anyway, this thread is worthless without Kermit the Frog singing "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.

FTA: "Kermit is my personal Jesus," says Sarah Silverman, who has a cameo in The Muppets.

The bigger point that everyone seems to missing:

Jason Segal sucks mule dick.

Why all the hate on "Muppets From Space"? The movie is great if just for Rizzo and Pepe.

cgraves67: I don't think it is possible to read that headline without hearing Kermit's voice. Bravo, subby.

I read it out loud in Kermit's voice...six times...

\I got better each time
\\or worse...

maximum_jack: The movie is great if just for Rizzo and Pepe.

and Bear in a Suit.

I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

NutznGum: I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

And what do we do with treasure?

BroVinny: NutznGum: I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

And what do we do with treasure?

Well played, sir.

BroVinny: NutznGum: I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

And what do we do with treasure?

...burn it?

I have a theory, named by a buddy of mine as the Greater Jim Henson Douchebag Theory. What it boils down to is this, pretty much everyone born after Jim Henson died (thus, not knowing the joy and wonder and love that came with the original Henson Muppets) has a far greater chance of being a rude little jerkass, such was the hold that Henson and his mahic had over the rest of us.

galactus5000: BroVinny: NutznGum: I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

And what do we do with treasure?

...burn it?

I have a theory, named by a buddy of mine as the Greater Jim Henson Douchebag Theory. What it boils down to is this, pretty much everyone born after Jim Henson died (thus, not knowing the joy and wonder and love that came with the original Henson Muppets) has a far greater chance of being a rude little jerkass, such was the hold that Henson and his mahic had over the rest of us.

I can still remember the day he died. Sammy Davis Jr died the same day. Henson's magic still has its place in my heart, but I can be a rude little jerkass now and then.

galactus5000: BroVinny: NutznGum: I'm 36 years old, when I see Kermit do his YAAAAAAAY! freak out, I still laugh like I was a little kid. Jim Henson was a treasure.

And what do we do with treasure?

...burn it?

I have a theory, named by a buddy of mine as the Greater Jim Henson Douchebag Theory. What it boils down to is this, pretty much everyone born after Jim Henson died (thus, not knowing the joy and wonder and love that came with the original Henson Muppets) has a far greater chance of being a rude little jerkass, such was the hold that Henson and his mahic had over the rest of us.

You could swap every Henson mention in there with Fred Rogers and you'd still be correct.

-F

chopit: I always thought Kermit introduced himself as "Kermit T. Frog". Am I just imagining this?

I thought it was "D" but otherwise, same here.

/used to get up at 7:00AM on Saturdays to watch reruns of the Muppet Show when I was a kid.

I'm holding out hope that the movie will be great and the Muppets will be mainstream again. Wish some network would rerun all of the old shows.

And that no one from the Kardashian clan, Jersey Shore, or any other piece of shiat reality show ever guest stars with Kermit. Ever.

pseudowho: So not only is Jim Henson not involved (obviously) but Frank Oz isn't either?? Why would anyone old enough to remember the real Muppets bother to watch this?

None of the characters' voices sound right. It's like watching Bugs Bunny or Daffy Duck voiced by someone other than Mel Blanc, or if Fox had been successful in their attempt to replace Dan Castanellea and co. on the Simpsons.

Even with the best script I wouldn't be able to get past the voices.

Pretty much this. For me the Muppets died with Jim Henson. They were his creation and his vision. To continue with a whole new creative team is to reduce the Muppets to their likenesses.

I don't envy Jason Segel - on the one hand, he obviously loves the Muppets and wants to honor their legacy, but on the other hand, times have changed - so he's stuck with this dilemma: Do you stick with the original tone and feel of the Muppets, which is going to come off as badly dated, or do you modernize them and risk alienating old-school fans? Either way the movie could suck. I think if your main goal is to win over new fans, and the old fans are more nice-to-haves, you have no choice but to modernize, because pandering to the old-schoolers could just as easily backfire, and now you've also failed to interest the younger audience.

So I guess the true test will be if kids like it - not if I like it.

gunga galunga: TheManofPA: My vibe from the fart shoes is that they are one of the stupid things Fozzie does that everyone else thinks is stupid (see, every Fozzie appearance in the Disney 4-D show).

And it's not like the original Muppet Show never ventured into bawdy humor. Remember the bit where Rowlf the Dog had Sam the Blue Eagle sing the Titwillow song from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado?


Didn't Rolf the Dog go on Arsenio Hall(?) and tell the host that he (the host) was a son of a biatch...but followed up by saying that was a compliment if it was coming from a dog?

Shenanigans!: risk alienating old-school fans?

Reading this thread has shown me that the old fans are already gone.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Subtle humor?

They were broad as hell. Explosions, physical comedy, terrible puns, weird psychedelia...subtle?

DKinMN: Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Subtle humor?

They were broad as hell. Explosions, physical comedy, terrible puns, weird psychedelia...subtle?

They were subtle explosions.

Stratohead: yes...cuz that franchise was in terrible terrible danger...of not having a movie made reducing subtle humor to a series of fart jokes.

/seriously... how can you save something that was never in "danger" to begin with?

Subtle humor? Did you watch the original Muppet Show? Did you miss the episode where Nureyev wore leathers and then was in a bath house scene? Or, perhaps you forget about Fozzie's whoopee cushion? Maybe you are referring to sophisticated subtlety of Carol Burnett in an asparagus suit.

I loved the Muppets. and, yeah, there was stuff that grownups were going to catch the little kids didn't. But, really, you are suffering from the kind of selective memory that puts a sainted haze on things from the past. Doing that to the Muppets is sacrilege.