Austin Sumter, Campus Carrier Online Editor

“Muppets Most Wanted,” the sequel to the 2011 movie “The Muppets,” is enjoyable for all ages.

Picking up right where the last movie ended, “Muppets Most Wanted” follows the gang on a tour around Europe doing a slew of shows to revive their stardom with new tour manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais).  The catch is that Kermit has been replaced by Constantine, the most dangerous frog in the world, and is stuck in the Gulag of Siberia under the watchful eye of Warden Nadya (Tina Fey).

While the plot gets pretty ridiculous at times, there is still an underlying message for children to take home: Getting what you want is not always what you need.  The   Muppets realize that they can not always do every skit and act the way they want if they want to have a good show.  Sacrifice is needed to make the show the best it can be. 

Even though the plot is aimed at children, there are many humorous puns and jokes for older audience members, most referencing the movie making process, 90’s R&B music, the original Muppets show and European policy.  Even though some of the jokes are aimed at the parents taking their children to the movie, the happy songs and dances, lame jokes, funny voices and bright colors are more than enough to keep the kids in their seats. 

Keeping with true Muppets fashion, there are numerous cameos.  Some stars include Tom Hiddleston (“Thor”), Zach Galifinakis (“The Hangover”), Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”), James McAvoy (“X-Men: First Class”) and Lady Gaga.

While the movie focuses mainly on the Muppets, there are many scene-stealing moments from the human cast members.  Tina Fey’s (“30 Rock”) portrayal of Russian warden Nadya is the right mix of serious, lovable and ridiculous and will have you hating her, loving her and falling over with laughter in quick succession.

Ty Burrell (“Modern Family”) plays the stuffy and straight-laced Swiss Interpol officer working with the Muppet Sam the Eagle of the CIA to try to catch the nefarious Constantine.  Burrell’s over-the-top European mannerisms bring the American view of the Europe and its policies to life in a farcical way.  Lastly, Ricky Gervais (“The Office: UK”) plays the two-faced tour manager Dominic Badguy whose thinly veiled ploys to fool the Muppets will have you wondering how they could really be believed by anyone.

All in all, this movie is wonderful and can be enjoyed by all.

Conclusion:

Worth seeing in theaters.