Muppet Fan Art Spotlight: Justin Piatt

Today we have a very simple, very fun, very well done article thanks to our friend and frequent Muppet Mindset contributor Justin Piatt. Justin is also a talented sketch artist who has provided us with some fantastic pieces to show off on the site. So... please enjoy our gallery of Justin Piatt artwork!

 Miss Piggy's Audition

 The Monsters Audition

 Moody Muppets Series: Fozzie Bear

 Moody Muppets Series: The Great Gonzo

 Moody Muppets Series: Rowlf the Dog

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

The Muppets Cake Manhattan

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with Manhattan... but "The Great Muppet Caker" just sounded stupid. Anyway... our friend Justin Piatt, who is known for his wit and dashing good showmanship, has sent us two pictures from his latest effort: baking. He worked hard to make two fun cakes, presumably just to impress us and not for consuming. Check them out below! If you have any Muppety baked goods that you would like to share with us here at The Muppet Mindset, and thus the entire world at large, send them our way! (Preferably with a nice glass of milk to wash it down with.)

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Finding Your Inner Hogthrob

Justin H. Piatt - Have you ever taken that extra minute in front of the mirror to primp? Have you ever taken that extra minute in front of the mirror and forgotten why you were taking that extra minute in front of the mirror? If so, then you’ve taken your first step towards...

Finding You Inner Hogthrob

Developing character flaws is a process which takes much time and energy. And so, to aid us in our endeavors to do so, we will examine the case of one particularly flawed individual: Link Hogthrob. (“…Me?”) Yes, you.

Link, or Linkerdoodles as his mommy would refer to him, started life as most do… as a baby. A pig baby. A pig baby with a very thick skull. Mommy Hoghthrob was very proud. When questioned about her son’s childhood, Link’s mommy responded with a hearty “Oy!” We waited for the “nk,” but it was not forthcoming.

Finding your inner Hogthrob will take effort. I should know, I’ve been playing hide-and-seek with mine for weeks, and the darn thing keeps moving around. But, I promise you, finding your inner Hogthrob is well worth it.

~ Understanding Link ~
Understanding Link Hogthrob is a process which requires those interested in doing so to first understand themselves. You may ask, “But why?” to which I would respond, “Because,” and you would react confused, but would ultimately accept the answer. This is the first step to understanding Link Hogthrob. Other steps are unnecessary, and at this point would further confuse the subject.

Now that we understand Link, let’s take a look at who he is...

~ Who is Link? ~
Before you say that this is the same as understanding Link, may I point out that it is not stated the same, and is therefore different.

- Link, the Dummy -
In the unreleased documentary, “A Link in the Head is Worth Two in the What,” Dr. Julius Strangepork introduced a segment on the mysterious nature of Hogthrob with the following: “What issh Link really? Of all the dummiessh the vorld hash known, the mosht intreegink of dummiessh ish Link himshelf. Ish thish a clever ploy to dishguishe shome dark shecret? Ishh Hogthob truly a dummy? Or ish he a criminal mashtermind of epic proporshinsh? An evil genioush, perhapsh? Or maybe a shuper shecret shpy of shome short!” Unfortunately, by the film’s end, it was concluded that Link is actually nothing more than a dummy, and thus the reason it remains unreleased.

Capturing this aspect of Link’s personality will prove vital. I will ask you to attempt the following to aid you in your quest to Hogthrobiness:

1.    Close your eyes. (If frightened of dark places, try to do this while keeping the eyelids open.)
2.    Think very hard. (If near a mental state of Link, this may hurt.)
3.    Clear head of all thought.
4.    … Uhhhh… I forget this step.

Easy? Fun? Confusing? You bet! You are now nearing perfect Hogthrobitude.

- Link, the Conceited -
The interests of Link include Link. Therefore, what is of concern to Link extends to such necessary items to the perfection of Link as cologne, exercise equipment, toupees and girdles.

To find your inner Hogthrob in this important area, we will recommend perhaps joining a gym or some sort of scent of the month club. I would also suggest investing in some plastic surgery that will provide you with your very own cleft chin. This is good advice for anyone wishing to better themselves, as a cleft chin is an indication of awesome.

- Link: God of Love? -
Link Hogthrob has always been the romantic, leading man-type. From his widely reported-on encounters with groupies during the making of The Muppet Show (even stealing a few of Sylvester Stallone’s), to his on-again, off-again, on-screen, off-screen romance with the lovely and talented Miss Piggy. Die-hard fans will even recall his failed courtship with… uh, Fozzie Bear in a wig.

We asked a fellow by the name of Kermit the Frog, one of Link’s rivals in love, about his opinion of the great love aficionado that is Link Hogthrob: “Well, uh, I… He’s certainly, uh… I don’t really… ‘Rival in love?’” The frog was obviously left speechless by the Throb that is Hog.

Unfortunately, God of Love is not really something anyone can develop. One is born with this great quality, and, let’s face it, you will never be the great lover that Link Hogthrob is, no matter how hard you try… And I do recommend that you try. Go ahead. Try it. It’s what Link would do!

So in conclusion, what do we know about Link Hogthrob? What do we know about ourselves? If you can answer either of these questions, then you have failed to find your inner Hogthrob. However, if you are currently staring at your computer screen with a blank look on your face and asking yourself, “What did I just read?” then congratulations! You are reaching a higher plane of Hogthrob. Fully discovering your inner Hogthrob is close at hand. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my inner Hogthrob is running off again, and I have to go catch it.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

The Muppets Survival in Show Business

-The Muppets Survival in Show Business-

Justin Piatt - People in show business have always struggled. Not financially necessarily, but artistically. This is because it is the only art form that is described as a business. It takes millions of dollars to make a movie, put on a play, or run a successful television series. Because of this, there are dozens if not hundreds of people offering their opinions and putting their hands into what should be a very personal process. Is it really the way to go? After all, would we ask that a board of directors question Rembrandt’s every stroke in the creation of his Self Portrait?

I’d like to offer a few examples that illustrate why the system used to make movies and shows generally fails, which will take us to the point of the article: why the Muppets have survived.

First, we’ll start in the 1920s when Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy became a comedy team unmatched in the world of film. When the pair first started out, they worked at Hal Roach Studios, also known as the Lot of Fun. Stan Laurel was given a great deal of control over the movies he and Mr. Hardy made, acting as a writer and directing the directors in charge of his movies. However, as Laurel and Hardy got bigger and bigger, their movies got longer and longer. Thus, their movies got more expensive. Hal Roach felt that, since he was spending so much money, he had to have more control over his movies. This did not sit well with Stan, who was the creative force behind Laurel and Hardy. Eventually, this pushed Stan and Ollie away from Hal Roach Studios in pursuit of more creative control.

What they found instead was a world of businessmen interested in nothing more than the almighty dollar. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s involvement in their films was limited to acting, and for the most part, they were not even allowed to ad lib in their films. Their films suffered, and it quickly brought an end to their career as a team in Hollywood.

Now we’ll move forward to the late ‘40s and early ‘50s. A new comedy team billed as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were entering the spotlight, and widely considered the greatest comedy team of their time. It amazes me the similarities between Martin and Lewis and Laurel and Hardy. And yet, right from the start of their career in Hollywood, they were given virtually no control over their films. It’s painfully obvious how this hurt them comedically and personally. The wonderful thing about Dean and Jerry was the way they played off each other, made obvious by their frequent appearances on the Colgate Comedy Hour. Of course, this didn’t matter to Producer Hal Wallis, who turned Dean Martin into nothing more than a singing straight man in their movies, and turned Jerry Lewis into an annoying monkey-boy. The frustration caused by making sub-par movies, made only because they sold tickets, was a contributing factor in the team’s eventual split.

What does any have to do with the Muppets? Everything. We see that creative people, when allowed to be creative, can do great things. But when they are restricted and oppressed by studios interested only in money, the art of film and television is destroyed. Jim Henson and Frank Oz, perhaps the greatest comedy team since Laurel and Hardy or Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, were blessed with creative control over many of their projects. It’s true that they were somewhat restricted by being on Sesame Street in that their humor had to be appropriate to the audience and educational, but within those confines Jim Henson and the Muppets created magic, Ernie and Bert being perhaps the prime example of the creative and comedic genius behind the Muppets.

Fast forward to the days of The Muppet Show: Lord Lew Grade gave Jim Henson absolute control over what he did. He had trust in Jim, knowing that he would give him a quality product if left to his own devices. Had Jim sold his series to one of the US networks, it may be a safe bet that The Muppet Show would have never achieved the kind of worldwide success that it did, and would have probably failed very quickly.

Unfortunately, the Muppets also illustrate what can happen with studio or executive interference. For more details, see the article The Best of the Muppets at their Worst covering Muppets From Space. In brief, Jerry Juhl’s original story was destroyed when the material was handed over to a hack director.

In recent years, it seems the Muppets have been allowed to control their own productions again. The videos on YouTube have proved that truly creative people being allowed to do what they do best works. The Muppets have survived for fifty-six years because they are the best in entertainment with the best people behind them, and here's hoping this fall's The Muppets will continue that trend.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Product Idea: Muppet Rock Band

-Muppet Rock Band: And Why Not?-

Justin Piatt - Rock Band: a great game, or the greatest game? This is the question that has plagued the inquisitive gamer since gamers first became inquisitive. (Since the question relates to a relatively new game, we can assume that this has not been long.) As I sit here playing Beatles Rock Band – or rather imagining myself playing it elsewhere since the newest game system I own is PS2 (Oh, how ancient!) – I cannot help but wonder why we have yet to see the rather obvious – nay, inspired – creation of a Rock Band entirely devoted to Muppet music. After all, the catalogue is endless (more-or-less), and could include several songs performed by, yet not originating, with the Muppets.

So why not? Why not Muppet Rock Band? Green Day has their own Rock Band; surely the Muppets deserve their turn. To the fine folks at Disney Interactive, I tell you that Muppet Rock Band could be as epic as Epic Mickey! As big as Epcot! It could surpass the popularity of apple pie and motherhood! Just imagine thousands of Muppet/Rock Band fans rocking out to “Can You Picture That?” Merrily belting out the joyous “Movin’ Right Along!” Taking on the daunting task of beating Animal in a drum battle extra feature ala Harry Belafonte and Buddy Rich! Why, no man alive could take no for an answer when playing as their favorite Muppet character through their favorite Muppet movies and favorite Muppet television shows, playing their favorite Muppet songs. It could even tie in with the new movie, giving fans a special sneak peak of the musical numbers that await them in theaters November 23, 2011.

Here are just some of the awesome songs that could be a part of Muppet Rock Band:

• "Bohemian Rhapsody"
• "Can You Picture That?" (The Muppet Movie)
• "Movin' Right Along" (The Muppet Movie)
• "The Magic Store" (The Muppet Movie)
• "You Can't Take No For an Answer" (The Muppets Take Manhattan)
• "Night Life" (The Great Muppet Caper)
• "Happiness Hotel" (The Great Muppet Caper)
• "Hey! A Movie!" (The Great Muppet Caper)
• "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" (Muppets From Space version)
• "She Drives Me Crazy" (Kermit Unpigged)
• "Wild Thing" (Kermit Unpigged)
• "Surfin' USA" (Muppet Beach Party)
• "Fun Fun Fun" (Muppet Beach Party)
• "Six String Orchestra" (The Muppet Show)
• "Rockin' Robin" (The Muppet Show)
• "To Morrow" (The Muppet Show)
• "Blackbird" (The Muppet Show)
• "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover" (The Muppet Show)

So, dear readers, I’ll leave you with this question...

Muppet Rock Band: a great idea, or the greatest idea?

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

A Muppet Mindset Movie Outline: A Muppet Western

Justin H. Piatt - Do you remember long ago when it was first announced that Jason Segel would be writing the new Muppet movie? Remember his frustration over such Muppet productions as Muppets Underwater and The Muppet Western? Do you remember not remembering those movies? Well, we at the Muppet Mindset recently uncovered an unused outline for one of those films!*

*Note: Actual movie outlines posted on the Muppet Mindset may not be actual movie outlines.

Here it is, for the first time anywhere…

-A Muppet Western: The Frog, the Bear, and the Ugly-

It was New York City in 1875. Scooter narrates the tale of Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo, three sail boat builders who decide to take their talent West. (Song: “Sailing West”) Gonzo tries to charter a ship to go West, but they decide that a train is far more traditional. (KERMIT: “Here we are in the old West!” FOZZIE: “Yay verily!” KERMIT: “Uh, a little too old, Fozzie.”)

Our next scene finds Miss Piggy performing a nightly show in a little bar out West. (Song: “Bad Little Piggy”) We soon learn that she is actually a gun slinger and stagecoach/train robber… in addition to occasional modeling gigs with Tumbleweed Photography. No one knows the true identity of Bad Little Piggy as the criminal is always masked. No one even recognizes her as a woman, despite her frequent corrections.

Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo’s train goes right past Slipper Hill, a graveyard atop a hill. (Song: “Slipper Hill”) The song has nothing to do with the movie, but it seemed rather Westerny. Their train is soon held up by Bad Little Piggy and her cohort, Annie Sue. This is where Kermit first lays eyes on Miss Piggy. Though he has no idea who she is, he feels strangely drawn to her. The train continues on to Deadhead, the trios destination (they wanted to go to Deepinaharta, Texas, but Deadhead’s all they could afford).There they try to sell their sail boats, but to no avail. They are complete failures.

After the local sheriff has a nervous breakdown, Kermit is forced into the job. Fozzie becomes his deputy and Gonzo becomes an outlaw (there were no other positions available at the jail).

The newly appointed sheriff and his team head down to the local saloon. The place is run by Pops with Rowlf at the piano. They order a sarsaparilla and learn that Big Bad Fiama is coming to town. (Song: “The Ballad of Big Bad Fiama”) Big Bad Fiama’s looking to see a show, and he intends to “bump people off” until he does. Kermit just so happens to find a poster for Miss Piggy’s show and goes to see her in her dressing room to request her help.

In her dressing room, Kermit has the feeling he’s met Miss Piggy before. She immediately recognizes him from the robbery, but denies their ever meeting. (Song: “Did we…? Are you..?”) Kermit asks her to be in the show that they must put together, and she gladly accepts.

Kermit and the Muppets are busy putting the show together when Big Bad Fiama and his “Chinese” assistant, Sal, arrive at the saloon. Fiama acts tough, but Kermit warns him about pushing the people of Deadhead around. Fiama tries to get tough with Kermit, but Piggy defends her frog. Furious, Fiama has Sal find out all that he can about the Muppets, especially Miss Piggy.

Later that night, Annie Sue learns that Big Bad Fiama is, in fact, loaded (rich, not drunk). Excited, she tells Piggy about her plans to steal Fiama’s fortune. Miss Piggy has a moral dilemma, but ultimately decides to go through with the plan.

Sal returns to Johnny Fiama without any information about the Muppets. This is only a moment before Fiama’s other minions arrive with the captured Annie Sue and Miss Piggy. Fiama now knows the true identity of Bad Little Piggy

Kermit and the gang are rehearsing their show when Johnny returns to the saloon, gloating. He releases Piggy into the room and reveals her identity. (Song: “The Ballad of Big Bag Fiama Reprise”) Piggy tries to explain, but runs away in embarrassment.

Against the Muppets wishes, Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo are thrown out of town by the townspeople, being blamed for bringing criminals like Piggy and Johnny to the neighborhood. They head out on the open road.

It’s late at night. Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo are gathered around a campfire in the middle of the dessert. (Song: “Campfire Song”) Miss Piggy, who has been chasing them for quite some time, finally catches up to them. She explains everything to Kermit, telling him how she wants to change her ways. They are soon joined by the rest of the Muppets who have come to tell Kermit that Big Bad Fiama has taken over. Though Kermit is reluctant to return, Fozzie convinces him to go. The Muppets need his help. Kermit and the gang work out an elaborate plan, but end up winning Johnny over with a song and dance number. (Song: “Git Along”) They even manage to sell Johnny a sail boat.


And now you know why you never saw The Muppet Western.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

A Brief Thought (Get Out Your Sesame Books!)

-A Brief Thought-

Justin H. Piatt - As I was browsing through the bright, colorful pages of one of the most wonderful books ever printed in  celebration of Sesame Street’s 40th Anniversary (for those of you wondering, the book is Sesame Street: A Celebration – 40 Years of Life on the Street), I happened upon a most intriguing, and altogether much too small photograph. In it, we see the creation of a sketch involving Grover and Mr. Johnson, the fat, blue character Grover’s always pester – er, helping. This time, Grover finds himself in the home of Mr. Johnson. After doing a bit of research on Muppet Wiki, I discovered this picture comes from the filming of the sketch “Outrageous Makeover: Home Addition.” As a behind-the-scenes photo, of course we get to see some puppeteers and other behind-the-scenes behind-the-scenesness. This is where the intrigue of the picture comes from.

This is no ordinary picture. Rather, a look into the past, present, and future of the Muppets. Buried under a chair operating Mr. Johnson is the brilliantly talented Jerry Nelson. Many know that Mr. Nelson has since retired from performing puppets, though still lends his voice to his Sesame Street characters. Next to Jerry, holding up the irresistible Grover is Muppet genius Frank Oz. What a joy to see these two performing together! This picture is found at the top of page 130. If you have your copy of the book handy, open it to this page. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

Do you have it? Okay, now look closely. Not only are Frank and Jerry performing together, but they are also joined by their protegees. Controlling Grover’s right arm is Matt Vogel, the man who would go on to take over a number of Jerry Nelson’s The Muppet Show characters. Controlling Mr. Johnson’s right arm is Eric Jacobson, the man who has taken over for many of Frank Oz’s The Muppet Show and Sesame Street characters. It’s fascinating to see this mentoring taking place – Matt and Eric learning from the first generation of Muppet performers. It may be of no interest to you, but it was terribly exciting to this Muppet freak. The picture serves as a comfort to know that these characters are in good hands, and a reminder that the Muppets will go on.












The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Discovering the Best of The Muppets at Their Worst, pt. 3

“There Are Times When the Muppets Aren’t Funny.”
“Yeah, But I Always Figure that’s the Writer’s Fault.”

Discovering the Best in The Muppets at Their Worst, Part Three

Justin H. Piatt - Well, here we are again. Time to review the Muppet film that has received perhaps the most criticism of all Muppet films.

I have to admit, this was difficult for me. There is so much in this movie that I love, but so much in it that I also… very much don’t love. This article will also be much more detailed than the previous two, as I feel there is more to defend… and more to criticize. Let us consider the silver lining of the Bog of Eternal Stench that is…

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
(This could be a long one.)

The Bad:
1.    The first thing I’ll point out is that when I first watched this movie, I liked it a lot. It wasn’t great, but it was good. Then when I watched it on DVD, I liked it even more! … But wait… I’m supposed to be listing bad points here, aren’t I? Well, this is a bad point. It’s bad because with most Muppet movies, you’re supposed to find more and more to love about the film each time you watch it. With The Muppets Wizard of Oz, I find more and more to dislike about the film each time I watch it. Sad, but true. I used to wonder why so few people enjoyed it. Now I understand, unfortunately.

2.    Miss Piggy’s “Cuddles!” I feel as uncomfortable during this as Dorothy and Pepe—Er, Toto seem to.

3.    Pepe. I like Pepe, but he’s kind of annoying here. Like he takes up too much of the movie. I really wish Rowlf had played Toto, and they had found another role for Pepe to play.

4.    “Those are my nipples.” Cringe! I know it’s been said before, but you would have been disappointed had I not brought it up, wouldn’t you?

5.    The Kalidah Critics. A great concept that was poorly executed. Rather than being funny, Statler and Waldorf are just plain mean here. Again, it was a great idea. A nice reference to the book, but… wow, you feel worse for Fozzie in this scene than at the worst moments of The Muppet Show’s first season.

6.    Dorothy’s Don King hair. Maybe it’s just not my kind of humor. Is there actually such a thing as hair humor?

7.    “What happens in Emerald City stays in Emerald City.” Not only an overused joke, but also an overused phrase, and one that disturbs me every time I hear it.

8.    Dorothy is re-born! Or rather, Osbourne. I laughed at this the first time I saw it, but since… Golly, do I hate this joke! I’m also not fond of the Muppets initially teasing Dorothy for her “table cloth” of an outfit. Although, seriously Dorothy, what were you thinking with that one?

9.    CGI-effects. The CG Wizard always bugs me. The effect is poorly done, and I think it could have been much more interesting to do it all live. A live woman, a chicken puppet, a ball of fire. And you’re telling me they couldn’t have hired a real dragon? … Oh. They couldn’t hire a real dragon? *ahem* Sorry. … Um, I’ll also add here that I don’t like the corny delivery the Wizard gives when he’s computer generated.

10.    “The Witch is In the House.” I love the scene, (I’ll delve into that more in a bit) but much of the song sounds very awkward. The lyrics sound like they were written in a hurry, sort of last minute. I know, because I’ve written songs like that. And Miss Piggy’s performance is… well, a little awkward as well. Props to Eric Jacobson for taking the song on. As far as I’m aware, Frank Oz never performed a scene like this with Miss Piggy, so Eric really had no frame of reference here. The fact that it seems like Piggy at all is very commendable.

11.    “Oh-wah-ta-foo-ly-am.” Jeez, what an awful, awful, unoriginal trick that only 3-year olds find funny. I suppose it’s kind of funny that the Flying Monkeys actually fell for it, and Crazy Harry’s “That’s comedy and magic!” line is funny, but… still… A terrible bit.

12.    Angel Marie. Great in Muppet Treasure Island, just awful here. I don’t much like it that Fozzie can take Angel Marie out just by tickling him. And the “Spank me” line? Cringe!

13.    Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. It was really pointless. Broke the pacing of the movie.

14.    Pepe’s “going cyclone” to reveal the Wizard. I don’t think it was as funny as they intended. It’s nice that “Toto” reveals the wizard for who he is, as with the actual Wizard of Oz story, but… well, I just don’t like this part. Next!

15.    Penguins are unisex? Huh? Well, maybe the joke was funny the first time you heard it, but it gets under your collar now, too, doesn’t it? Said unisex penguins are always great, though, aren’t they? Don’t worry, I’ll stop asking you questions now. … Or will I?

16.    This is the first time there has ever really been an out-and-out evil character in a Muppet movie. And the character was played by Miss Piggy, no less. This was a mistake, I think. There should always be some redeemable quality to a Muppet character (or even a character in a Muppet film). Perhaps the only character to come close to being this evil was that Martin Price guy from The Muppets Take Manhattan, and I didn’t like that scene either. (No, Mel Brooks’ character in The Muppet Movie does not count. That was just silliness!)

17.    The framing of most of the movie is very weird. I really don’t like it. Kirk Thatcher’s a brilliant writer, but his directorial style leaves much to be desired here. I will say, however, that his directing skills have greatly improved since this was made. Love his work on Muppets.com and the Give a Day, Get a Day commercials.

18.    The movie also has some story and pacing issues. There’s some confusion about what exactly Dorothy wants. Is she going to Oz to get home or to become a star? If it’s to become a star, why does she suddenly realize she wants to go home? If it’s to go home, why is she singing on the Wizard’s show? Well, I won’t worry about it anymore. I’ll just put this out of my mind whenever I watch the movie, and just enjoy the following…

The Good:
1.    While I wouldn’t list this as a good point, and would have overlooked it entirely, but I wanted to defend Ashanti. Many have a problem with her in this movie. I don’t understand that. I don’t see anything wrong with her performance. I don’t love the casting decision, but it certainly wasn’t a bad one. She interacts well with the Muppets, better than some of the guests on The Muppet Show. … Anyway, I don’t want to spend a lot of time here. Just wanted to point out that I’m pro-Ashanti in this movie.

2.    “The National Weather Bureau has raised the twister alert from right-foot green, to right-foot yellow.” Funny line!

3.    Pepe. Sure, he’s listed as a bad thing, but his wit adds a lot to the movie for me… Yes, at the same time that he annoys me. But, who can resist a proud nudist? And one who’s so very naughty, okay. You did catch that off-color joke about the teddy bear, didn’t you? You didn’t? Well, perhaps you should watch the movie again.

4.    The Dark Side of the Moon reference. For those of you who have actually experienced Dark Side of the Rainbow, I must say… isn’t it just creepy? Um, unfortunately it doesn’t really work with the Muppet version… Line’s still funny, though. As is the “’80s band” summary.

5.    This film follows the original story much better than pretty much any other version of the Wizard of Oz released. And the Munchkins being played by rats was a nice touch, since it allowed Rizzo more screen time while keeping certain story elements intact. (Go read the book if you don’t know why this is so. ‘Tis good.) In addition, LOVE the Munchkin jingle! “Calling all Munchkins! Let’s do lunchkins!”

6.    I like how much fun Kermit seems to have playing the Scarecrow. In fact, I think Kermit, Gonzo and Fozzie are all wonderfully cast as the Scarecrow, Tin Thing and Cowardly Lion. But then, who else would you cast? (I know, I know. Scooter as the Scarecrow. Crazy Harry as Tin Thing. Sam the Eagle as Cowardly Lion. I know, I know.) I also love the design of each character. Very well done, Muppet Workshop or Puppet Heap or whoever was making the puppets at this time. And this is really the first time since The Great Muppet Caper that the three were used as a team again. Love that.

7.    HA! The value of Fozzie’s wallet is increased by the fact that it’s Velcro. *giggle*

8.    Evil bunnies. Evil bunnies should be everywhere in the Muppet universe. Just wish they had popped up again later in the movie, maybe to help fight against the Wicked Witch.

9.    “When I’m With You.” I like this song. Kinda catchy, sweet, fun. And, hey! The Muppets are singing again! Whoo-hoo! And I always crack up over the line “Cashmere is washable!” It’s so random, pointless, and perfect. Pepe: “I don’t have any rhymes for this, okay, so… Cashmere is washable!”

10.    Poppyfields. Groovy, baby! The Electric Mayhem’s song, though lacking in the lyrics department, was fun. And the scene’s also kinda funny.

11.    The secondary Muppet casting. I love Scooter, Bunsen, Beaker and Sam at Emerald City. Perhaps Sam is not the funniest here, but he is well cast. And the initial introduction of Scooter as the “Wizard” is pretty funny. And when are Bunsen and Beaker’s experiments unfunny? … Oh, right. When they involve Kelly Osbourne.

12.    Frank Oz reference. Fanboy says: “Ack! Kermit just said Frank Oz’s name! Eeeeeeeee!” (Freak out; faint; die)

13.    Johnny and Sal as the Wicked Witch’s main henchmen. Hilarious! And love that Johnny’s kind of in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. “No, sugar patch! How could it be?”

14.    Love Fozzie’s volunteering Kermit to stop the Wicked Witch! Poor Kermit. Typical Fozzie. Love it!

15.    “The Witch is in the House.” I love the scene! The song is awkward, but the scene is really amazing. I love all the Flying Monkeys, the lighting is great. The action is good. When I first saw this, it made me think, “Yes, I do want to work for the Muppets.” I should also point out that the Flying Monkeys are great throughout (most) of the film.

16.    “The agony of de-feet!” Yes, Johnny. It is a great pun.

17.    “Do you know what I do to pests?” “You welcome us as part of an unconventional multispecies family?” You know something? I love Rizzo. I don’t think I realized just how funny he was until I started writing this series of articles. Steve Whitmire, you are indeed a genius with that rat. “Eh, Munchkin, actually.”

18.    Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. Do you have any idea how much good is also bad in this movie? Wow. Well, anyway, I really do like the scene itself. I love Kermit’s reaction to Tarantino. And his excitement over affordable entertainment reminds me of The Muppet Show days.

19.    Jeffrey Tambor. (Hey! I wrote Tamboy again!) The very awkward yet pompous nerd that the Wizard turns out to be is a great character. And the revealing of the wig is pretty darn funny.

20.    Piggy’s flirting with Kermit at the end. Dunno. Just like it.

21.    And, finally, the ending makes ya feel good, don’t it? And, no, not just because it’s the end (Stop that, you Kalidah critics!). No, Dorothy reaches her dream, the Muppets get to sing and dance and celebrate as they do best. Okay, so the song’s not the greatest, but it’s still a nice little ending.

Well, initially I was going to make this a four-part series, and I was going to review Hey, Cinderella! Initially, because I remembered disliking it. Then I just re-watched the show and… well, now I guess I like it. Most of it. I still have problems with it, such as how the main focus of the program is entirely on the humans rather than the Muppets. In fact, you could have left the Muppets out altogether and tell basically the same story (couldn’t do that with Muppet Treasure Island, all ye nay-sayers!). However, I don’t think this is enough to base a review on… even though I just did review it.

Wow. This turned out to be a lot longer than I intended it to be. So I guess I’ll stop writing now.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

A Little Bit Bert

NEWS UPDATE: January 20, 2010

According to TVShowsonDVD.com, The Jim Henson Company is releasing The Animal Show and Song of the Cloud Forest on DVD on April 13th, 2010. The Animal Show DVD will feature five episodes of the show, "Zebra and Lion," "Tiger and Tiger Beetle," "Raccoon and Polar Bear," "Chimpanzee and Hyena," and "Grizzly Bear and Hedgehog." The Song of the Cloud Forest DVD will include a bonus episode of Fraggle Rock ("River of Life") and two bonus episodes of The Animal Show ("Owl and Frog" and "Kangaroo and Frog").

If you missed Sesame Street's appearance on Cake Boss on Monday, the full episode is now online on TLC's website. Now you too can see Cookie Monster freak out when he receives a giant cookie!

We will return to our Weekly Muppet Wednesday schedule next week.

A Little Bit Bert

Justin H. Piatt - I never identified with Bert. I never understood the character. I could get Oscar. Who hasn’t been a grouch? Ernie was who I wanted to be, and at times I very much am. Grover is a sweet, good-natured, wonderful character that I admire and love. I could identify with almost any Muppet… except Bert.

Then, a few years ago, I realized who this character was, why he worked, and that I truly did identify with him. Perhaps everyone can. I gained a new appreciation for who Bert is. And I—like you and everyone else— am a little bit Bert.

Bert is a surprisingly complex character, despite his initially being perhaps the simplest, most uninteresting of Muppets on Sesame Street. When he was first introduced to the world, Bert was nothing more than the straight man. An old stick in the mud, whose only personality trait was to be dull. But there is so much more to him than that. And here’s why I can relate to Bert.

Though considered a “stick in the mud,” Bert actually can never resist a good game. I identify with this aspect of Bert’s personality – his initial reluctance to join in on a game or one of Ernie’s other activities. For me, I want to join in, but am frequently too shy to do so. With Bert, I think he’d like to do both. He wants the peace and quiet to enjoy his book, but can’t help it when he realizes just how much fun Ernie is having. At the last wedding I attended, I didn’t dance. I didn’t dance until the very last song I was there to hear. In this, I am a little bit Bert.

Bert has his obsessions. His love of pigeons, his fondness of paper clips and bottle caps. Oatmeal. I don’t know if anyone on Sesame Street has ever really questioned Bert’s love of these things, but they certainly don’t share it. Well, I do. Not specifically his love of paper clips and such, but I identify with the love of something unpopular. The “nerd” aspect of Bert’s personality, if you will, in which he preaches the greatness of paper clips, the wonder of bottle caps, the majesty of pigeons, and the oatmealness of oatmeal. All things which are generally considered “uncool” that Bert can’t help but claim otherwise.

I think this is something all Muppet fans can relate to. We are frequently among the “misunderstood.” The “nerds.” Very few under the age of thirty have any sort of appreciation for the Muppets. Muppet fans are very much a minority, even with the recent rise in their popularity. Perhaps Bert expressed this best in his song “I Wish I Had a Friend to Play with Me.” Acknowledging that he knew of no one who shared his interests, he reflected what we all feel at times: A sense of loneliness in our attachment to the Muppets, and a feeling of being out of place at times because of it. But, we know what we love and what we love… is oatmeal. Er, Muppets. We’re not ashamed of it, just as Bert is not ashamed of what he loves most. In this, I am a little bit Bert.

There is much more to Bert to discuss, but this is what I learn from him. This is how I am Bert. Now, how are you a little bit Bert?

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Discovering the Best in the Muppets at Their Worst, Part 2

“That Act Was So Bad, the Frog Could Have Booked It!”

Discovering the Best in the Muppets at Their Worst, Part 2

Justin H. Piatt - Hi, again! Remember me? I’m the one who whined last week about Muppets From Space. Well, here I am again to delve into the unusual cruelty that is…

Kermit’s Swamp Years

The Bad:
1.    The over-the-top performance of John Hostetter as Dr. Krassman detracts a lot from the movie. I’m all for over-the-top performances, but only if said over-the-top performances are funny. John Hostetter’s over-the-top performance is just bad. It also feels as if he’s talking down to the audience through the whole thing… considering he never talks to the audience directly, this is quite a feat. Kudos, sir! I suppose it’s just that he seems to be thinking, “This is just a kid’s movie, I don’t have to be good.” That brings me to my next point…

2.    This is a kid’s movie. This is only bad in that I don’t think the movie succeeds in reaching out to a broader audience. There is a lot of great stuff that I think an older audience can appreciate, but mainly this movie’s aimed at kids, which it does well in talking to that audience. But I’m not talking to that audience, therefore, “This is a kid’s movie” gets mixed in with the bad.

3.    Gratuitous Muppet mooning… What the hey?

4.    I think a lot of people will disagree with me here, but I never liked Pilgrim. I don’t know what it is, but the character kind of annoyed me. Maybe it was the voice. Perhaps not allowing a Muppet performer do the voice detracts from the overall performance. Perhaps I just couldn’t relate to her. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to like her. Or maybe I never actually watched the movie, and that’s why I can’t come up with a good reason. Who knows?

The Good:
1.    Joe the Armadillo. … Wait… He wasn’t actually in the movie, was he? Too bad. I liked Puppety Sockman the Puppet.

2.    Kermit taking care of his family. It makes me laugh to see Kermit trampled by his brothers and sisters, when all he’s trying to do is help out. Schadenfreude at its finest.

3.    The pet store. Bill Barretta’s performance as Roy the Frog is great opposite John Kennedy as Blotch. Steve Whitmire plays two great characters here. First, Chico, who just cracks me up, and then Jack Rabbit, who is one of the best original one-shot characters in a long time. The song “Life As a Pet” is kinda catchy. Classic Muppets at the pet store. “Oui, oui, poo-poo!”

4.    Multiplying bunnies. Alongside the road at one point, we see two bunnies watching the pet store owner’s truck drive by. The next time someone drives by, there are four bunnies. By the end, there are six. To quote Rizzo, “And this is supposed to be a kids movie!”

5.    Mary, Dr. Krassman’s assistant. One of the best human performances in the movie. Unlike Krassman, she goes over-the-top, but she doesn’t aggravate me because of it. She does it very well, and she’s always so happy and talkative and good-natured. … And she’s kinda cute, too.

6.    Young Dr. Krassman. Again, over-the-top, but in a much better way. The scene with him is corny, but funny… at least to me. “I’m not a froggy pants! I’m not a froggy pants!” A terrible line, but delivered in such a horrible way that it’s actually good.

7.    Finally, outtakes. Not only are there outtakes during the end credits, but also as a bonus feature on the DVD. We don’t see enough Muppet outtakes, and they’re always hilarious. We also get a glimpse of Steve Whitmire’s Link Hogthrob voice during these outtakes, which is great.

You may have noticed that the good in Kermit’s Swamp Years far outweighs the bad in this review. That’s not entirely the case. Dr. Krassman just takes way too much away from this movie. It would have been much, much better in my opinion if it weren’t for him. … Da bum!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier