6 Reasons to Take the Kids to See Muppets Most Wanted This Weekend

One of the greatest joys I've had as a parent is introducing my children to the things I loved as a child. Among those early loves are the Muppets. I was such a big Muppet fan as a kid that I sang "The Rainbow Connection" at a school talent show in fourth grade (thank goodness there were no iPhone cameras at the time — it was not a performance worth memorializing!). But when Jason Segel brought The Muppets to the screen again in 2011, I couldn't wait to introduce the next generation to Kermit, Fozzy, Gonzo, and the gang. And, to my delight, they ate it up and got right into the Muppet spirit.

We eagerly anticipated their large-screen return and couldn't wait to see Muppets Most Wanted, which opens nationwide today. And while the sequel didn't draw them (or me) in quite as strongly as the last one, there are more than a few reasons to add it to your to-do list this weekend.

The movie starts where the previous one left off — with all the characters standing outside the theater after their triumphant return. There's talk (and song) about creating a sequel and then a meeting with a sleazy business manager, Dominic Badguy ("It's pronounced 'bah-JEE.' It's French"), played by Ricky Gervais. What the Muppets don't know is that Badguy is working with the world's most wanted criminal, Constantine, who looks just like Kermit the Frog, with the addition of a mole above his lip. After Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and sent to serve time in a Russian prison, Constantine joins the Muppets on a European adventure that serves as a front to hide his plans to steal the British Crown Jewels. Along the way, there are song-and-dance routines, a ton of cameos, a twisted plotline, and plenty to keep kids on their toes.

Read on for six reasons why you and your family should get excited for the Muppets' latest caper. Source: Disney

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The Sequel Opening Number

The movie starts just where the previous film left off — with the Muppets cleaning up the set from their big show — immediately launching into a large song-and-dance number announcing that they're doing a sequel. The Hollywood-style routine is truly one of the highlights of the film, as are the lyrics to the song: "We're doing a sequel / That's what we do in Hollywood / And everybody knows / That the sequel's never quite as good." But listen carefully, and you'll hear this gem of a lyric: "We're doing a sequel / The Studio wants more / While they wait for Tom Hanks to make Toy Story 4."

More Kermit!
Disney

More Kermit!

As much as I loved The Muppet Movie, one of my biggest complaints was that there wasn't enough Kermit in it (and maybe a bit too much Walter). As the most recognizable Muppet, he's the one kids want to see the most. And this time around, there's plenty of Kermit to be seen and heard.

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Tina Fey as a Russian Prison Guard

It doesn't get much better than seeing (and hearing) Tina Fey play a gulag prison guard. Using her best Rocky and Bullwinkle-style accent, she eats up her scenes as a tough prison maiden with a love for musical theater (and Kermit). Fey's love for all things Muppet is clearly visible, making her scenes even more enchanting.

The Cameos
Disney

The Cameos

It wouldn't be a Muppet movie without a boatload of cameos, and this is where Muppets Most Wanted does not disappoint. The flick is packed with guest spots from celebrities that both adults and kids will recognize, making the "spot the celeb game" fun for all.

Sure, you've heard that Lady Gaga, Diddy, and Salma Hayek appear throughout the film, but you'll also be treated to quick scenes with Ray Liotta (hysterical!), Christoph Waltz, Celine Dion, Danny Trejo, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, and Usher — not to mention Disney Channel stars like Ross Lynch (Austin and Ally), Bridgit Mendler (Good Luck Charlie), and Debby Ryan (Jessie). Quick note: at our family screening, Usher received the best reaction from the audience — perhaps there was a large number of The Voice fans!

There's a Geography Lesson Hidden in There
Disney

There's a Geography Lesson Hidden in There

As the Muppets travel around Europe as part of Dominic Badguy's plan to break into some of the world's most famous museums, we see them go to Madrid, Berlin, Dublin, and London. And while, yes, this is a movie filled with puppets, the first thing my son asked me was how close these cities were to each other and what there was to see in each place. Once we got home, we did a little research, and he became really interested in these towns. It wasn't the reaction I was expecting from the film, but I was happy to see it!

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A Monster's U Clip!

I know this isn't actually part of the Muppets Most Wanted film, but it is part of the experience! Prior to the start of the film is a Monsters U short called "Stealing the Party" that is everything you could possibly hope for from a Pixar short! With John Goodman and Billy Crystal providing the voices and a hilarious "door diving" action sequence, the short may have been the funniest part of the theater experience!