Muppets Most Wanted
Disney
In Theaters: 03.21

After successfully reviving the franchise with the 2011 release of “The Muppets,” director James Bobin returns with his cavalcade of felt-covered misfits in a sequel that they guarantee is not as good as the original. Seriously, it’s mentioned in the opening music number. At least they’re honest. In this adventure, the Muppets take their variety show on a world tour, but, unbeknownst to them, their manager, Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais), is in cahoots with Constantine, the world’s most dangerous frog. Together, the evil duo pulls a switch-a-roo with Kermit, sending him to a Siberian gulag and using the rest of the gang as a cover to rob multiple museums. Of course, all the celebrity cameos are in attendance: including Tony Bennett, Céline Dion, Zach Galifianakis, Salma Hayek and Tom Hiddleston to name a few. Though the jokes are fun, what’s missing is the heart and soul its predecessor obtained. Bret McKenzie, who won an Oscar for “Man or a Muppet,” does return to write more original music, but none of the songs have the same catchy flair as before. With that said, any fan of Flight of the Concords will appreciate the absurdity that is “I’ll Get You What You Want (Cockatoo in Malibu)” as well as the inclusion of Jemaine Clement as the Prison King. While all of your favorite characters are here, having them scream and bounce around for almost two full hours is a tad more of Jim Henson’s creations than most are willing to welcome.