“It’s time to play the music! It’s time to light the lights!” Yeah, yeah, I know this isn’t The Muppet Show. But every time I watch anything Muppets related, I can’t help but sing that theme song out of pure excitement. Is there anything more exciting in life than The Muppets? Think about it… Exactly. These guys are gold. Always.
Whilst I could go on listing all the great things about The Muppets here, now’s not the time. So let me give you a little synopsis about Muppets Haunted Mansion, before I get distracted.
As you’d expect, the film follows some of our favourite characters into The Haunted Mansion, as in the ride at Disneyland. There’s not much to tell you more than that, to be honest, other than the fact that it focuses mainly on Gonzo and Pepé the King Prawn getting into a spot of bother involving ghost, ghouls… and Taraji P. Henson. Just genius.
As you may have noticed, I just fucking love The Muppets, man. I can’t help it. They are one of the only pure things left in this world. I love ‘em. I just love ’em.
What the most recent Muppets movie does best is mix it up a little in the best way. Rather than having Kermit as the main star – which is usually the case, and I don’t begrudge that – Muppets Haunted Mansion gives Gonzo and Pepé a go at being the leading double act. (This won me over immediately because Pepé is my fave, FYI). It ends up paying off super well too, because they are the perfect duo to carry this silly, super fun movie.
Though the plot line is very wishy washy and not an awful lot happens, it’s easy to forgive since this movie isn’t even an hour long. In fact, it made me realise there should be more sub-60 minute movies. How does it make up for its story’s shortcomings? Really great humour, that’s how! I laughed at least 10 times, which can only mean that the jokes were clever and so much fun. But are you even surprised? It’s The Muppets, for crying out loud!
As with most Muppets films, there’s a brilliant supporting cast to go along with our puppet friends. Taraji P. Henson and Will Arnett get the lion’s share of screen time, but Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Trejo bring up the rear in short but sweet cameo roles. Plus there’s a stupid screaming goat gag that I couldn’t help but love. It’s dumb and it’s fantastic, that’s all I’ll say.
Overall, there’s no way that this is my movie of the year… but I still loved it. It may simply be the sweetest, best way to spend a Tuesday evening ever and you won’t regret it.
Muppets Haunted Mansion is available to stream on Disney+ in the UK.
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