The Muppets ***1/2

Cast: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Jack Black, and the voices of Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz
Director: James Bobin
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: PG

Walter (Linz) is a Muppet-like boy whose dream is to see the Muppet Studios.  Gary (Segel), his big brother, decides to bring him along on a California vacation that he had planned with his girlfriend, Mary (Adams).  While touring the run down Muppet Studios, Walter learns of a sinister plan by millionaire Tex Richman (Cooper) to tear down the studio and drill for oil.  They embark on a plan to thwart Richman's scheme and reunite the Muppets to save the studio.

This is a fun movie.  Of course, I have a soft spot in my heart for the Muppets.  I remember watching The Muppet Show as a child and loving it.  This movie is definitely able to tap into that nostalgia, and it will resonate with others who remember that great show.  There is something truly great about seeing the Muppets on screen again, and handled in such a reverant way.  Jason Segel is the driving force behind this movie, not just starring in and co-writing it, but pushing to get it made in the first place.  Segel and Adams are great as Gary and Mary, providing a likability and certain level of cheesiness that works perfectly.

I have seen this movie about five times now, and have found that it does not grow old with repeated viewings.  The songs are wonderful, from the new stuff to classics like "The Rainbow Connection".  When I initially saw it in the theater, everyone, from child to adult, enjoyed it.  Perhaps the adults even enjoyed it more than the kids.  The Muppets is like visiting with old friends again.  I highly recomment checking it out!

Garbage: Not Your Kind of People ***1/2

Shirley Manson, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig are back with their first album of new material since 2005's Bleed Like Me, and sound better than ever.  Their six year hiatus has left them recharged and reinvigerated, and Not Your Kind of People reflects that, and then some.

Rising to popularity in the mid-1990's, Garbage had a unique sound that was a combination of rock, dance, and electronica styles, to name a few.  They had a sound all their own, and 17 years later, there still is not a band around that sounds like them.

Not Your Kind of People comes in two versions, the standard version and the deluxe version.  The difference is four songs and a few bucks.  While the best songs can be found on both versions, the deluxe version is worth the extra few dollars.  The album, overall, is on par with anything they have done before.  Individually, some of the songs are among their best.

Full disclosure:  Garbage is one of my all time favorite bands.  Their songs never get old to me, and a new album is like a Christmas gift.  I sincerely hope it does not take another seven years to see a new CD by them.  Run out and by this ASAP!

Songs to check out..."Automatic Systematic Habit", "Big Bright World", "Blood For Poppies", and "Beloved Freak"

Check out their first video off the album, "Blood For Poppies".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OdTBCgqRt4&feature=colike