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!

I Love You, Man ***

Cast: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Andy Samberg
Director: John Hamburg
Running Length: 1:45
MPAA Classification: R

Peter’s (Rudd) best friends are all women. He has no realy guy friends. So, upon his engagement to Zooey (Jones), the question arises of who will be his best man. His only real choices are his father (Simmons) and his brother (Samberg), who aren’t really the best of choices. Peter embarks on a number of man-dates in an attempt to meet a new best friend. They go wrong in many ways, and when Peter is ready to give up, he meets Sydney (Segel). They bond in Sydney’s “man cave”, jamming to songs by Rush and just hanging out. The friendship is going so well that soon Zooey is feeling left out.

I’ve been a fan of Paul Rudd for a while now, and it is good to see him headlining a film. He and Segel have good chemistry in what is essentially a romantic comedy between two straight men. Despite its share of raunchiness, there is some unexpected sweetness too. “I Love You, Man” is an enjoyable film, and I recommend it.