Title: The Muppet Movie
Year: 1979
Director: James Frawley
Cast: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton
Rated: G
Running Time: 1hr. 35mins.
My Review: I love the Muppets, and as a kid being a fan of Sesame Street, I was blown away when my mom said that there was a "Muppet" movie. I loved it, even though I didn't get a lot of the jokes, (especially the running gag about Kermit saying "it's a myth!, myth!" and some lady pops around a corner that says "yes?") it was something that has always been a deep influence in my life. Even though today it might be a little dated, and the kids today won't know any of the nostalgic references, and recognize any of the celebrity cameos, I think it's will still be enjoyable for many years to come. 8 out of 10 rainbow connections
Jonny's Review: This is a romp for kids, one of the only good movies the Muppets have made, this is even better than the new Muppet movie, there other good movie being Muppets take Manhattan. The music, the characters, guest stars, and Jim Henson’s talent really make this movie work. It’s the height of really appreciating Kermit’s character, and how no one other than Jim Henson can be him, none of this dumbed down arm waving bull crap he has become. Even all the other characters are great, all in their prime. Probably the best moment of the movie, is listening to Gonzos song “I’m going to go back there some day”. This is something Jim Henson has been good at, to create a sad yet beautiful moment to create the right level of drama for kids to handle. Though some of the jokes are kind of dated, it still works. 8/10 frog legs
Title: The Dark Cystal
Year: 1982
Director: Jim Henson
Performing Cast: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Kathryn Mullen, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Brian Muehl
Voice Cast: Stephen Garlick, Lisa Maxwell, Billie Whitelaw, Percy Edwards, Barry Dennen
Rated: PG
Running Time: 1hr. 33mins.
My Review: One of my all time favorite movies ever! By far to date, this is the greatest piece of work to come out of the Jim Henson Studios. When I was a kid watching this for the first time, you can imagine seeing a little nerdy kid with big glasses sitting in front of the T.V. with his mouth open with stunned astonishment on his face. This film is my Star Wars. With such a rich and dense world with many awesome creatures and landscapes, there are so many stories that need to be told in this immense world. Even though this movie may be a little too creepy for kids, (I know I still always cringe when I see the little podling getting his essence taken out of him, and his eyes get buggy and turn white) It must be viewed by everyone. 10 out of 10 landstriders
Jonny's Review: Holy Moly, this is a good movie. This is Jim Henson’s master piece, his Magnum Opus. This was really a mysterious story, and you really get the sense of the impending danger you see in this world, that really challenges the hero. You are brought in throughout the story, all the way through. Unlike other movies, the creators put in a lot of thought and effort in the backgrounds and foreground. It does sometimes feels a little cluttered, but that hardly takes away from the visuals, you get the full experience of being in another world. Another cool part about this movie is seeing the different cultures it presented, although their not on screen very long. But what really makes this shine, is the work of Brian Froud, his character designs are flawless, from the Skesis and the Mystics to the Podlings Kira lives with. Go see this film if you haven’t, and then again, and again, and again. 10/10 trials by stone
Title: Mirror Mask
Year: 2005
Director: Dave McKean
Cast: Stephanie Leonidas, Jason Barry, Rob Brydon, Gina McKee
Rated: PG
Running Time: 1hr. 40mins.
My Review: This movie feels very dream-like. Which is of course what the director wanted. I have never seen anything like this before and I'm still amazed at how original this movie looks and feels. This is what a classic fairy tale should look like. Very whimsical and mysterious. Even though some of the visuals might be a little to over stimulating or busy, don't let that stop you from enjoying a very different and surprising film to come out of the Jim Henson Studios. 7 out of 10 cats with human faces
Jonny's Review: This was a little too weird for me, I didn't feel I really appreciated this story for what it is, or maybe the fact how over the top it was. In no way am I saying this is a bad movie, but I don’t think this is for everyone. This movie contains a lot of art, a lot of thought and is slow moving. It was kind of like those stories that your grandfather tells you, doesn’t hold back what he tells you, but there are parts that kind of go over your head. It was traditional but has it’s great presentations of storytelling. I do like the characters designs, they are really bizarre, really imaginative. This is an enjoyable movie written by the talented Neil Gaimen and coming from the Jim Henson Studio, that’s pretty much all you need for a great movie. 8/10 jugglers
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