Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • April 2, 2014 ‘Muppets Most Wanted’ captures spirit of TV show by Dennis Seuling “Muppets Most Wanted” is not a sequel but a follow- up to 2011’s “The Muppets,” the picture that brought the lovable cast of critters back to the big screen after a long absence. The new film takes place in assorted interna- tional cities, as the Muppets engage in a world tour pro- moted by their new manager, Dominic Badguy (a French name that is pronounced “Bad-gee”), played by a dour Ricky Gervais. Badguy is in cahoots with the world’s Number 1 criminal and Kermit lookalike, Constantine, and is using the tour as a cover for a more nefarious goal. The plot kicks in when Kermit is mistaken for Con- stantine and sent to a Russian gulag commanded by Nadya (Tina Fey), a rough taskmaster with a penchant for Broadway pizzazz and a romantic eye for Kermit. There is also an Inspector Clouseau-inspired detective — Jean-Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell of TV’s “Modern Family”) — on hand to look silly and dispense jokes about the laziness of the French. With its ambitious locations throughout Europe — inexplicably reached from Los Angeles by train — and brisk pace, the movie sustains interest and never bogs down for its nearly two-hour running time. Director James Bobin incorporates several elaborate musical pro- duction numbers involving lots of Muppets and humans. Kermit the Frog and Ricky Gervais star in ‘Muppets Most Wanted.’ A few are staged in the gulag, with grimy, scowling pris- oners high-kicking in a prison show. One thing is certain: The Muppets come off a lot better in the movie than their human co-stars. Gervais seems to be walking through his role and looks disengaged, even bored. Burrell works hard with what he is given, but he is no Peter Sellers and has to rely on a silly mustache and slicked-back hair for laughs. Fey’s considerable talents are hobbled by the script. She manages to be amusing and sustain a heavy Russian accent, but the role could have been more broadly written. Her performance elicits smiles, but never belly laughs. As for laughs, the lion’s share comes from the Mup- pets. Miss Piggy continues in her long-suffering quest to ignite some romantic sparks with Kermit. Old codgers Statler and Waldorf pop in from time to time to comment on the action and guffaw at the proceedings as they did in their heyday on “The Muppet Show.” Scooter, Gonzo, and Fozzie Bear also show up, but don’t have a lot of screen time. Kermit is the real star, playing two roles — himself and his criminal look-alike. The puppeteers and voice actors do a good job in delineating the two characteriza- tions, assisted by a facial mole that is the only physical difference between Kermit and Constantine. Though the movie has impressive production values, it is Kermit who anchors the plot and draws in the viewers. Much of the fun of “Muppets Most Wanted” is pro- vided by celebrity cameos by Lady Gaga, Hugh Bonnev- ille (“Downton Abbey”), Celine Dion, Ray Liotta, Zach Galifianakis, Frank Langella, Christoph Waltz, Josh Groban, and Usher. Usher’s brief role contributes one of the movie’s cleverest gags. Kids may not recognize all the celebrities, but their parents will. Rated PG, “Muppets Most Wanted” contains both charm and humorous irreverence, capturing the spirit of the original Muppets TV show. For those who grew up watching the Muppets, the film will have a definite nos- talgic appeal. The movie also plays effectively to young audiences who may be meeting some of these fuzzy folks for the first time.