‘Muppets’ movie was a trip down memory lane

Perhaps one of the most important lines in the Disney box office release “The Muppets” this past weekend wasn’t spoken.

Rather, it was a seven-note musical phrase laid down on an aging piano by a green felt hand in response to the spoken lines:

Jason Segel as Gary: “It’s time to face the music ...”

Amy Adams as Mary: “It’s time to light the lights ...”

The next line in that song -- the opening sequence for the 1970s vintage television production “The Muppet Show” -- played here with a mix of contemplation, tremolo, sustenado and -- yes, a hint of challenge -- and by no less a spokesman than Kermit the Frog himself -- is:

“It’s time to meet the Muppets ...”

It was important because at that moment, a new generation of viewers ... did.

Meet the Muppets, that is.

We met Fozzie, Kermit’s trusty if somewhat scatterbrained sidekick. We met Dr. Hook and the Electric Mayhem. We met Miss Piggy in her own extended sequence. We met The Great Gonzo, Camilla and the chicken entourage -- who incidentally presented some of the cleverest pop culture bowdlerizations possible with their version of artist Cee Lo Green’s poppy yet otherwise radio-hostile hit song “F--- You.”

But that’s so within the spirit of Jim Henson’s creations: Take the conventional and set it on its ear. Take the commonplace and find the magic. Challenge the expected and create the unexpected.

And that’s what “The Muppets” did.

In the movie, Walter -- Gary’s (I’m guessing) adopted brother, is a Muppet.

Well, not really. He’s more just a felt-based lifeform, as well as being one of “The Muppet Show’s” biggest fans.

He grew up watching the Muppets and his lifelong dream has been to visit The Muppet Studios.

As it happens, 30 years later, he gets the chance! But the studios have fallen tragically into disrepair and Chris Cooper as Tex Richman, a mean old oil tycoon, is planning to raze them to drill for oil.

Walter overhears this diabolical plan, as well as the loophole – delivered as patent exposition by hecklers Statler and Waldorf – which is if the Muppets can raise $10 million, they can buy back the studio themselves.

He tracks Kermit the Frog to his lavish Hollywood home and delivers the news. Kermit muses the only way to raise $10 million is to put on a show. He takes some convincing, but Walter convinces him they can do it if only he can get the old gang back together.

The reunions are fun, relatively clever affairs, as is the revitalization of the Muppet studios and the first rehearsal of the opening dance sequence -- which, as it happens isn’t so effortless as they always made it look.

The various plot points shake out -- the drummer, Animal, has some anger issues he’s needed to work on, and Miss Piggy isn’t quite ready to fall so easily right back into Kermit’s long green arms.

Also, the one network to agree to host them will not do so without a celebrity host. Kermit calls everyone he knows before they ultimately resort to kidnapping Jack Black.

This would be funny enough, except for the hilarious ways in which this unwilling guest star is drawn into the various sketches and acts.

And one other thing -- the star-struck Walter is drawn into the show as well, and ends up saving the day (sort of -- actually, the lion’s share of that credit probably goes to Gonzo).

Incidentally, Gonzo’s was probably one of the best running gags in modern cinema. Without ruining anything for anyone I want to congratulate the minds behind the subversive concept of “Head Bowling” -- easily one of the best-paced gags I’ve ever seen.

“The Muppet Show” was one of my favorite shows growing up and I’m guessing there’s more than a few people for whom that’s also the case. The episodes were clever, exciting, interesting, character-driven and a way for “Muppets” creator Jim Henson to share his view of the world without getting too preachy or precious. The show had plenty of violence, explosions and eye-catching excitement but it was balanced with decency, honesty and just doing your best in outrageous situations.

That message shone through in this Muppets movie too, and if this movie, with its zany musical numbers and madcap wackiness does, as some have suggested, kick-start a reboot of the franchise ...

... I’d absolutely be tuning in.