This year, as I was mentally compiling my list, I came to the conclusion that many of the films I would place highly in my list weren’t exactly technically proficient, nor did they push the bounds of storytelling, genre, or acting very far. After deliberating on this for a good long week, the list fractured and split into two.

“Of course,” I thought, “there are films that are the best, and there are films that are my favorite.” The distinction became clear, and while there is some very important overlaps between the two lists (Rango would easily rank high on both lists), I’ve decided to present a list of what I find to be the best films – as chosen by their contribution and influence to and on cinema – and my favorite movies – as chosen by the number of times I shall revisit them, and/or how closely I shall keep them near my heart.

Let it be known that there are still a few films I have yet to see: Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Skin I Live In, The Future, Piña, and Coriolanus, to name a few. (Understand now why these lists are capricious?) But of the near 100 films that I did see this year, here are my lists:

Best Films of 2011 01. The Tree of Life 02. Drive 03. The Artist 04. Shame 05. Rango 06. The Descendants 07. 50/50 08. Hugo 09. Take Shelter 10. The Adventures of Tintin	Favorite Films of 2011 01. The Muppets 02. Crazy, Stupid, Love. 03. Beginners 04. Midnight in Paris 05. Warrior 06. Win Win 07. Attack the Block 08. Hanna 09. The Trip 10. Carnage

Cast

Rating:

Video: ★★★★★
Audio: ★★★★1/2
Extras: ★★★1/2
Value: ★★★★

Read more about Drive (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★★★
Sony’s high definition presentation of Drive is something to behold. It packs a wallop with its tactile textures, vibrant colors (particularly in facial tones), and it’s broad range of  contrast. There are quite a number of dimly lit scenes, particularly the dark of the interior of the car, that display an amazing quality of blacks that are as deep as they can run, while never overwhelming with murkiness. The picture is also clear and void of any debris, and no compression has compromised the image in bringing this to home video. It’s quite a beautiful thing.

Presented in 1080p 2.39:1 aspect ratio.

Drive (2011) | Carey Mulligan and Ryan Gosling

Audio: ★★★★1/2
It may or may not seem like it, but Drive’s sound design is essential to the movie’s success, and thankfully it has been preserved with the utmost care. The opening ten minutes of the film paints a grand picture for the rest of the film, providing nuanced and grandiose sound design, dialogue (though minimal), and heart-thumping music over the opening credits. Though the bass doesn’t have quite as much of an impact as it did in the theater, particularly in the second chase sequence, owners of impressive sound systems probably won’t be able to tell the difference. Overall, this is a very fine demonstration worthy audio track.

English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras: ★★★1/2
The special features here are scant, but very informative. An audio commentary would have been very appreciated, however there is quite a lot of information packed into a small amount of features.

I Drive (HD, 05:26)
The cast and producers speak about the story of Drive, and director Nicolas Winding Refn.

Under the Hood (HD, 11:50)
The cast, writer, and producers discuss working on Drive, as well as with each other.

Driver and Irene (HD, 06:14)
The cast, writer, and producers talk about the love story that underlines Drive.

Cut to the Chase (HD, 04:35)
The producers and second unit director reveal the choreography that went into the design of the three different car chases in the film.

Drive Without a Driver: Q&A with Nicolas Winding Refn (HD, 25:41)
Director Nicolas Winding Refn reveals anecdotes on how Drive was made, how he approached the content, and was able to realize his vision.

BD Live Enabled

Value: ★★★★
While the supplements department is less than ample, the picture and audio quality of this disc more than make up for any indiscretions. The extras do pack a lot of insight into a small amount of time though, and shouldn’t be underestimated. Overall, this is a very high quality release that can easily get my highest recommendation.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
If ever there were a film that would find its legs on home video, it feels like Drive would be it. With that in mind, it’s quite possible that down the line there might be a retrospective version that is released with additional supplements, though for how busy these filmmakers are, I would highly doubt that they would sit down for a commentary track or additional interviews. I’d say that even if there was another version of this disc to be released in the next few years, it still couldn’t look or sound as great as it already does.

Read more about Drive (2011)

Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Strong
Directed by: John Michael McDonagh
Written by: John Michael McDonagh
Genre: Comedy, Crime

Rating:
Video: ★★★1/2
Audio: ★★★★
Extras: ★★★★
Value: ★★★★

Read more about The Guard (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★1/2
Sony’s high definition presentation of The Guard is acceptable, but often lacks conviction. On the whole colors are gorgeous depicting the drab skies and color palates of the Irish countryside, as well as the vibrant colors of clothing, grass, and skin tones. Textures, however, are a bit inconsistent – sometimes looking quite great and sometimes appearing to have plastic qualities. Blacks are also all over the place, sometimes delivering great dynamism, and other times it completely overwhelms the image. Overall, though, the image is clean and spotless.

Presented in 1080p 2.39:1 widescreen aspect ratio.

The Guard (2011) | Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson

Audio: ★★★★
Sony’s lossless presentation faithfully delivered with a strong emphasis on clarity instead of environment. The ambient soundscapes of the exterior scenes is only adequate, though the sound effects mix provides a more full experience. The two most important aspects of this film though is dialogue and score, both of which are clear and precise. It’s hard to compare this audio track to others that might provide a more immersive experience, but for its source material, it is a solid package.

English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras: ★★★★
It’s a little disconcerting that Sony didn’t include most of these features in high definition, particularly McDonagh’s short film The Second Death. Regardless, the originality of some of the features should be commended. It’s also worth noting that while some of the features are only in standard definition, Sony still displays them in 1080 so as to avoid the display gaps in switching between high and standard def.

Audio Commentary
By director John Michael McDonaugh, Don Cheadle, and Brendan Gleeson; this commentary track is sparse of information and mostly consists of the three gents cracking wise and admiring the film. There’s no denying the men have charm and chemistry, but anyone looking for great insight into the film might do better to look elsewhere.

Making of the Guard (HD, 19:21)
Fairly typical of a production featurette that interviews the cast about their characters and the film, as well as a plethora of behind-the-scenes footage.

The Second Death (SD, 11:32)
An unusual inclusion on a Blu-ray disc of this caliber, this is director McDonagh’s short film (also starring Liam Cunningham) that acted as the template for The Guard.

Outtakes (SD, 03:05)
Typical humorous blooper reel.

Q&A with Don Cheadle, Brendan Gleeson, and Director John Michael McDonagh (SD, 18:09)
Perhaps the most insightful inclusion on this disc, the three men answer questions fired at them by a moderator and audience at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Deleted Scenes (SD, 06:07)
Three scenes that are mostly odds and ends, though there is a compelling scene between Boyle and Gabriela that sheds a new perspective on their relationship.

Extended & Alternate Scenes (SD, 18:37)
Most of this material was certainly cut for time, however this is a few clips here that show an alternative version of the scenes in the film. None are as strong as the final product, but still makes for an interesting watch.

Theatrical Trailer (HD, 02:18)

BD-Live Enabled

Value: ★★★★
Fans of The Guard (and there are quite a few) will find quite a lot to love here. With clean picture quality, very decent audio, and a grouping of unconventional supplements, this release is quite admirable. The only downfall for some consumers is the absence of a digital copy or DVD version of the film – but for the most part, anyone interested in purchasing this film will certainly get their money’s worth.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Not likely. The audio and visual department is strong [enough] to keep this release in high regard, especially with the inclusion of a handful of unique supplements. Buy easy.

Read more about The Guard (2011)

Cast

Rating:
Video: ★★★★
Audio: ★★★★1/2
Extras: ★★
Value: ★★★1/2

Review:

Video: ★★★★
Sony’s transfer to home video of Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is very admirable. Undoubtedly the strongest aspect of the film is its acutely constructed color palates and set designs, which are accurately translated to the high definition format. The textures of the hold house – particularly its basement – are finely defined, showing the amount of detail that has gone into developing a specific atmosphere. Also, the blacks are deep and rich, which make the shadowy house even more creepy. The few moments when we are shown color, it is vibrant and contrasts the dreary interiors of the old house. Overall, this is a very faithful presentation.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2011) | Guy Pearce

Audio: ★★★★1/2
The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track is the best thing this disc has to offer as it presents a clean and clear aural experience that captures the eerie soundscapes. The audio track here utilizes every channel of the surround; the creepy whispers of the pixies, the loud and exciting moments, and everything in between exercise the entire range of sound.

Extras: ★★
There isn’t a whole lot here besides three documentaries chronicling the creation of the film. A number of features could have gone a long way to increase the value of the supplements, (particularly the inclusion of the original film, which barely exists on DVD), but we don’t live in an ideal world. What is presented here is merely sufficient.

Don’t Be Afraid… Documentaries (HD, 20:50)
Three part documentary following Guillermo del Toro’s idea to remake the original film, the process of creature creation, and other areas of art and set design. It’s a quick watch, but not pivotal.

Conceptual Art Gallery (HD)

BD Live Enabled

Value: ★★★1/2
Fans of the film might be disappointed with the scantily clad supplements on this disc, but the twenty-minute documentary is more than most films of this caliber receive. The picture and audio quality make this a more commendable release than one might otherwise believe. Depending on the price, this could be a decent deal… if you already enjoy the movie…

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Most definitely not. Purchase happily… if you dare.

Cast

Rating:
Video: ★★★
Audio: ★★★★
Extras: ★
Value: ★★★

Read more about Midnight in Paris (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★
Woody Allen’s first excursion with digital filmmaking boasted beautiful results in the theater, painting Paris as the idealistic portrait of romanticism. That digitally captured beauty has, unfortunately, been compromised during the compression for DVD. Darius Khondji’s gorgeously rich lighting and photography still retain a certain tone, but the nuanced color palate and the detail in the sets have lost a lot in compacting it for standard def. It’s still a very clear picture void of any blemishes, but the fidelity is a little lackluster, even for DVD. There is definitely something to be gained from viewing Midnight in Paris in high definition.

Audio: ★★★★
The audio track is very decent, but isn’t very demanding. This is a film that could quite well have been recorded in mono and presented the same exact experience. The result is a clear audio track that can be related to the experience of listening to a Cole Porter track on vinyl. It’s pretty and fun, but not too complex.

Extras: ★
Woody Allen’s films have notoriously been void of special features, so the lack of supplements here isn’t a surprise.

Midnight in Cannes (SD, 04:57)
This panel discussion from Cannes shows Woody Allen, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Adrien Brody talking about their experiences with the film.

Value: ★★★
For such an amazingly magical film, this is not quite a magical release. For a film rich in visual beauty, it loses a good oomph with a lackluster video presentation. But really, by the end of the film, if you’re still harping over the quality of its appearance, then there’s a more critical problem at play.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Nope. If you want to own the film, this is what you’re going to get – for better or worse.

Read more about Midnight in Paris (2011)

Cast

Rating:
Video: ★★★★★
Audio: ★★★★★
Extras: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★

Read more about Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★★★
It goes without saying that Rise of the Planet of the Apes is an effects heavy film, and part of its success is just how damn good it looks. Fox has spared no expense in bringing the grand theatrical experience to home video with flawless video performance.  The [entirely computer generated] apes look extremely tactile; their leathery skin, hairy bodies, emoting eyes are all captured with stunning beauty in high definition. Colors are incredibly vivid, whether it’s the beautiful landscape shots of forests, or the minuscule attention to eye color. Most importantly, the visual presentation still feels cinematic and not digital.

Presented in 1080p 2.40:1 widescreen.

Andy Serkis as Caesar

Audio: ★★★★★
There’s too much to love here. Nothing exercises the 5.1 DTS-HD audio like a big Hollywood blockbuster, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes has it all. Fox’s pristine audio track is verbose delivering earth shattering roars from the apes, minute details in performance (particularly from Serkis), and allows plenty of space for Patrick Doyle’s grand score. Overall, it’s a very robust experience that will be a shining example of how HD audio should sound.

English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Extras: ★★★★★
Often times it isn’t the amount of features, but the quality of them. Here we have features that are generally pretty short (there are no lengthy documentaries), but what is packed into the extras gives a very comprehensive idea of what has gone into bringing this film to the screen. Through the commentaries we learn about the inception of the film, through the featurettes we grasp the technical features, and we even receive a fun bit of research on actual apes. It is as comprehensive and digestible as anyone could possibly want from this film.

Audio Commentary by Rupert Wyatt
The director spills his thoughts on this audio track about the making of the film. His focus mainly seems to be less on the technical aspects of the film (though there is a good bit of that) and more about his efforts toward visual storytelling, and bringing the script to life. He gives candid insight into the choices for how he intended things to work, and how sometimes they don’t.

Audio Commentary by Rick Jaffe and Amanda Silver
The writers (and co-producers) give their insights into the inception of the idea of the movie. They discuss their research process, and the varying drafts of the script. Their contributions paint a vivid picture of how they have sculpted the script into the finished product.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 12:00)
These deleted scenes mostly show extended takes, alternate takes, and unfinished effects shots. It provides some interesting moments – particularly two important moments involving Caesar.

Mythology of the Apes (HD, 07:11)
The producers, director, and writers discuss rebooting Planet of the Apes as they try to simultaneously invent something new and fit within the existing mythology of the series.

The Genius of Andy Serkis (HD, 07:48)
Andy Serkis, godfather of motion capture performances, is highlighted here as he gives an incredibly emotional performance to Caesar.

A New Generation of Apes (HD, 09:41)
The production team discusses bringing the new ape characters to life, giving them their own personalities, and allowing them to act as a precursor to the apes who exist in the other films.

Scene Breakdown (HD, 01:34)
Breaking down one of the cage sequences, viewers can alternate between early animatics, motion capture footage, and the final scene.

Character Concept Art Gallery (HD)
A uniquely created gallery displays numerous renditions of the characters in their various stages of development.

Breaking Motion Capture Boundaries (HD, 08:43)
Focused mainly on the Golden Gate Bridge sequence, Terry Notary takes us through the amazing choreography, and how Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the first film to use motion capture on-location.

Composing the Score with Patrick Doyle (HD, 08:43)
A very delightful and jovial man, Patrick Doyle takes us through a few sessions of recording the score and provides a few very entertaining thoughts on how he developed some of the themes.

The Great Apes (HD, 22:37)
Three spotlight pieces showcase the actual apes in their natural habitats: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Orangoutangs. Very enlightening.

Theatrical Trailers (HD)

Live Extras

Ape School (HD, 02:00)
Another brief look at Terry Notary and the work the stunt performers did on the Golden Gate Bridge.

DVD Copy

Digital Copy

Value: ★★★★★
With flawless audio and video, and an incredible wealth of special features, you can’t really get more for your money. Additionally, the DVD and Digital Copy will allow you to take the film wherever you’d like.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
It’s quite likely that this is a film that would be the victim of a double-dip, however Fox has done quite a good job of trying to get it right on the first go around. While another version might exist at some point in the future, it won’t be any time soon, and it certainly isn’t going to look better than this until technology pushes us toward 2K resolution. Buy happy.

Read more about Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Cast: Khomotso Manyaka, Keaobaka Makanyane and Lerato Mvelase
Directed by: Oliver Schmitz
Written by: Dennis Foon
Genre: Drama

Rating:
Video: ★★★★1/2
Audio: ★★★★
Extras: ★★
Value: ★★★1/2

Review:

Video: ★★★★1/2
Shot in high definition, Life, Above All is perfectly suited for high def treatment. The picture quality here has great fidelity, showing the textures of the homes, the dustiness of the streets, and highlights the saturated color tones. The color palate ranges from a drained sepia to sometimes very vivid colors, all which are depicted with great care. The blacks are pitch, and the whites are gorgeous, resulting in a very admirable high definition presentation.

Presented in 1080p widescreen 2.40:1 aspect ratio.

Audio: ★★★★1/2
For the most part, Life, Above All is a quiet picture. Even still, a lot can still be admired about the audio track whether it’s the clarity of dialogue, the nuanced sound effects, or the ever-present ambient noises that help create a naturalistic atmosphere. The audio track is well mixed and consistent.

5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Extras: ★★
There isn’t much here outside of a small making-of featurette, which discusses more the importance of the film than the making of it. The inclusion of a DVD version is an unexpected bonus for those with multiple viewing devices.

Making Of Life, Above All (SD, 14:09)
This making-of feature revolves mostly around the production, and the how-and-why the filmmakers fought to make this film. On-set interviews with the producers, writer, and director paint a portrait of the importance of the movie.

Theatrical Trailer (HD)

BD Live Enabled

DVD Copy

Value: ★★★1/2
This is of a class of foreign and international films that unfortunately aren’t given too much attention in the special features department, and because they are of a niche demographic, they tend to be priced higher than they maybe should be. Because of this, consumers have to be aware of what they are getting for their money: a beautiful presentation of a respectable film, without much else to justify its price. If the film itself is all that is important to you, then you will be very pleased with Sony’s offering.

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Simply: no.

Rating:
Video: ★★★★1/2
Audio: ★★★★
Extras: ★★★★
Value: ★★★★

Read more about Another Earth (2011)

Review:

Video: ★★★★1/2
Often times when a film is shot on certain types of digital formats, a high definition presentation highlights the flaws in compression, lack of fidelity, or a myriad of other plagues. And then there are some digital films that really demonstrate the clarity of high definition more than any other format. Luckily, Another Earth belongs to this latter category as Fox delivers stunning picture quality from a film that by its nature is muted and somber. Aside from a number of instances where director Mike Cahill intentionally uses grainy effects, the picture is as clear and crisp as can be. The digital format lends itself to more verité sensibilities, so the flawless image really helps to immerse us deeper into the story.

Presented in 1080p widescreen 1.85:1 format.

Another Earth (2011) | Brit Marling

Audio: ★★★★
This is a really quiet film driven mainly by the haunting score by Fall On Your Sword. Even so, Fox has taken care to present us with a very well mixed audio track that captures every ounce of sullenness. There are a few moments of intensity that, when compared to the rest of the film, demonstrate how wonderfully nuanced the aural experience is. The audio track is bold and full. It’s volume is boisterous without being distorted, the quiet moments are captured without an ounce of hiss. Overall, this is a very strong presentation

English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

(English, French, and Spanish audio tracks can be found on the DVD.)

Extras: ★★★★
Most of the features here are very short, but even still provide a great amount of perspective. The absence of an audio commentary is a bit disconcerting, but the insight packed into these small featurettes helps curb that fault. The addition of the DVD and digital copy surely increases this release’s value.

“The First Time I Saw Jupiter” by Fall On Your Sword Music Video (HD, 03:19)
Self-explanatory, it’s a little strange that this is a type of song that would receive a music video considering it feels very much like a film score. Even still, it’s an interesting conceptual video that’s worth a watch.

Deleted Scenes (HD, 09:20)
These scenes are quite compelling as they provide a view into how to shape a story and performance. The scenes that were omitted provide additional character story that just isn’t essential, but stands as a great example of different directions the film could have explored.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: Direct Effect Mike Cahill (SD, 04:17)
This short featurette has director Mike Cahill discussing his approach to directing, co-writing, and editing Another Earth.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with Brit Marling (SD, 04:22)
Star Brit Marling talks a bit about being a co-writer and approaching her character in the film.

Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character with William Mapother (SD, 04:22)
Ethan William Mapother explains what attracted him to the project and how he took on the role of the grieving widower.

The Science Behind Another Earth (HD, 02:39)
A discussion with director Mike Cahill, actress Brit Marling, and Dr. RIchard Berendzen, Astrophysicist as they wax philosophical about the possibility of another Earth in the universe.

Creating Another Earth (HD, 02:29)
A discussion with Mike Cahill and Brit Marling as they talk mainly about getting the film off the ground through a real grassroots style.

Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Digital Copy

DVD Version

Value: ★★★★
For your money, there’s few other beloved indie films that will get Blu-ray treatment such as this. Not only does it have incredible audio and visual, but it has a decent amount of insight within a small amount of features. The addition of the DVD and digital copy kind of make this the quintessential version of the film and will certainly give you a big bang for your buck. (Get it?)

Will There Be A Double Dip?
Another Earth is certainly a film that is poised to earn a cult following as it already has garnered many endearing fans during its theatrical release. I can’t imagine, however, that there will be a superior version of this film released on any format any time soon. In fact, outside of a theatrical re-release and the addition of an audio commentary track, I can see no reason for Fox to double-dip this title. Buy happily.

Read more about Another Earth (2011)

Cast:

At the beginning of the 20th century theories behind mental illness and psychological disorders were in a drastic state of evolution. Sigmund Freud’s (Mortensen) pioneering philosophy on sexual psychoanalysis gave birth Carl Jung’s (Fassbender) implementation of “talk therapy” with his patients. However, Jung’s thinking that he can help patients come to terms with their disorder – an idea he developed while helping the afflicted Sabina Spielrein (Knightley) – clashes with Freud’s stubborn beliefs. Over the course of a decade, Jung and Freud (and Spielrein) develop a friendship as well as a rivalry while developing the new state of psychological therapy.

A Dangerous Method is a film about presenting an argument. At one point Freud mentions that “in 100 years, they’ll still be looking for holes in our arguments,” which sets up the intentions of the film: present the century old argument and spark a debate in audiences. Whether or not it succeeds in its intentions might be a better debate, though.

Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, and Viggo Mortensen put in tremendous performances as the psychoanalysts, but instead of working with rich characterizations of the famous doctors, they rather are forced to present their sides of the argument – or simply put, they talk… a lot. Audience members interested in psychology might find this movie incredibly compelling as it strives to present unbiased representations of both Freud and Jung.

A Dangerous Mothod (2011) | Viggo Mortensen

The biggest question that has to be asked though is whether or not A Dangerous Method is really necessary as a film? I am inclined to say that due to its argumentative nature, pushing what little story there is forward through dialogue, that it would have existed much more successfully in the theater. Even David Cronenberg, who has built a career on fascinating cinematic experiences, doesn’t make great use of the medium to tell the story.

In the end, some viewers are going to really buy into the discussion of the different methods developed by the three analysts, but they might find the conversations hard to find as other viewers will be bored out of their minds. There is something to be said about not allowing the technique of filmmaking intrude on the argument presented, and another thing to be said about its lack of justification. A Dangerous Method, like the discussion it presents, exists somewhere in the ambivalent middle ground.

Various Countries. 99 minutes. Rated R.

Cast

As I sat in the dimly lit theater waiting for the seats to fill up, months of anticipation was bubbling up inside of me. I had been excited to see these characters again, laugh at them, and really enjoy myself for a little bit. But then the credits started rolling… and I realized how misplaced my thoughts were. It hadn’t been months of anticipation, it’s been decades. I wasn’t excited to laugh and enjoy the fuzzy characters, I was yearning to reminisce with very old friends. And I realized that The Muppets isn’t just another reboot to a beloved and forgotten series… it is oh so much more.

My jubilation for this film is forcing me to make a very simple statement up front: The Muppets is the most important film to be released this year, (or perhaps in years).

It has been thirty years since The Muppet Show went off of the air and out of our homes, but not our hearts. Sporadically over the decades, the gang has found their way onto the big screen in The Muppet Movie, The Muppets Take Manhattan (which was this writer’s first ever moviegoing experience as a child), Muppets in Space, and renditions of classic stories like A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island. In their extended and varied career, their humor has only gotten better with age.

The plot of this adventure follow Gary (Segel), Mary (Adams) and Walter as they venture from Smalltown, USA to Los Angeles in order to see the Muppet Studios. Upon arriving, they are distraught at seeing the place in shambles, and even more overcome by stumbling upon an evil oil man’s (Chris Cooper) to demolish the studios to drill for oil. The only way the guys can save the studio is to raise ten million dollars through an old fashioned telethon, only… over the last thirty years, the Muppet gang has gone their separate ways and need to be reunited in order to pull the show together.

The Cast of The Muppets (2011)

Due to the valiant efforts of Jason Segel and his crew, they have single-handedly re-awoken Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzy, and company once again (and hopefully for all). I only half joke when I say that Segel should be honored with the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication and love in bringing back something that we’ve all been missing during the Muppet’s dormant period. Something pure. Something integral to finding happiness in this insane world of ours.

The Muppets represents the purest form of entertainment. The zany humor doesn’t strive to cater to a specific demographic, save for audience members looking to get their money’s worth. But it is the unabashed sentiments that the Muppets stood for, and stand for, that set these guys apart from any other brand of entertainment. There are no subversive politics here, no wink-wink-nudge-nudges to adults believing they are at a children’s film; just the simple belief that we all feel like outsides sometimes, and that we all have a place to laugh with the Muppets. It’s simple: they’re our family – mine, yours, his, hers, theirs, ours.

As the film modestly hints at, in the last thirty years since the end of The Muppet Show, our society (via entertainment) has become a depressing and cynical place with the popularity of reality shows, nihilistic films, and morbid televised politics. And of course with the inception of social media, celebrity and civilian opinions alike are pumped into our brains faster than we can even process them. These, of course, are my didactic thoughts, not the film’s, and I do not wish to shove an agenda down your throat. My point is only that it seems we’ve forgotten how to have a good time and the answer lies in Gonzo’s misguided stunts, and Fozzie’s outdated jokes, and Miss Piggy’s diva karate chops, and in Mahna Mahna.

The Muppets doesn’t set out to change the world, but it has the potential to, or at least it has right attitude to make a positive impact. And at the risk of alienating some readers, if you have an aversion to seeing this film, pawning it off as childish fodder, you need to recheck your priorities. It contains the closest thing to the elation of pure happiness any movie has presented since Capra’s heyday. And while that might just be this writer’s opinion, if I can choose to shove one thought at people, it would be to check your disenchantment at the door and force yourself to go see this movie.

Lastly, I want to extend a personal ‘thank you‘ to Mr. Segel, whose commitment to our friends has rekindled in me a connection to the joy of being a child and the joy of being an adult.

USA. 98 minutes. Rated PG.