The Muppets: Ranking Every Movie From Worst To Best

7. Muppets Most Wanted

Following the success of the 2011 reboot, Muppets Most Wanted was always going to have to reach for an extremely high bar. Did it do that? Well, the answer is yes and no. On one hand, the sequel is pretty much a continuation of what we've come to expect, particularly in The Muppets. We still get that innocent humour we're so used to and a host of celebrity cameos. The introduction of the antagonist Constantine - in every definition the nega-Kermit - is by far and away the film's strongest point and his interaction with the others and Ricky Gervais is the funniest aspect of an otherwise bland production. It is somewhat disappointing that Muppets Most Wanted has left many reviewers scratching their heads, begging the question of when did the Muppets become so scarce in their own film. Yes, films like The Muppets Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island were led by Michael Caine and Tim Curry, but the beauty of the 'human' characters in each of these is that they allow the room and the screen-time for the Muppets to take centre-stage and truly shine. This isn't a stab at Ricky Gervais or Ty Burrell or ... Hornswoggle. But for most of James Bobin's follow-up, they're all we get. Never have the Muppets been so underused, in particular Gonzo. Seriously, he and Fozzie have about two scenes in the whole film. It may be more telling to call this film a comedy about overly-colourful characters and Muppet guest appearances. Jason Segel didn't return for the sequel - as a writer or performer - and it's evident straight from the off. The musical numbers grow stale and the script feels a lot more paint-by-numbers than the first. It isn't particularly a bad film, but more Muppets and a great deal more heart wouldn't have gone amiss.