If one day, you grow up to be half the curmudgeon that these two guys are, you'll know that you led a good life. Statler and Waldorf have been around just this side of forever, and they haven't been impressed by anything yet. They're the two old guys who sit up in the balcony of The Muppet Show and tear to pieces everything that the performers have worked hard to prepare for the audience. Basically, they're like the internet in human (well, muppet) form. Statler and Waldorf got their start in the 1970s, when The Muppet Movie and The Muppet Show were hugely successful. They languished in obscurity for many years, seeming to all the world to be retired, since there were so few new projects coming out for the felted wonders. But then, out of nowhere, they had a sudden career resurgence. The Muppets were back in a big way, with a new film packed with nostalgia, sight gags, and yes, Statler and Waldorf. And with the Muppets franchise seemingly reinvigorated, audiences can look forward to their particular brand of scorn and derision for years to come.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
