2011 Movies: #17, 16 & 15

Ref: Mulhern

#17 The Muppets

While in the theatre on New Year's Eve (in the daytime) watching New Year's Eve, my sister and I were treated to a Muppet surprise in the form of a "don't talk during the movie" warning in which Miss Piggy shut down banana-phone-talking Fozzie, multiple-texting shrimp dude, popcorn-popping Swedish Chef and drumming Animal. At the end, old men Statler and Waldorf exhorted the audience, "Don't forget to see the Muppets in the theatre. You wouldn't want to let them into your home!" My sister laughed at this line so hard that she cried. It was that kind of morning.

It was also that kind of movie. Unabashedly silly but still charming, it followed its host of exaggerated characters (human and Muppet alike) on a diverting romp that ended in the only way that it could. It has also proven itself extremely quotable.

     Jack Black: Animal, what are you doing here?
     Animal: ...Acting... Naturaaaal.

#16 Hugo

I would not have been likely to see either of the next two films were it not for the influence of Mulhern. Nevertheless, I'm glad I saw both. Hugo was a captivating and ever so slightly creepy story that held the viewer's attention through its multitudinous meanderings. As an added bonus, there was a fierce bathing dog and a tiny human-like robot.

When we went to the theatre to see Hugo, the movie started late because the staff members didn't realize it wasn't playing. When B went out to inform them, another couple was excited because they had arrived late and thought they had missed the beginning. They then proceeded to enter a good twenty minutes later, missing the beginning. They also left with about half an hour to go. I don't know what to make of that.

#15 The Adventures of Tintin

Again with the helpful dog! Unlike B, I am not familiar with the Tintin oeuvre. Nonetheless, I was able to enjoy the film, both in its own right and vicariously through the eyes of the all-knowing fan. Investigative journalist Tintin is in the habit of getting into scrapes in the name of truth and then MacGyvering his way out. Along with his trusty sidekick Snowy (the dog), he spends this movie traveling from country to country in an effort to foil a nefarious plot (and sober Captain Haddock up while he's at it). The obstacles come fast and furious, but when Tintin is on the story you know he won't rest until it's reached its resolution.

For comparison's sake, it would have been interesting to see The Adventures of Tintin in 3D instead of regular D, since 3D is the wave of the future and the motion capture, animation and camera work probably made for an eerily cartoon/realistic juxtaposition. But for this review, that is neither here nor there.