Muppets from Space (1999)

Wikipedia:

Muppets from Space is a 1999 American science fiction comedy film produced by Columbia Pictures and Jim Henson Pictures. The sixth feature film to star the Muppets, it is the first film since the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson to have an original Muppet-focused plot, and is a deviation of other Muppet films as it is the only non-musical film to date. The film was directed by Tim Hill from a screenplay by Jerry Juhl, Joey Mazzarino, and Ken Kaufman, and stars Jeffrey Tambor, Pat Hingle, Rob Schneider, and Andie MacDowell, alongside Muppet performers Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Bill Barretta, and Frank Oz. In the film, Gonzo attempts to discover his origins after having nightmares. After he and Rizzo the Rat are captured by government officials during his search, Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppet gang must save them.

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This is also one of the few Muppet movies that does not star Kermit. It’s Gonzo, and I love that. I think going forward that the Muppets should do more movies like this, one on Miss Piggy, one on Fozzie, and so forth. I think they could pull something really interesting together.

There isn’t much in plot parody in this one, but there is quite a bit of alien stereotyping movies. There are alien groupies, some government men, and for some reason … dance parties.

Also, while this technically isn’t a musical, there still is music involved, it’s just less Muppet singing, so no original songs to go with it. It’s still great though as I enjoy the plot and it finally deciphers Gonzo’s “whatever” status.

My Rating: ★★★★