FOX 34 at the movies: 'The Muppets'

On Twitter: @JamesEppler

It's likely many of the kids who see this new Muppets movie have never seen them on the big screen before. The last time we saw our felt friends on the silver screen was in 1999 in "Muppets from Space." Did you see that one? No one else did, either.

They come roaring back to life Animal-style with some ardent fans behind the project. Jason Segel co-wrote the screenplay, and stars. His love for Muppet lore is contagious, and this movie captures the spirit of what's made these guys endure for so long.

Segel plays a man-boy who happens to have a puppet for a brother named Walter. Together with Segel's girlfriend played by the radiant Amy Adams, they travel to Hollywood, only to find the Muppet theater will be torn down by an evil oil baron.

They have to get all The Muppets back together to help.

It's fun to see where each of the Muppets has been all these years, and when they reunite to put on a special show for a fundraiser it's a treat for fans.

True to how the Muppets have always been, this new movie has equal appeal for kids and adults. The writing is crisp and clever, with plenty of winks to the audience.

There are several familiar musical numbers, and the new ones are peppy and fun. Segel's ballad called "Man or Muppet" is a scream and deserves an Oscar nomination.

All of this is choreographed neatly by director James Bobin, who knows his way around clever comedies and music helming episodes of HBO's dearly departed "Flight of the Concords."

The Muppets is a great re-introduction to these characters, and solid musical comedy on its own.

EPPLER'S RATING: * * * 1/2

Out of five stars