Muppets Most Wanted (2014) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Muppets Most Wanted” (2014) is the eighth theatrical release in the long-running Muppets franchise and the sequel to the 2011 reboot, “The Muppets.” Directed by James Bobin, the film takes the beloved puppet ensemble on a globe-trotting adventure full of comedy, musical numbers, and a touch of intrigue. Starring alongside the Muppets are human leads Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell, adding to the film’s charm with their witty performances.
This review will dive into the movie’s plot, reception, and provide guidance on where to watch “Muppets Most Wanted” online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Criminal Caper on a Global Scale
The story picks up immediately after the events of “The Muppets” (2011). Having just completed their comeback, the Muppets are convinced to embark on a world tour by a new manager, Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). Unbeknownst to the Muppets, Dominic is actually working with Constantine, a criminal mastermind who happens to be the world’s most dangerous frog—and a dead ringer for Kermit.
In a clever switcheroo, Constantine escapes from a Siberian gulag and swaps places with Kermit, while Dominic and Constantine plot a series of heists across Europe. The Muppets, oblivious to the swap, continue their tour with Constantine posing as Kermit, though his suspicious behavior begins to raise eyebrows. Meanwhile, Kermit, now imprisoned in the gulag under the strict watch of Nadya (Tina Fey), struggles to escape and reunite with his friends.
The film is filled with classic Muppet hijinks, celebrity cameos, and catchy musical numbers, all leading to an epic finale where Kermit must outwit Constantine to save the day.
Critical Reception: A Fun Sequel That Embraces the Chaos
“Muppets Most Wanted” was generally well-received by critics, though it didn’t capture the same emotional depth or nostalgic charm as its predecessor. However, it stands on its own as a fun, fast-paced caper with plenty of laughs, memorable songs, and energetic performances from its human and puppet cast.
The Positives
- Strong Comedic Timing: The Muppets are at their best when they embrace absurd, self-aware humor, and this film does that in spades. The script, co-written by director James Bobin and Nicholas Stoller, is packed with puns, visual gags, and meta-jokes that appeal to both kids and adults. Characters like Fozzie Bear and Gonzo shine with their signature antics.
- Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell: The human cast adds another layer of fun to the movie. Ricky Gervais plays Dominic Badguy with sly humor, while Tina Fey is hilariously over-the-top as the gulag warden Nadya. Ty Burrell’s performance as Jean Pierre Napoleon, a bumbling Interpol inspector, brings a great deal of comedic flair as he teams up with Sam the Eagle.
- Musical Numbers: The film’s songs, written by Bret McKenzie (who won an Oscar for his work on the previous film), are catchy and humorous. Standout numbers include “I’m Number One” (a duet between Gervais and Constantine) and “The Big House,” a funny and surprisingly heartfelt song led by Tina Fey. The soundtrack stays true to the Muppets’ legacy of combining humor with toe-tapping tunes.
- Visual Appeal: “Muppets Most Wanted” embraces its globe-trotting premise, with the Muppets performing in iconic locations like Berlin, Madrid, and London. The cinematography is lively and colorful, capturing the zany energy of the Muppets as they find themselves in increasingly bizarre and hilarious situations.
The Negatives
- Lacks Emotional Weight: One of the major strengths of the 2011 film was its emotional resonance, reconnecting audiences with the Muppets after a long hiatus. “Muppets Most Wanted” doesn’t quite hit those same emotional highs. The plot is more focused on action and slapstick, with fewer heartfelt moments to ground the chaos.
- Predictable Plot: The caper storyline is fun but fairly straightforward. The mistaken identity and heist plotlines are predictable, especially for those familiar with the Muppets’ penchant for silly hijinks and happy endings. However, for fans of the Muppets, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it’s part of the franchise’s charm.
Despite these minor criticisms, “Muppets Most Wanted” delivers exactly what fans of the franchise would expect: a rollicking good time with plenty of laughs, musical numbers, and delightful performances.
Streaming “Muppets Most Wanted” (2014): Where to Watch Online in America
If you’re eager to watch the Muppets in action, “Muppets Most Wanted” is readily available on several streaming platforms in the United States. While it’s not widely available on free platforms, there are many options for streaming, renting, or purchasing the film.
Subscription-Based Streaming Services
- Disney+ – As a Disney-produced film, “Muppets Most Wanted” is available to stream on Disney+. This platform offers HD streaming and can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers. Disney+ also provides access to other Muppet films and TV shows, making it the go-to place for fans of the franchise.
Rent or Purchase Online
For those who prefer not to subscribe to Disney+, the film is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video – You can rent “Muppets Most Wanted” for $3.99 or purchase it for $19.99 in HD. It’s available on various devices, including Fire TV, Roku, and smartphones.
- Apple TV/iTunes – Available for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $19.99, this platform also offers the movie in HD quality.
- Google Play Movies – Offers the movie for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $19.99, with HD viewing options.
- Vudu – “Muppets Most Wanted” can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $19.99. Vudu supports streaming on a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles and smart TVs.
- YouTube Movies – Similar to other platforms, YouTube offers the movie for rent or purchase at the same price points ($3.99 for rental, $19.99 for purchase).
Physical Media
For fans who prefer physical media, “Muppets Most Wanted” is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and even 4K Ultra HD through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Special editions often include additional features, such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, bloopers, and deleted scenes.
Why “Muppets Most Wanted” is Worth Watching
“Muppets Most Wanted” continues the tradition of Muppet films being lighthearted, fun, and filled with humor that appeals to all ages. The human cast, especially Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell, play their parts with comedic gusto, complementing the chaotic charm of the Muppets themselves. With a mix of slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and entertaining musical numbers, the film has something for everyone.
The movie’s strength lies in its humor and energy, making it perfect for family viewing. While it may not have the same emotional depth as its predecessor, it delivers laughs, memorable characters, and the nostalgia that Muppet fans crave. For those looking to escape into a world of silly fun, “Muppets Most Wanted” is a perfect choice.
Conclusion: A Delightful Caper for All Ages
“Muppets Most Wanted” (2014) delivers a hilarious and action-packed romp across the globe, filled with humor, music, and all the Muppet shenanigans fans have come to love. While the plot is straightforward and lacks some of the emotional depth of the 2011 reboot, the movie still succeeds as a fun-filled adventure for both kids and adults.
With plenty of streaming options available, including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies, it’s easy to enjoy this Muppet-filled caper from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, “Muppets Most Wanted” will bring laughter and joy to any movie night.
