The Happytime Murders (2018) Movie Review: A Raunchy Puppet Noir That Misses the Mark
Overview
Directed by Brian Henson, “The Happytime Murders” (2018) is a raunchy, adult-oriented puppet comedy set in a world where humans and puppets coexist. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Bill Barretta, and Elizabeth Banks, the film attempts to blend noir detective elements with crude humor. Despite its unique premise and talented cast, the movie struggles to deliver consistent laughs and a compelling narrative.
Plot Summary
The story is set in a Los Angeles where puppets live alongside humans but are treated as second-class citizens. Phil Phillips (voiced by Bill Barretta) is a disgraced puppet detective turned private investigator. When members of the cast of a beloved puppet TV show from the ’90s, “The Happytime Gang,” start turning up dead, Phil is reluctantly pulled into the investigation.
Phil teams up with his former human partner, Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy), to track down the killer. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens both puppet and human lives. Along the way, Phil and Connie must confront their past and work through their differences to solve the mystery.
The film is filled with crude jokes, explicit puppet antics, and over-the-top scenarios that push the boundaries of traditional puppet fare. The combination of noir-style detective work and raunchy comedy creates a unique, albeit uneven, viewing experience.
Performance and Direction
Melissa McCarthy delivers a strong performance as Detective Connie Edwards, bringing her trademark physical comedy and sharp timing to the role. Her interactions with Phil Phillips provide some of the film’s better comedic moments. Bill Barretta does an excellent job voicing Phil, giving the puppet detective a gruff, world-weary persona that fits the noir aesthetic.
The supporting cast, including Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph, and Joel McHale, add depth and humor to the film, though their characters are often underdeveloped and serve primarily as comedic foils.
Brian Henson’s direction embraces the absurdity of the premise, fully committing to the film’s raunchy and irreverent tone. However, the film’s pacing is inconsistent, and the humor often feels forced and repetitive. While Henson’s experience with puppetry is evident in the technical execution, the story and character development fall short, leading to a disjointed narrative.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Mitchell Amundsen effectively captures the gritty, noir-inspired atmosphere of Los Angeles. The contrast between the seedy underbelly of the city and the colorful, exaggerated world of the puppets creates an interesting visual dynamic. The puppet design and practical effects are impressive, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity involved in bringing the characters to life.
However, the film’s visual appeal cannot compensate for its weak storytelling and uneven humor. The novelty of the puppet-human interactions wears thin, and the reliance on shock value detracts from the potential for more nuanced comedy.
Themes and Relevance
“The Happytime Murders” explores themes of prejudice, redemption, and the struggle for acceptance. The film’s depiction of puppets as marginalized citizens serves as a satirical commentary on social inequality and discrimination. However, these themes are overshadowed by the film’s emphasis on crude humor and explicit content.
While the movie aims to subvert traditional puppet fare by presenting a dark and adult-oriented narrative, it often sacrifices substance for shock value. The result is a film that struggles to balance its comedic and thematic elements, leaving audiences with a mixed experience.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Happytime Murders” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Happytime Murders” is a raunchy puppet noir that offers a unique premise and some entertaining performances, particularly from Melissa McCarthy and Bill Barretta. However, the film’s inconsistent pacing, forced humor, and underdeveloped narrative prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it delivers a few laughs and impressive puppet work, it ultimately falls short as a cohesive and engaging comedy. Fans of adult-oriented puppet comedies may find some enjoyment, but overall, “The Happytime Murders” struggles to live up to its intriguing concept.
