We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.
Ladies and Gentlemen, It's The Muppet TOP 7! It's time to list the movies. It's time to write the rights. It's time to meet my favorites on the Muppet List tonight!
I like the Muppets. I really like The Muppets, in theaters now. originally, I gave the movie an 8/10. I saw it again over the weekend, and if I could (I don't allow myself to do this) I'd re-score it a 9/10. The rewatchability is insanely high. Let's look back on all of the Muppet movies as I list my TOP 7 Muppet Movie Moments. I wish I could include The Muppets Christmas Carol. I am thankfully not including Muppets in Space, It's A Very Muppets Christmas Movie and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz.
FYI, I'm currently listening to Muppets: The Green Album thanks to Spotify.
7. Sam the Eagle gives roll call in Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
Recap: Sam the Eagle announces the ship's crew to Kermit the Frog. Reason: Not shockingly, we're starting this list without The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper or Muppets Take Manhattan. Sam the Eagle doesn't get much work. That changes in Treasure Island. He reads off every name imaginable in a nice pirate spoof. My favorite is Headless Bill. I love Dr. Honeydew's reaction when Kermit asks them all into the cabin. He's oddly elated, right?
httpv://youtu.be/p1rIiGk41Zw
6. Steve Martin in The Muppet Movie (1979)
Recap: Steve Martin plays Insolent Waiter. He is killing the chance for Kermit and Miss Piggy to enjoy their date, though they don't seem to notice. Reason: Kermit is donning one of his classic outfits (a red suit). Miss Piggy is all dressed up, but they aren't the stars in this scene. No one human fits better with the Muppets than Steve Martin. He killed it on "The Muppet Show" (my personal favorite guest star) and also nails his perfectly pitched humor in The Muppet Movie. I'm convinced the Muppets helped teach me intelligent, layered humor. I wouldn't appreciate Martin as much if I hadn't grown up with the Muppets. This also reminds me I should be saying, "Don't you want to smell the bottle cap" more often.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-kuOu_PSME
5. "Life's A Happy Song Finale" - The Muppets (2011)
Recap: We've heard the song once before, but now all of the Muppets join in the singing of "Life's A Happy Song Finale." Reason: The movie has to end. We all know fun isn't allowed to last forever. There are rules here people. Uncle Deadly, newly reformed, announces the song, and everyone joins in. It should be my morning alarm, because it's impossible to hate the world when you have "Life’s a happy song, when there’s someone by my side to sing along" in your head. It has now been in mine for 1.3 weeks. I am desperately hoping for a "Best Original Song" nomination at the Oscars. Just think of the opportunity for a performance.
4. Dabney Coleman makes a run for it in The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
Recap: The Muppets head to Manhattan to make it on Broadway. Producer Martin (Coleman) wants the Muppets to give him money. Turns out he's a con-artist named Murray Plotsky and he's got to make a run for it from police. Reason: I love seeing the bottom half of the Muppets. Um ... I mean ... sigh, that's exactly what I mean. When the cops come, Martin grabs Camilla the Chicken and then Gonzo, taking them hostage as he tries to escape. Animal doesn't let this happen. Seeing Animal tossed around from side to side at the feet of Coleman is just another reason to love the visual magic of the Muppets.
3. Miss Piggy saves the day in The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
Recap: After the mock baseball game in which Beeker is the pitcher and Lew Zeland is the batter, there's a moment when it doesn't look good for Kermit and the gang. Miss Piggy, on a motorcycle, to the rescue. Reason: I'm not a huge fan of Miss Piggy. She's an egomaniac who seems to force Kermit into some tough spots. That's not the case here. I remember watching this film as a kid and thinking the Muppets were in some serious trouble. Yes, most of my favorite moments with the Muppets don't involve this pig. That's not the case here.
httpv://youtu.be/soUMkk0epE8?t=6m55s
2. Opening Credits to The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
Recap: The second Muppet movie begins with Animal doing his thing and then Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo noticing the credits while riding a hot air balloon. Reason: "Listen, nothing is going to happen, this is just the opening credits." That's what Kermit says to start things off, and to let Fozzie know he doesn't have to be afraid. Any time the Muppets can reference the script, or that they are currently making the movie I'm watching ... gold, pure gold.
httpv://youtu.be/ru8mxxVcPFg
1. "Rainbow Connection" in The Muppet Movie (1979)
Recap: Kermit the Frog sings the perfectly sweet song "Rainbow Connection" at the swamp with a banjo at his side. Reason: Yes, it's easy. But who can deny it? It's sweet, meaningful and a great way to prove the Muppets have a place on the big screen (it opens The Muppet Movie). Further proof that this song holds up is actually smack dab in the middle of The Muppet Telethon during The Muppets, and it's also 2 for 2 on making me tear up.