The Muppets - "The Pig with the Froggy Tattoo" trailer Directed by: James Bobin Starring: Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy Rating: PG Release Date: November 23, 2011
TRAILER SCORE: 8/10
Thoughts by TSR: For my money, The Muppets has had the best marketing campaign of the year. In fact, the only other campaign that immediately springs to mind is for the film this trailer is parodying, David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It’s not like I really needed a Muppets movie sold to me – I was on board the minute it was announced – but this brilliant marketing campaign just helps make me more excited. This wonderful trailer – “The Pig with the Froggy Tattoo” – is simply the latest example.
Just like the first teaser for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, much of it flashes by so quickly it makes me want to watch it again and again. Sure, the content varies wildly (thank goodness), but it’s equally effective in its own way. Pretty much every joke lands, but my biggest laugh came from the payoff of showing the dude who wrote the trailer's song.
It also gives us a few more looks at Chris Cooper, who plays the film’s bad guy. He’s a phenomenal actor and I love seeing him having fun in something like this. We’re also shown some of the other actors and actresses who will be popping up. Neil Patrick Harris is probably the most notable. I stopped watching “How I Met Your Mother” a couple seasons ago, but I will always have a soft spot for Barney Stinson. NPH seems to appeal to almost everyone, and he definitely seems like he’ll be right at home with the Muppets. We’re also treated to brief glimpses of Sarah Silverman, Alan Arkin, and the suddenly ubiquitous Rico Rodriguez from “Modern Family.” Rashida Jones from NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” also shows up. I always support people from “Parks and Rec” (the funniest show on TV) showing up in movies, so this is just one more thing The Muppets has done right.
We’ve gotten parodies of Green Lantern, The Hangover Part II, and romantic comedies in general – not to mention that delightful full length trailer. Add in this latest parody and The Muppets remains one of my most anticipated movies of the rest of 2011. Wocka Wocka Wocka, indeed.
