Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Muppets Most Wanted Adoption Movie Review
The Muppets have set off on a world tour under the guidance
of their new manager, Dominic Badguy. Early in their trip, Kermit the Frog is
mistaken for Constantine, a recently escaped criminal who is known as the most
dangerous frog in the world. Kermit is imprisoned in the Gulag while
Constantine passes off as one of the Muppets. Will Kermit’s friends notice that
he is missing?
How is This Relevant to Adoption?
Kermit describes the other Muppets as his family, and he is very sad when he learns that they
didn’t notice he was missing. One character affirms that family “belongs
together.”
Strong Points
* SPOILERS IN THIS
SECTION *
Kermit is able to express his fears to his “family,” : I
thought you’d forgotten me, and that you didn’t need me anymore.” They respond,
“We always need you.” Another character who had threatened to re-imprison
Kermit responds to this by saying, “I guess this is your real family, and
family belongs together.”
*END SPOILERS*
Challenges
One
character sees that something very wrong has happened, but is unable to
communicate because he cannot speak clearly; he acts out physically, instead. I
wonder how often this scene is played out in real life by preverbal – or even
verbal - kids.
There’s
not much that’s likely to be difficult for viewers. There is one character in
the Gulag who is locked in a very small closet, which is similar to the abuse
that some children have experienced. One character taunts Kermit that his “family”
has forgotten him. One character offhandedly mentions that he is a murderer. It
passes quickly, but I was surprised to see any reference to murder on the same
screen as Kermit the Frog, and I wonder if some kids might be, too.
Recommendation
Muppets
Most Wanted seems likely to be a harmless film. Some of the songs are fun,
especially the opening number, about how sequels are never quite as good as the
first film. Your kids might like watching this. I didn’t find the entertainment
value particularly high on this one, and I noticed that a theater-full of young
children did not laugh very often during the film. One kid protested loudly
during a scene where Kermit was in peril, but that really might have been more
about not wanting to share his popcorn than about anything on-screen. Probably
the best fit for kids ages 5-9.
Questions for Discussion after the movie
What, beside your looks, makes you who you are?
How can you tell who to trust?
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