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program on TV -- the rest of the Muppet menagerie is pretty much reduced to walk-ons. Save perhaps Rizzo Ratso, Gonzo's roommate and self-appointed "translator," as if he needs one. Joining the menagerie is Pepe, a giant prawn with a South American accent. And besides Tambor, the human faces include Pat Hingle as a blustery general, F. Murray Abraham as Noah (in a dream sequence that begins the movie, Noah refuses Gonzo entry to the ark because he's the only one of his kind), Andie MacDowell as Miss Piggy's rival, David Arquette as a mad scientist who experiments on Rizzo and his new-found band of rat buddies, Hulk Hogan as one of Singer's henchmen, Ray Liotta as a gate guard who falls under Piggy's spell, Kathy Griffin as another guard who falls under Animal's spell, and Rob Schneider as a slimy TV producer.
Muppet movies, besides the recurring characters and terrific comic bits, rely on sly pop culture references, broadening the appeal to young and old alike. Strangely, this element is missing in Muppets From Space, save for a scene with two Dawson's Creek kids (and a creepy scene it is, too) and a fun recreation of a key moment from Independence Day. And for some unexplained, flipped-out reason (blame Boogie Nights and 54, I guess), the soundtrack is filled with disco tunes like "She's a Brick House," "Shining Star," and "Celebration."
Add to this the fact that the movie's advertising campaign gives away the ending, and you've got several solid reasons for skipping this Muppet outing.
The creative spirit hasn't entirely left the Muppets, but it sure seems like it's gone into hibernation. Perhaps The Next Muppet Movie, which promises a wealth of popular culture gags, will reconnect with the late Jim Henson's creative spirit.
RATING: **
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Director: Rick Famuyiwa Screenplay: Rick Famuyiwa Story: Rick Famuyiwa and Todd Boyd Starring: Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, Richard T. Jones, Sean Nelson, Duane Finley, Trent Cameron, Malinda Williams, Tamala Jones, Cynthia Martells, Telma Hopkins Running Time: 107 minutes Studio: Paramount MPAA Rating: R |
Two friends (Omar Epps, Richard T. Jones) try to get a third friend (Taye Diggs) back to his own
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