How The "Muppets" are back for "Now"

  (0:36 until the end of the 1994 American Gladiators theme plays as it cuts to James as he morphs into The Last Of The Americans with the half team TLOTA on his right and the other half on his left as the camera pulls back to see the slab with the markings “The Last Of The Americans”. Fade cut to James in his room at his house)

TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and Yeah still at home, and in Quarantine but guess what, thanks to my family we now have Disney+ and one of the first things that I saw was something my niece wanted to see. (Cut to live action Mulan title credit. Cut to James) NO! Something that she and I could both enjoy! (Cut to the title of "Muppets Now!" then clips of the host segments with Scooter as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
"Muppets Now" is sort of idea Jim Henson would have thought of, if he were still around. Taking the Muppet Show concept and trying to see how it would work with sketches, a wraparound segment featuring a host, and plenty of Muppet Silliness, Some Subtle Educational moments and guest stars that would appeal to everyone. Does the series work? Or will it be another short lived series that tried to put the squeeze on the Muppets making them the Square Pegs in Disney's Round Hole? (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
Well let's see if this Muppets Wish Day wish is granted and this is a good series, this is "Muppets Now"(Cut to the title of "Muppets Now!" then clips of the host segments with Scooter as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
Something to note that in every intro is Matt Vogel's Kermit The Frog telling us the title of the show and that it's being streamed to us from the Muppets Studio and as I said before that it's taking me some time for me to get used to the new voice of Kermit and yeah he hasn't grown on me, YET! I will be patient, it took me sometime to accept Steve Whitmire as Kermit, so be patient with Matt, he'll get to a likable facsimile of Kermit The Frog but until then yeah I'm saying it's Matt Vogel's Kermit The Frog. But I digress, in the pilot episode Matt Vogel's Kermit The Frog hands the hosting duties to Scooter who has all of episodes of the shows on a hard drive and it's up to Scooter to make sure that the episodes are loaded by a certain time and the show lasts about 22 minutes and in the segments with him he has someone to play off of. In the pilot it's Kermit in an unofficial passing of the torch and in subsequent episodes we have Fozzie, Statler & Waldorf, Animal, Chip the I.T. Guy and finally Robin. However this series also saw the premiere of two new characters, Beverly Plume and Joe From Legal and to be honest, they feel like the sore thumbs in the show and as time went on Beverly should've thanked her lucky feathers none of the episodes of the show she was hosting didn't have turkey, Otherwise Beverly would've been roasted! As for Joe from Legal, well... (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Let me share something with you that he sent. "While you are within your legal rights to review this under Fair Use Acts know that if your review is awful I will act upon you as you get sued to the earth's core! I should know I can dig that far." That was his first message, then he sent a second one with what I can assume is a very loud and powerful laugh because it is in Large text and goes on as "BWAAAAAAAAAAAAH-AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Okay Joe, thanks for that! (Cut to clips of the shorts in "Muppets Now" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
The First sketch posted by Scooter is LifeSty...(Cut to James as he goes to his tablet and Miss Piggy contacts James through DUO)

Miss Piggy:
LIFESTY LE! LIFESTYLE! GET IT IT RIGHT OR ELSE YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME AND FEEL ME COMING AT YA!! (Cut to James)

TLOTA:
Miss Piggy, you caught me in mid word, I was about to say "LifeStyle With Miss Piggy" (Cut to the screen on James' tablet as she giggles with a bit of nervousness)

Miss Piggy:
Well, Oopsie on my part! Keep at what you're doing! Ta-Ta! ( The Screen goes dark as it cuts to James)

TLOTA:
What is my life right now?(Cut to clips of "LifeStyle with Miss Piggy" in "Muppets Now" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
As I was trying to say the first sketch posted is the beginning of a series of  self help ideas hosted by Miss Piggy called "LifeStyle" it has tidbits of information for style and living. It also has Taye Diggs doing something with Miss Piggy and Linda Cardellini chatting with Miss Piggy as they answer questions from fans. It's in all the episodes and while it is Miss Piggy being the Diva she is, I think it's good for what it is. My favorite series of sketches? Well.... (Cut to the opening of Okey Dokey Kookin then clips of Okey Dokey Kookin as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
"Okey Dokey Kookin" has Beverly Plume  hosting a cooking challenge of sorts as famous chefs appear making recipes that is meant to make the mouth water and of course The Swedish Chef being well The Swedish Chef. My favorite episode of this series of sketches has of all people the most bad ass actor and restauranteur Machete himself Danny Trejo! However the tension between Beverly and The Swedish Chef is palpable because he has his way of things and Beverly just gives the poor guy Tsouris for it but I love it because when I first saw this series it was with my youngest niece and she laughed and enjoyed it as much as I do! She also loved another series of sketches which harkens The Muppets back to the days when they were on Sesame Street. (Cut to the opening of "Muppet Labs Field Test" then clips of "Muppet Labs Field Test" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
"Muppet Labs Field Test" as hosted by Beaker and Dr. Bunson Honeydew always starts off with a disclaimer not to do their experiments at home given to us by Kermit The Frog and Joe From Legal. The experiments have actual Scientific merit and educational material and the scientists that come in as unsuspecting "guests" that helps in the experiments that go the way Beaker and Bunson would hope would go! This is the one sketch that puts the series into the E/I Programing category. (Cut to shows with the E/I Programming label as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
For those who are wondering the E/I Programing is when a show is both entertaining and informative, shows like the original "Saved By The Bell" series or something like "Fraggle Rock" and of course "Sesame Street" or even the "Back To The Future" animated series. Now I have nothing against it as long as it doesn't insult the intelligence and somehow educate without coming off preachy or like an educator overdoing it. But I digress. (Cut to clips of "Muppet Labs Field Test" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
To me this is one of the best series of Sketches that everyone can enjoy

(Cut to opening of "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" then clips from "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

The one series of sketches that people automatically thought were the ones closer to say how The Muppets were taking potshots at a certain site that claims itself as "Awesome" even though there are a group of Meshugginah Schmucks and Feygulahs and a game show that was made by them, this apparent pot shot is "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show" which if you ask me is Chaos and has no structure as opposed to the fact that the Game Show that was made was by those Schmucks which was something I did enjoy, it had me laughing and being able to get to see how much better I was and if that show had continued I would be glad to have either hosted or taken the series and continued it in the same way but changed certain elements, making it like "Win Ben Stein's Money". But apparently this was a fan favorite to many. Myself, eh not so much, because call me cuckoo but the more the host tries to keep the show organized and the contestants make that impossible is the best route to go, "Pepe's Unbelievable Game Show"? Not my cup of tea!

(Cut to the openings of "Muppet Masters" & "Mup Close & Personal" then clips of both shorts as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA(Voiceover):

The least used sketches was that of Muppet Masters and "Mup Close & Personal". The short amount of episodes that were on which is hosted by Walter features Kermit showing off that he is a Master Photobomber and that Uncle Deadly is well versed in theatrical swordplay. But the development that surprised me was that of Walter's as he comes in fully researched and educated on the subjects that the supposed "Masters" know about. And as for "Mup Close and Personal, while having RuPaul, the very lovely Aubrey Plaza and Seth Rogen. While we learn some things about the subjects of the episodes and The Muppets hosting get better in the subjects they talk about. And for me my favorite episode was the one with Aubrey because, let's face it, I'm a dude! I'm not ashamed nor am I completely blind. I really hope that (Cut to clips of the host segments with Scooter as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
One thing I noticed thanks to fans on YouTube and on other reviews have noticed certain things on Scooter's screen. Some see stuff like a baby Scooter and a possible notice of Skeeter who was in the original Muppet Babies. Some people notice that there is a vault that's bulging, these people claim that all five years of the original Muppets Show that have been held back since Disney bought The Muppets Lock Stock & Barrel and did not release seasons 4 & 5. Again that's a fan theory. Until Disney+ does confirm that they are releasing the series on said streaming service nothing will be confirmed! (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
But after talking about this series, my thoughts? Well...(Cut to clips of the shorts in "Muppets Now" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
I will say that the series is a good start for a restart for The Muppets to try and get them back in the mainstream. The shorts have a mix of entertaining and educational, a sense of what Jim Henson would do with The Muppets to get them back to action if he was still around. I really suggest you check it out on Disney+ and if it gets a physical media copy, I strongly suggest you get it. (Cut to James physically as there is a knock on the door and James steps out the front door, looks around and hears the door close behind him and sees Miss Piggy)

TLOTA:
Well, this is gonna suck for me! (Cut to Miss Piggy)

Miss Piggy:
LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER! HAI-YAH! (James gets Karate chopped into geosynchronistic orbit and screams then shouts "I'M JAMES FARACI THE LAST OF THE AMERICANS AND THAT'S MY OPINION!"

All The Muppet Movies for Muppet Wish Day

(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it before cutting to James physically)

TLOTA:

I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and The views I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. What else can I say but... The Muppets! (Cut to clips of The Muppets throughout the years as "The Muppet Show" theme song plays in the background and James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

Mixing old school Marionette style movement with hand puppetry Jim Henson who we lost far too early in 1990 gave us a legacy that stands the test of time! While TV was the Muppets was bread & butter for me they shined when they had the time to expand on the voodoo they do so well in the movies.(Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

So for Muppet Wish Day I am going to go through ALL the Muppet movies in one shot! (Cut to clips of The movies starring The Muppets as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

Now there are some ground rules I need to lay down. One, The movies have to be about The Muppets and they have to be made for the big screen! No made for TV movies or specials and Kermit's Swamp Years are not going to be reviewed. Two, None of the other Jim Henson based productions that were made for the cinema are not going to be reviewed. So movies like "Follow That Bird", "The Dark Crystal", "Labyrinth" and the Live Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies from the 1990's are going to be passed over and finally I will try to keep the Spoilers to the barest minimum I can for the few of you who have not seen. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

So let's start off with our first foray for Kermit and the gang with "The Muppet Movie" (Cut to the Opening credit of "The Muppet Movie" before cutting to clips of "The Muppet Movie" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

Written by Jack Burns and Jerry Juhl, Produced by Jim Henson and Lord Lew Grade, Directed by James Frawley and released in 1979. The movie about how The Muppets met and all the adventures they had getting to Hollywood including dodging a Fast Food  wannabe impresario Doc Hopper wanting Kermit to become his mascot for his Frog Leg Franchise. Can Kermit and the gang make it to Hollywood to make it big and stop Doc Hopper from doing whatever it takes to make Kermit to be his Mascot? Well you will have to watch the movie to see. What I loved about this movie was how innovative it was with the performances of the Muppets, it took chances on how The Muppets could be performed. The cameos are entertaining. The music provided by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher is iconic and I can think of a moment from the movie at times when I didn't even think I was doing it and if that is a sign of how successful a movie is then you know how successful your movie is.  (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

But it would take the Muppets team four days after the second anniversary of the first movie to release one of their greatest movies they would ever make. "The Great Muppet Caper" (Cut to the opening credit of "The Great Muppet Caper" before cutting to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

What can I say that few haven't said and what I haven't said already. This was one of the first movies I ever saw! It helps me get through February 14th and I put it on when I need to have a good laugh and some harmless fun! "The Great Muppet Caper" directed by the man himself Jim Henson. The movie is so great that telling you the story would do the movie is an injustice. They demolish the fourth wall in a way Deadpool would only look at, eat his weight in Chimichangas and sigh in defeat! If you haven't seen this movie then WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! Watch it, get it on DVD, Blu-Ray or Digital Download and give it all your attention! It is worth it!(Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

How they would better themselves after making one of the greatest movies ever made? Simple they'd take three years after making "The Great Muppet Caper" to create one of the most entertaining Muppet movies ever with "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (Cut to the opening credit of "The Muppets Take Manhattan" before cutting to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

Directed by Frank Oz, The story focuses on Kermit trying to sell his musical to a Broadway producer and all the adventures that happen to Kermit and everyone who had separated until Kermit gets the musical sold. What really makes this movie is the story, the music and the Cameos from the likes of Dabney Coleman, Gregory Hines, Liza Minnelli, Former Mayor Ed Koch, Brooke Shields, Art Carney and Gates McFadden! Yes Trekkies, Dr. Crusher from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is in a Muppet Movie! A Part of this movie's legacy was how it helped generate one of my favorite animated series of all time! (Cut to opening credits to "Muppet Babies" before cutting to James physically.)

TLOTA:

Another part of the movie's legacy sadly is the fact that this would be the last movie Jim Henson would perform Kermit in a Muppet movie as six years after this movie the biggest tragedy in the history of The Muppets happened. (Cut to clip of Peter Jennings sadly announcing the Death of Jim Henson then clips of Jim Henson's Funeral as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

Jim Henson died in May of 1990 of Toxic Shock Syndrome leaving a legacy that would grow years after his passing. But for kids who were born in the 1970's & 1980's their childhoods were killed when Jim died. Old school Muppets fans like myself are still in shock to this day that Jim is gone but thankfully he shall forever be remembered! (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

Thankfully everyone at Jim Henson's company decided to keep The Muppets going because I think Jim wanted that to happen and two years after Jim Henson's successor for Kermit, Steve Whitmire had established himself as Kermit would we get the first Muppet Movie since Jim Henson's death with "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (Cut to opening credit of "The Muppet Christmas Carol" before cutting to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

And to be honest this movie was just simply the Charles Dickens classic starring Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge and the rest of characters being played by The Muppets but what makes the movie is the emotional range Michael Caine gives Ebenezer Scrooge, the music definitely sets the tone and the fact Brian Henson, Jim's Son directed this movie and it shows how much the movie has been considered the closest to the actual source material.  (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

Probably why Brian directed the next movie which was released four years after "The Muppet Christmas Carol" with "Muppet Treasure Island" (Cut to opening credit of "Muppet Treasure Island" before cutting to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

While like the predecessor this movie based on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson classic there was really little different except the fact that the Muppets are in it and they play the characters save for Billy Bones played by Billy Connolly, Jennifer Saunders who plays Mrs. Bluveridge, Kevin Bishop as Jim Hawkins and of course Long John Silver played by of course the always enjoyable Tim Curry! I guess what makes the movie is the environment and the music. With songs like "Shiver Me Timbers" and of course (Show "Cabin Fever" song as it is intercut with James and everyone of Team TLOTA go dancing along with the movie and song before cutting to James continuing his voiceover as "Muppet Treasure Island" continues)

But yeah, aside of a few good moments this movie kind of is one of the weaker movies in the Muppet movie franchise but still it is entertaining. Though the fact this was the last movie directed Brian Henson which is sad but still not a bad note to go out on.  (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:

However I wished he had controlled things much better on a movie that is not bad but in terms of Muppet Movies is considered the weakest in the entire Movie franchise. "Muppets From Space" (Cut to opening credit of "Muppets From Space" before cutting to clips from "Muppets From Space" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):

I've already discussed the pros and cons of this movie in an edition of "In Defense Of..." and I stand by them. While the movie is not good, it's not bad either. While a lot of it feels like a good parody of  bad family films I have to say that I kind of have to agree with hard core Muppet Fans that this movie would've had Jim rolling in the Taos, New Mexico area where his ashes are scattered. But this movie sadly is the last theatrically produced movie by Jim Henson Pictures as Disney would buy the Muppets brand. Save for this movie and The Muppets Take Manhattan. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
And while Disney would do TV projects with The Muppets it would take until 2011 for Disney to bring The Muppets back to the Big Screen with "The Muppets" (Cut to the opening of "The Muppets" before cutting to Clips of the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
And from the beginning you could tell that this was a movie for the fans by a fan of the Muppets. Jason Segel starred in, helped write and executively produce this movie and you can tell that Jason was hands on in making this movie. The story was amazing. Essentially a reunion movie. The Muppets have to come back to save the Muppet Theater from a ruthless oil tycoon. I love every aspect of this movie and I will admit for the first time as an adult I cried when the new Muppet Character Walter performed by Peter Linz was in Kermit's office and one of the photos they panned to was a picture of Kermit and the man behind him Jim Henson and if a movie can make me feel something then it has to be amazing. If you have kids who haven't seen either Sesame Street or The Muppets in any way shape or form then this is a great way to introduce Kermit and the gang to a whole new generation.(Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:
With the success of "The Muppets" many people would assume Disney would capitalize on what happened and bring another movie out quickly. Well without Jason Segel helping in the production would it capture what the 2011 movie? We'd find out in 2014 with "Muppets Most Wanted" (Cut to opening credit of "Muppets Most Wanted" before cutting to clips of the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
And to be honest it was good. The plot was somewhat reminiscent of "The Great Muppet Caper" but it didn't feel like a knock off. While it was nice to see Walter return and see an honest to god Muppet villain that can actually challenge The Muppets in a way not even time can hold a candle to, Meet.... Constantine and guess what... (First time Constantine in unveiled as a dramatic musical sting before cutting to James physically)

TLOTA:
WHOA MY GOODNESS IT'S KERMIT'S EVIL TWIN! (Cut to clips of "Muppets Most Wanted" as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
Actually there are some difference between Kermit and Constantine and if you've seen Adorkable Rachel's Review of this movie you know what they are. There is however another reason why this movie has become more memorable over the past few years as one of the final performances of  Steve Whitmire as Kermit The Frog before his unceremonious departure after 27 years as Kermit only for Constantine's performer Matt Vogel to become only the Third most known performer to be Kermit The Frog and my thoughts on Matt Vogel's Kermit is... (Cut to Muppet Of The Week with Kermit being performed by Matt Vogel before cutting to hear a ground shaking explosion at James' office as James runs out to see his team using Fire extinguishers)

TLOTA:
WHAT IN THE SAM HILL HAPPENED?

Olivia Horvath:
The Polarizing meter exploded!

TLOTA:
Hasn't happened since "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice!" (James grabs a fire extinguisher and joins the other as the flames subside as everyone looks at James)

TLOTA:
Uh was working on quickly reviewing all the Muppet Movies and I just had to show the clip of Matt Vogel's debut as Kermit The Frog. Yeah, I know that look on your faces about Kermit's new performer but you can not deny the impact of the movies The Muppets made.

(Cut to clips of all the Muppets Movies as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover):
These movies are amazing! The stories of these movies are incredibly entertaining, the acting from the human actors is incredible, the humor is incredible, the writing is timeless, the music has aged well like fine wine, it is a part of my childhood and believe it when I say it should be a part of everyone's childhood because everything good and imaginative in childhood. Get them on Blu-Ray, DVD or even watch them on any Streaming site that will show these movies. As long as you get a chance to watch and share these movies with the next generation then we know Jim Henson's legacy will stay alive! Will there be more Muppet Movies in the future? Well that's up for Disney to decide. But as much as I want to wish for it to happen, I'm not holding my breath.  (Cut to James and the rest of the team physically)

TLOTA:
So until that time when I can watch the Muppets on the big screen again, Let's enjoy what we have. I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans...

Everyone (In Unison):
AND THAT'S OUR OPINION!

Have yourself a "Muppet" little "Christmas"

(Music from the last seasons of the Original Run of American Gladiators play Speedy shot of James Faraci riding with Santa on his sleigh, throwing snowballs, singing Christmas Carols with The Muppets, baking cookies, Waxing Rudolph’s red nose to add to the brightness and pal around with Frosty before fading away to see a picture of the North Pole Santa Workshop appears in the background as Jesus Christ, Santa Claus and Santa Christ appear in the foreground as all three stand as a Christmas Tree land over them and James Faraci stands alongside the Christmas tree with a smile on his face and in Holiday text the words of The Last Of The Americans stand by his side as Jingling Bells and snow falls in the intro before cutting to James in his office with a smile on his face)

TLOTA: I’m James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and it’s…. (James slams his fists and a green and red hypnowheel pops up and James’ head is in the center as Christmas based imagery is around the border of the screen and a metal instrumental version of “Jingle Bells” play in the background.)

TLOTA (Singing to the tune of “Jingle Bells”): CHRISTMAS TIME! CHRISTMAS TIME! CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN! LOTS OF FUN FOR EVERYONE FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED TEN! CHRISTMAS TIME! CHRISTMAS TIME! IT’S TIME TO MAKE THE ROOM! FOR THE MOVIES, SPECIALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE UNTIL WE GO KA-BOOM! (An explosion occurs as it cuts to James’ office door and Eliza Dushku opens the door)

Eliza Dushku: WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS PLACE?! (Cut to James sitting back up with his hair looking like Georgio A. Tsoukalos with red and green stripes in it.)

TLOTA: Well it’s the holidays and in a few hours my family and friends in the Reviewerverse are gonna be here and I figured I’d get my review in before the party gets into full swing. (Cut to Eliza Dushku at the door.)

Eliza Dushku: Well have you looked at yourself in a mirror recently? (Cut to James)

TLOTA: No. Why? (Cut to Eliza)

Eliza Dushku: Take a look! (Eliza grabs a mirror and shows James his new hairdo)

TLOTA: YOWZA! (James shakes his head until his hair looks normal except for the red and green) Better? (Cut to Eliza)

Eliza Dushku: The Red and Green look wicked festive on you! (Cut to James)

TLOTA: Thanks. So how about you come and sit with me and help me on this? (Cut to Eliza)

Eliza Dushku: Uh, No, I’ve got to help everyone else get ready, but you know it’s kind of wicked easy seeing as how 95 % of the work was done already, all we have to do is reheat the food and set up the buffet. You do a lot for us. Thanks James. (Cut to James)

TLOTA: No problem. So while you’re finalizing the little bits and pieces for the party, I’m gonna celebrate by watching the Muppets’ version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” (James turns his head to the left in confusion then to the right in confusion before looking at the audience.)

TLOTA: Wait! What?! (Cut to the Opening Credit of “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” before cutting to clips of the movie while James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): Yeah this was kind of a weird Holiday Hybrid and even though some of it is dated, I can look past that and see this for a good piece during a dark time for the Muppets. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA: Yeah, here’s the thing, remember how in my “In Defense Of “Muppets From Space”” I said how much of a low point it was for The Muppets. I kind of understated a huge obvious statement. I mean this was… (A Bright light flare shines as Choral Music plays in James’ face as it cuts to the corner of James’ office and a woman dressed in a white chorus robe played by Rachel Herrick hovers over James’ desk.)

Women dressed in chorus robe: Greetings James, I am Rachel and I am your Guardian Angel! (Cut to James squinting)

TLOTA: What did you say? I can’t hear you because of the Choral Music and I can’t see because of the light coming off of the lens flare. (Cut to Rachel)

Rachel: Okay guys, take a hike back up and on your way out kill the extra lights. (A Chorus walks away carrying a load of Stage lights with them)

Rachel: As I said before, I am Rachel and I IEEEEEE! (Rachel falls down to earth and says “ow” off screen as the scene cuts to see Rachel crawling towards and eventually sitting next to James.)

Rachel: Okay, let me try one more time, I am Rachel and I am your Guardian Angel, James Faraci The Last Of The Americans.

TLOTA: My Guardian Angel?

Rachel: Yes and I have come on high to remind you of the love that your fellow man has for you and the love you give to your fellow man.

TLOTA: I’m kind of aware of that, besides you caught me at a bad time. You see, I’m reviewing “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” and…

Rachel: Muppets? Did you say Muppets?!

TLOTA: Yeah.

Rachel: Oh My Goodness, I love The Muppets!  So what did you think of their new series so far?

TLOTA: Well it’s safe to say after seeing this. (Cut to Clip of Miss Piggy going into Code Red Diva mode in “The Muppets” before cutting to James crying with a smile on his face with Rachel sitting next to him.)

TLOTA: It’s safe to say The Muppets are getting past the low point and few gasps of air it was going through and it is in good hands.

Rachel: Is that a tear in your eye?

TLOTA: Yes

Rachel Why?

TLOTA: Because I’m about five seconds from laughing my jingle bells off. Let’s not waste any time, this is… (James bursts into uncontrollable laughter for five seconds.)

Rachel: “It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.” (James sits back up and gasps for air.)

TLOTA: Thanks.

Rachel: No Problem. (Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So the movie starts off with a party after a successful Christmas Show with the Muppets having a fun time, except for Kermit who looks like he had a lump of coal delivered in his stocking.

Kermit The Frog: We…We lost everything.

Other Muppets: Huh?

Kermit The Frog: I’m sorry I convinced you all to work so hard and believe in this dream. It was all for nothing. We lost the money, We lost the theater…. We’ve lost everything.

TLOTA (Voiceover): That’s right, The Muppet Theater is now owned by a bank who decided to foreclose on it. (Cut to James and Rachel physically)

Rachel: Well that stinks. What else can happen? An oil tycoon will buy the theater and then demolish it for the oil underneath… (James pulls up a copy of “The Muppets” 2011 behind her as Rachel speaks and she turns around to see the cover.)

Rachel: Oh yeah, forgot about that. (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): Feeling despondent and ashamed Kermit walks away from everything and finds a park bench to sit and freeze himself. This catches the eye of Daniel played by David Arquette who decides to stick up for Kermit and confront the Boss itself played by Whoopi Goldberg to do so. Daniel takes us back to a few weeks before we see what led up to the events in the opening. Starting off with an appearance on Carson Daly’s late night talk show then continuing on with a Cirque Du Solei director played by Matthew Lillard practicing for an opening act and…. Well…. (Cut to a Muppet version of a Cirque Du Solei style show before cutting to James and Rachel looking confused and disturbed as to what they just saw.)

Rachel: I think this can be considered as one VERY BIG…

TLOTA: Save it, she’d bill us out the wazoo if we did that one. (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): After that the owner of the Bank, Rachel Bitterman played by Joan Cusack comes by to let The Muppets know she’s the bad guy and she will foreclose on Christmas if they can’t pay the same night as their performance. So it’s up to all of them to come together all except for Miss Piggy who decides to get better work. While they try to get the show up and running and every last single seat filled for their performance they decided to go to the celebrity cameos ranging from Kelly Ripa to… Ugh Triumph The Comic Dog. (Cut to James and Rachel physically)

Rachel: What’s wrong with the Celebrity Cameos?

TLOTA: Nothing, I’m just not a fan of Triumph The Comic Dog, in fact one of my favorite Cameo appearance comes from the cast of “Scrubs”. (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): As a matter of fact, their cameo convinces Miss Piggy to get back to the Muppets and to their show because she hams it up on her appearance and they give her the axe. Meanwhile Rachel Bitterman decided to do some wicked things including messing around with the Mortgage to the theater so she can go ahead with her plans to turn the Muppet Theater into a Club where she can overcharge for drinks and music. (Show clip of Rachel Bitterman telling her plans as Pepe The King Prawn overhears it before cutting to James and Rachel physically)

TLOTA: You Cold Blooded Demon! (James gets Chudnofsky’s double barreled handgun from Seth Rogen’s “Green Hornet” and loads it) For your crimes against The Muppets, I’ll send you back to where you came from MYSELF!

Rachel: Is that a… (James shoots at Rachel Bitterman still image and the shots deflect off the still image then cut to James unloading the entire clip before cutting to the Still image of Rachel Bitterman and the shots just being deflected before cutting to James and Rachel.)

Rachel: Well James you just unloaded an entire magazine of bullets out of a double barreled handgun and it didn’t even phase…. (James grabs the three hundred round magazine and loads it into the double barreled handgun.) Okay here we go again! (Multiple shots are heard as the scene cuts to the Still image of Rachel Bitterman deflecting every single last shot before cutting to James standing there with an empty double barreled handgun.)

TLOTA (Whispering): What are you? (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So with that Knowledge Pepe runs to Kermit just as the show begins with a Moulin Rouge parody sketch and to be honest, the sketch itself isn’t bad and they employed some really great puppetry maneuvers in this and the entire movie. (Cut to the opening of the Moulin Scrooge opening with Gonzo being overdubbed with Linkara singing the opening song to The Nostalgia Critic’s “Moulin Rouge” review before cutting to James and Rachel physically.)

Rachel: What was that?

TLOTA: My attempt add levity to this review. (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So after Pepe crashes the sketch, everything goes bonkers (Cut to the sketch going into Baz Luhrmann Territory before cutting to James and Rachel staring at the insanity.)

Rachel: What is it you’d usually say at something like this?

TLOTA: Yowza!

Rachel: That’s the word. (Cut back to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So after everything calms down thanks to Miss Piggy basically going ballistic in order to get the sketch back on track. (Show the end of the sketch)

TLOTA (Voiceover): After that Pepe tells Kermit about Bitterman’s sabotage, Fozzie volunteers to deliver the money himself and faster than you can say Wocka Wocka! Fozzie runs into Holiday Hijinks! (Cut to the clip of Fozzie going up against a Steve Irwin-esque Outdoor enthusiast, gets spray painted Green and is chased by Whos because he looks like the Grinch and then through a Steam bath, bumping into a Salvation Army group then going into Bitterman’s Bank going through a web of lasers three times while ragtime piano plays in the background.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): It looks like Bitterman’s plans are down the drain as Fozzie hands Bitterman a big old sack of cash but when Bitterman discovers that the money is not in there and he handed her a bag of Laundry, Fozzie wonders how in all that chaos how he could’ve lost the cash. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed he pulls Kermit away from the Party just to deliver the bad news. With desperation on him Kermit asks for a little more time and Bitterman tells Kermit it’s too late and she has foreclosed on the theater which leads to where Kermit is now and Daniel’s Boss to charge Daniel to help Kermit. Kermit meanwhile comes to a conclusion even I wouldn’t go to. (Cut to Kermit shouting “I Wish I’ve never been born!” in various ways intercut with James and Rachel trying not to have him do that and then cut to Daniel taking Kermit to a galaxy far, far away before cutting to a confused James & Rachel before cutting back to the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So after that brief trip to a galaxy far, far away. Kermit and Daniel wind up in a world without Muppets or Kermit. Bitterman turned the Park into a Mall, Gonzo is with a performing brick, Rizzo is eaten alive on Fear Factor, “The Electric Mayhem” well…. (Show clip of “The Electric Mayhem” as a River dancing troupe before cutting to James and Rachel with shock on their faces.)

TLOTA & Rachel (In unison): Yowza! (Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): That’s not even the worst of it as Doc Hopper’s Frog Legs Fast Food franchise took off like a rocket and The Muppet Theater is now Club Dot! (Cut to James & Rachel physically)

TLOTA: But what would I be without the Muppets in my life?

Rachel: Do you want to know?

TLOTA: A Part of me is saying No and the rest of me is saying I don’t want to know but I’m gonna go because I think I’d like to know.

Rachel: Very well then, take my hand as we see what your life would be with “The Muppets” in it. (James grabs her hand as she snaps her fingers and the two blink out of there and to a green screened background of a Sullivan County New York that is a dystopian version of Sullivan County.)

TLOTA: Okay, this cannot be good.

Rachel: Something tells me I made one very big boo-boo! (An alarm klaxon is heard as everyone looks at the gigantic big screen as James and the Rest of Team “The Last Of The Americans” are dressed in white robes and speaking in monotone with smiles on their faces.)

(A)James Faraci: It is now Curfew time

(A)John Santos: If you are traveling, your loved ones will be notified of your coming.

(A)Mike Santos: If you are drunk or not of good health you will be taken care of.

(A)Paulo Fonseca & Rebecca Yaun (In unison): For any stragglers, you shall be dealt with.

(A)Eric Kurtzke: Remember we do this because we care.

(A)Renee Miller: We care because we must.

(A)Traci Hines: We do what we do now because we care.

(A)Eliza Dushku: We release the death blasters because we care.

(A)Team “TLOTA”: Have a nice life! (The Big Screen shuts off as James stands their slack jawed and bug eyed as a Death Blaster comes face to face with James & Rachel)

Death Blaster: You are out past cur few and you with the red & green hair are guilty of im per son ating our o ver lord! You have un till the count of three be fore you are EX TERM IN ATED!

TLOTA: WE’RE GETTING OUT OF HERE! (James fumbles around in his pocket.)

Death Blaster: ONE!

Rachel: Hurry up, I heard about this one guardian angel that went rouge and tried to kill his charge and next thing we all discovered guardian angels can die and wind up in a limbo!

Death Blaster: TWO! (James fumbles around until he finds the quick cut to a commercial break device)

TLOTA: HERE WE GO!

Death Blaster: THREE! (James hits the button taking the review to a commercial break which ends with James sitting there angered tapping his fingers as Rachel sits next to him in fear in James’ office quarters and back in the real world.)

Rachel: Look James I… (James raises his hand to signify to Rachel to stop talking)

TLOTA: I’ve been trying not to be snarky and cynical because it is the Holiday season but nearly being blasted into smithereens doesn’t exactly bode well for you. But since this is the Holiday season I apologize for being angry at you.

Rachel: Well I put the idea into your head so that didn’t help. Why don’t we forget that and get back to the review?

TLOTA: Actually, that’s not a bad idea. (Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So checking out Club Dot which would’ve been the Muppet Theatre in our universe we discover what happened to what a LOT of the regulars that would’ve been the Muppets including Statler & Waldorf and Hoooooo Boy!

Rachel (Voiceover): What? What is it?

TLOTA (Voiceover): Words escape me when I see this! (Cut to Scooter Go-go dancing in a cage before cutting to James and Rachel with their heads tilted and slack jawed before cutting back to seeing Scooter Go-go Dancing for five seconds before cutting to James & Rachel.)

TLOTA: I’ve got nothing. Rachel?

Rachel: I…. (Sighs) Same here. (Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So while you try and I do mean try to get that image out of your head. Kermit tries to go after Bitterman for her dishonest way to run a bar and trust me if Kermit brought Jon Taffer along even he would leave. But unlike Taffer, Kermit got thrown out the back door by… (Show a Muscular Beeker meeping and closing the door as it cuts to James & Rachel)

TLOTA: Well, I guess the rumors are true.

Rachel: What rumors? (James flips his hand towards the screen as it cuts to a clip of Sheamus from WWE and Beeker meeting and talking about a Family Reunion from the 2011 Halloween Episode of WWE RAW before cutting to James and Rachel)

Rachel: They’re related? How ‘bout that? Cut to the movie as James does a voiceover)

TLOTA (Voiceover): After being pickpocketed by Fozzie which is incredible because Kermit doesn’t even have pockets, he catches up with Miss Piggy who has become a cat lady and a fake Jamaican Psychic. But somethings never change even in alternate realities! (Cut to Kermit getting Karate Chopped through the door and through the movie to flying through to James’ office quarters stopping to speak to James and Rachel)

Kermit The Frog: Hi-Ho James, Hi-Ho Rachel.

TLOTA & Rachel (In Unison): Hi Kermit.

Kermit The Frog: Like the new series we’re doing?

Rachel: I absolutely love it!

TLOTA: A Complete Laugh Riot.

Kermit The Frog: Oh Good. (Kermit screams and continues to fly away before cutting to The Rowdy Reviewer and Kermit flying by Rowdy and stopping long enough to chat to Rowdy.)

Kermit The Frog: Hi-Ho Rowdy!

Rowdy: KERMIT!

Kermit The Frog: Before I forget, great job on that Tribute you did on Muppet Wish Day.

Rowdy: Thanks Kermit. Tell the rest of the gang I said Hi!

Kermit The Frog: I will! Bye! (Kermit screams and continues to fly away before cutting to Linkara and Kermit flying by Linkara and Kermit stopping long enough to chat to Linkara.)

Kermit The Frog: Hi-Ho Linkara!

Linkara (Doing a Tommy Wiseau impression): Oh Hai Kermit!

Kermit The Frog: Any plans on reviewing any of our Comic Adaptations?

Linkara: We’ll see.

Kermit The Frog: Could you do so for Muppet Wish Day?

Linkara: Maybe

Kermit The Frog: Okay, gotta go. Bye Linkara! (Kermit screams and continues to fly away before cutting to The Nostalgia Critic and Kermit flying by The Nostalgia Critic and Kermit stopping long enough to chat to The Nostalgia Critic.)

Kermit The Frog: Hi-Ho Nostalgia Critic!

Nostalgia Critic: Hey Kermit, how’s it going?

Kermit The Frog: Same old Same old, just got Karate Chopped by Piggy! Hey Listen do you think there’s any chance you’re gonna do any new special event movie type things?

Nostalgia Critic: It’s Possible.

Kermit The Frog: That’s great, listen I’ve got to get going.

Nostalgia Critic: Okay, See you later. (Kermit screams and continues to fly away before landing back into the movie and James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): Eventually Kermit has had enough and after being Karate Chopped like that wouldn’t you? He tries to get Daniel to bring him back to his world but sadly Daniel leaves him. All the while, Gonzo is heard playing a song I think Sean Penn Wrote but Kermit comes up with something better and more uplifting. And in doing so allows Kermit to remind himself as to what he does best and why he does it and in that moment Daniel returns to unfortunately tell Kermit that he’s stuck there. He handles it well. (Show clip of Kermit screaming about how foolish he was to say how he wishes he was never born.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): At that moment Daniel’s Boss tells him how to return to our world. A World with the Muppets and the theater. He returns feeling better and makes amends to everyone and even kisses Miss Piggy right on the lips. (Cut to James and Rachel physically as James lowers his head and sighs and just shakes his head in sadness.)

Rachel: Still not over their break up?

TLOTA: Let’s say it adds to the dark cloud that is my Romantic Love Life and seems to have continual possibilities to expand without a silver lining to stop it from growing.

Rachel: Don’t worry, you and your friend Chris will meet those you will be with the rest of your lives.

TLOTA: Wait, What?

Rachel: Spoilers (TLOTA Sighs before cutting back to the movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): So as Kermit reassures the rest of our Muppet Friends that even though they lost the theater, they’re still together when Bitterman tries to rub into their faces about what she plans on doing to the theater when Pepe comes in with having filed the right papers that saves the theater by turning it into a historical landmark and Bitterman winds up getting nothing, The Muppets celebrate by joining a group of Carolers oh and the money Fozzie lost wound up with the Salvation Army and Daniel gets told by his Boss that all Kermit needed was a reminder of what he does matter and Daniel’s Boss tells Daniel that things happen Daniel’s Boss’s way for a reason and the movie ends with The Muppets singing the song he sang in the alternate universe but the question I have about that is How do The Muppets of this universe know the lyrics and how to sing the song? (Cut to James & Rachel physically)

TLOTA: And you know something? That’s a minor hiccup in a Holiday Muppets Movie that wasn’t as bad as many people think it is. So maybe that’s why I’m kind of lenient towards this thing. Because it is The Muppets and I can forgive them no matter what they do, even being in this. (Cut to Clips of the Movie as James does a voiceover.)

TLOTA (Voiceover): I feel like my friend The Rowdy Reviewer when he reviewed “High School Musical”, I can’t hate this thing. The story while is a rehashing of “It’s A Wonderful Life” was handled with respect for what was done already. The Acting from the human actors is really good especially in this movie and as usual The Muppets do the voodoo they’re known for and everything else shows something that few things at this point in time when it came to projects with The Muppets were lacking. (Cut to James & Rachel physically)

Rachel: What are you talking about? What was missing with projects with the Muppets?

TLOTA: Well before you came in here I was trying to tell my audience that while “Muppets From Space” which I defended lacked a lot of effort. There was some effort in having The Muppets in a good parody of bad family films but the effort was so non-existent but here, it’s shown. It’s shown in how well they pay homage to The Frank Capra classic and how everyone did their best even if it wasn’t appreciated by everyone. I appreciate it. I also appreciate the effort done by everyone who puts up with me. (James stands up and grabs Rachel by her hand and carries her along as the camera follows the two of them.)

TLOTA: Because it does take effort to work with me, I mean yeah my life isn’t where I want it to be but I still have hope that eventually it’ll get better and they put up with me dressing them up in silly costumes and them doing silly things but I am thankful for everyone including Paulo Fonseca and his sister Rebecca Yaun, I’m thankful to John and Mike Santos, I’m thankful for Renee Miller and Eric Neil Kurtzke for putting up with my silliness and I give all the praise and thanks I can to both Eliza Dushku and Traci Hines who put up with my stupidity month in, month out. (Jingling bells are heard as James continues to praise everyone on “Team TLOTA” and Rachel says “Uh James” as everyone begins to see Rachel and start to be shocked before cutting to the front door to see everyone in “The Reviewerverse”, CInemassacre & Channel Awesome arrive and they see Rachel as well.) And its guys like my best friend and blood brother The Rowdy Reviewer himself Chris Lee Moore who gave me a break and helped me out in ways I can never repay.

Rowdy: Uh James are you seeing this?

TLOTA: Then there are guys like James “Jamietud” Sullivan, Alex DeCourville, Eli Stone The Cartoon Hero, Gus Webb, Stevie Swiggart every one of my fellow reviewers in the Reviewerverse because it’s their effort and their hard work that humbles me when their reviews of things I’ve reviewed are better than something I did or knowing they were showing a light on something I was trying to, these guys are incredible. (Cut to Rachel contorting as her heavenly white robe gets a little puffier and Rachel Squeeing in pain as it gets puffier.)

Rachel: Okay that hurt the daylights out of me (Cut to James continuing to ramble on)

TLOTA: And had these two The Angry Video Game Nerd & The Nostalgia Critic not been entertaining, I wouldn’t have been inspired to do this and had I not seen them, I wouldn’t have known and met guys like Linkara, Angry Joe, Spoony, Film Brain, Todd In The Shadows, E-Rod, Nash, Paw, The Maven Of The Eventide and so many others that eventually led me to everyone else and I am forever grateful to the Family & Friends who help this schmuck from Sullivan county and…

Everyone else: JAMES!

TLOTA: What?

Everyone else: LOOK! (James turns around to see Rachel in a backless white dress and a pair of five feet wide wings.

Rachel: My wings! James, your rambling on how these people and the effort and the inspiration they gave you, got me my wings! This is amazing! I had a feeling that you would be able to do this for me, I can go back to my boss and let the boss know that you’ll be okay. I mean yeah you’ll have your ups & downs but you’ll get through them with humor, strength and your usual voodoo that you do so well and I am thankful to you for doing so. (Rachel surprise kisses James on the lips as everyone just stands there looking in shock and dull surprise before cutting to Rachel letting James out of their kiss.)

Rachel: Your 2016 is gonna be awesome. Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got to hit the open sky. But I’ll be watching and to those with potty mouths and fowl humor, I may put in a few good words with the boss. (Rachel phases through the roof as the camera follows her before cutting to everyone running outside of James’ office looking as a speeding beam of light screaming “WOO-HOO!” is seen before cutting to everyone looking up.)

Rowdy: You know something, your parties are freaking crazy

TLOTA:  You guys head inside and I’ll be in to enjoy it after I get my Fez.

Everyone else: Right (Everyone else walks in before cutting to James grabbing his Fez out of his car.)

TLOTA: Well, here’s hoping 2016 is gonna be better. Happy Holidays and as always I’m James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and that’s my opinion.

In Defense of "Muppets From Space"

(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it then cutting to James in his chair)

I’m James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans and the views I’m about to express are that of my own & some of yours and welcome to another edition of "In Defense Of..." (Show pics of maligned pieces of pop culture while the fanfare from the Olympics  play and James comes up after Vanilla Ice slides back and his right hand thumbs up and the words "In Defense Of..."  appear to the left of James then cutting to clips of The Muppets in various projects from "The Muppet Show" to "The Great Muppet Caper" to "Muppets Most Wanted")

TLOTA (Voice over): Recently, there have been rumors that The Muppets were coming back to the small screen with a re-boot of "The Muppet Show" under Bill Prady who had worked in the past with The Muppets on a few projects but he has a big set of shoes to fill. Whose shoes you may ask, well Jim Henson's of course but after Jim Henson's passing things weren't easy but there were decent projects including "Muppet Christmas Carol" & a kind of a Reboot of "The Muppet Show" called "Muppets Tonight" which while it didn't last long was pretty good. (Cut to James Physically)

TLOTA: But there was one project that didn't seem to make an impact and did more to knock The Muppets out of prominence and nearly sent them to obscurity. I am of course talking about "Muppets From Space" (Cut to clips of "Muppets From Space" while James does a voice over)

TLOTA (Voice over): And to be honest, it is not as bad as everyone says it was. So this time I will defend probably what many Muppets fans like myself consider a REAL low point. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA: So let's start with where it failed. (Cut to clips of "Muppets From Space" while James does a voice over)

TLOTA: Okay first off the timing wasn't good because it came out the SAME YEAR as "Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace", "Austin Powers: The Man Who Shagged Me", "American Pie", "The Matrix" and "Star Trek: Insurrection". So no wonder  "Muppets From Space" was given the short end of the stick in terms of getting recognition. There were so many big effects "Blockbusters" that a movie about something with The Muppets would be considered second class. Also The Muppets had movies with original musical numbers. Here there was no such consideration to original musical numbers. We had Kermit and the gang shaking their collective groove things to The Commodores' "Brick House" and a number with Gonzo's relative dancing and singing to "Celebrate" originally by Kool And The Gang and while they were good moments without any original musical numbers to compliment them it looked like the producers of the movie didn't even try to do anything to remedy the situation and the pop culture references they used by todays standards is out of date. Also a lot of the celebrity cameos were either below Muppets standards or wasted. I mean seriously Andie MacDowell, you were in "Groundhog's Day" with Bill Murray and Ray Liotta you were in "Goodfellas" and they gave you a meaningless cameo and they tried to hook Animal up with Kathy Griffin and don't get me started on "Hollywood Hulk Hogan" and UGH Rob Schneider. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA: But was there anything good about it? YOU BEST BELIEVE IT BUB! (Cut to clips of "Muppets From Space" while James does a voice over.)

TLOTA (Voice over): First off, we get actual focus on a Muppet outside of Kermit.  We don't know much about Gonzo outside of he's abnormal and that's it. We don't know if he's from this planet or was from a time far different from ours, so to discover that Gonzo is an alien from outer space makes some sense. Plus the journey he has to go through to find out who he is and where he can go to discover where he can meet his people is fascinating also the fact the antagonist played by Jeffrey Tambor who is so bent on being seen as the authority when it comes to aliens. Seriously Fox Mulder is snickering at how idiotic this guy's theories are and how out of it Jeffrey's character acts. But there is an enjoyably ability to seeing this guy just slowly go off the edge. Also the narrative was well thought out and a lot of what we do see in The Muppets even though not used properly tried to use them but the potential was WASTED big time.  BUT I personally would take this over certain family movies that claims it was "A Family Film" (Cut to cover of "Fish Tales"  with James shouting "I WANT "MUPPETS FROM SPACE" OVER THAT!" before cutting back to the movie with James doing a voice over) Regardless I feel if you look at it as a satirical farce of Bad "Family Films" it works like that. But as a Muppets Movie yes it does fail but again that's why it feels like a good satirical farce. There could never be an amazing Muppet Movie without smart writing, original musical numbers and of course a focus ON The Muppets. So as far as I'm concerned this movie it's an amazing Satire starring the Muppets and I did enjoy it as the farce staring The Muppets. (Cut to James physically)

TLOTA:  And as far as I'm concerned Watching "Muppets From Space" is more entertaining than seeing a little over two hours of Keanu Reeves going (Sounding like Keanu Reeves saying Whoa! before going back to his normal voice). I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and That's My Opinion! Wocka-Wocka!

Are The Muppets still relevant?

(Commercial Sting with of the American Gladiators first run's final season's ten seconds theme with James Standing next to Army Text saying The Last Of The Americans. Then a rubber stamp stamps over the entire thing the word Editorial)

I'm James Faraci, The Last Of The Americans and the views I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. Now, I'm going to come out of character a little bit to reveal that I am an uncle of Three Nieces as of this blog Twin ten year olds and their baby sister who is seven months old as of this blog. I was over where they live one day and I brought over a movie starring The Muppets and while my intentions were good, my nieces weren't interested namely because the baby probably wouldn't have been able to process it and her older sisters thought The Muppets were lame which made me feel as if I had failed as an uncle and had me asking several questions. One) Did I miss the boat in showing my Twin nieces what the Muppets were all about? Two) Would their baby sister share the same fate? But for me the big one was "Are The Muppets still relevant?" and before anyone asks NO I do not think of the gang from Sesame Street as part of the Muppets continuity Sesame Street and The Muppets went their separate ways a long time ago continuity wise, but if I were to have an answer to that question before the 2011 Muppets movie I'd probably lean a little more on the no side and remind myself that The Muppets were a part of my childhood my nieces probably would never get to enjoy. Since the 2011 Muppets movie I think people want to lean more to the yes side but even before then I did and still wanted to lean towards the yes side and I do lean towards the yes side but it was more than just simply wanting to share The Muppets with the next generation it was to make sure people from my generation didn't forget either so they can pass it down to the next generation and the next generation can pass it down to their next generation and so on and so on. But why do I lean more towards the yes side was it because of the 2011 Muppets movie? No. It's because I wanted to share that with my nieces, I wanted to make sure the next generation knew about The Muppets. The first Muppets movie I ever gave them was one of my favorite movies of all time "The Great Muppet Caper" why, because it introduced me to The Muppets as much as watching the reruns of The Muppet Show. But I know why people are more into The Muppets now and it is because of the 2011 Muppets movie and I thought it was Cinematic Perfection any flaws it had didn't bother me and why do I think of it as Cinematic Perfection well it wasn't because of the Nostalgia Factor The Muppets brought to it, that just enhanced the movie what made the movie was the Character arc of Walter. At the beginning he was somewhat of an outcast several feet shorter than his brother Gary played by Jason Segel and Gary's girlfriend Mary played by Amy Adams (Who for the record was awesome as Lois Lane in Superman: The Man Of Steel which by the way was amazing) and it wasn't until Walter watched the Muppets for the first time and it was because of The Muppets that he was able to be himself and it was because of Walter that The Muppets come back together and become a success again and by the end Walter was able to join the Muppets and that's a rare thing for any third party person to join the group they idolize. But if someone were to ask me about the Muppets and their ability to be relevant in a cinematic world filled with 3-D, CGI and characters that are not able to truly touch the monolith that the primates touched in "2001: A Space Odyssey", I'd probably say if done right like they did in the 2011 Muppets movie, yes. Because they should be a part of every generation's childhood that is part of what Jim Henson wanted as his legacy with The Muppets and even though he has no longer been with us in physical form in 23 years his spirit has touched the Muppets and will be with them forever and here's hoping that his spirit will still be with The Muppets for generations to come. I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and here's hoping my opinion in this editorial is not just my own.