The Muppets Take Manhattan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of college graduates tries to put on a Broadway show, but the frog gets amnesia and forgets he’s engaged to a pig who does karate, but they get married anyway.

🍿 The Muppets Take Manhattan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Graduation and the Dream of Broadway

The Muppets graduate from college and perform their senior revue, ‘Manhattan Melodies,’ which receives rave reviews. Inspired, they decide to take their show to Broadway. Kermit, initially hesitant, is encouraged by the others, and they all embark on a journey to New York City filled with optimism.

Rejection and Separation

In New York, the Muppets face a harsh reality as they are repeatedly rejected by Broadway producers. As their funds dwindle, the group starts to lose hope. They stop at Pete’s restaurant, run by Pete and his daughter Jenny. Realizing they might be hindering Kermit’s chances, the other Muppets secretly decide to leave, telling Kermit they’ve received job offers elsewhere.

Kermit’s Determination and New Allies

Kermit is left alone in Manhattan but resolves to succeed. He partners with Jenny and works at Pete’s restaurant, trying various tactics to get his play noticed. He faces constant setbacks but is supported by Jenny. Miss Piggy, who secretly followed Kermit, becomes jealous, thinking he and Jenny are romantically involved. Eventually, Piggy also joins the team at Pete’s.

A Break and Amnesia

Kermit receives a letter from Broadway producer Bernard Crawford’s office, but it turns out to be from Bernard’s son, Ronnie, who loves ‘Manhattan Melodies’ and wants to produce it. Overjoyed, Kermit shares the news but is then hit by a car, resulting in amnesia. He ends up working at an ad agency, unaware of his past life with the Muppets.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson): The optimistic and determined leader of the Muppets, who dreams of bringing their musical to Broadway.
• Miss Piggy (Frank Oz): A glamorous and assertive pig who is deeply in love with Kermit and fiercely protective of their relationship.
• Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz): A relentlessly cheerful but often unsuccessful comedian who supports his friends’ dreams.
• Gonzo (Dave Goelz): An eccentric and daring performance artist who brings a unique perspective to the group’s adventures.
• Rizzo the Rat (Steve Whitmire): A street-smart and opportunistic rat who provides a cynical yet helpful perspective.
• Jenny (Juliana Donald): A kind and supportive waitress who befriends Kermit and helps him pursue his Broadway dreams.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kermit: “We’re gonna take Manhattan!” – The enthusiastic declaration of the Muppets’ ambition to conquer Broadway.
• Pete: “Peoples is peoples.” – Pete’s nonsensical yet endearing explanation of life in New York City.
• Miss Piggy: “Get your hands off my frog!” – Piggy’s fierce defense of Kermit when she suspects romantic interest from another woman.
• Kermit: “What better way could anything end?” – Said at the end of the musical show.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11 million
• Domestic Gross: $25.5 million
• Worldwide Gross: $25.5 million

💥 The Muppets Take Manhattan Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and absolutely loving it. The ‘Together Again’ finale always gave me goosebumps, and I loved seeing the Muppets overcome all the obstacles to get their show on Broadway. Even now, watching it brings back that same sense of joy and nostalgia. The amnesia plot line with Kermit felt a bit contrived, but Miss Piggy’s persistence to find him was both funny and heartwarming. Overall, a timeless classic that still holds up today.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for wholesome entertainment”
  • “Fans of the Muppets and Jim Henson”
  • “Viewers who enjoy musicals and comedies”
  • “Anyone seeking a feel-good movie with a positive message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief comedic violence”
  • “Mildly scary scenes with rats”
  • “Some moments of sadness or separation that could be upsetting for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “The Muppets Take Manhattan is a charming and whimsical adventure that captures the spirit of Broadway. While the plot is predictable, the film’s heart and humor make it a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.
• Variety: “The Muppets’ third big-screen outing is a winning combination of catchy tunes, celebrity cameos, and the Muppets’ signature brand of humor. The film’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious, making it a must-see for fans.
• RogerEbert.com: “A heartwarming and funny film. A love letter to the Great White Way, filled with memorable musical numbers and delightful performances from both the Muppets and a parade of celebrity guests. The film’s charm will win you over.

Audience Reactions

The movie is pure, feel-good entertainment.: People love the catchy songs and heartwarming story of the Muppets pursuing their dreams in New York City.

Miss Piggy’s roller skating scene is iconic and hilarious.: Viewers appreciate the comedic moments and the charm of the Muppets’ interactions with each other and the human characters.

Overall Consensus: A generally well-received Muppet movie, praised for its music, heart, and humor, though some find the plot slightly weaker than previous installments.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the first Muppets film to be directed by Frank Oz.”
• “The ‘Muppet Babies’ sequence was so popular that it led to the creation of the animated series of the same name.”
• “Filming took place on location in New York City, adding authenticity to the story.”
• “Several real-life Broadway locations were used, including Sardi’s restaurant, where a portrait of Kermit in his producer’s disguise remains on display.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Muppets Take Manhattan?

Currently, “The Muppets Take Manhattan” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check these services for current pricing and availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available for purchase online and in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Muppets Take Manhattan, you might like these similar films:

• The Muppet Movie (1979): The original Muppet adventure, featuring a similar road trip and celebrity cameos.
• Sing (2016): An animated film about a group of animals putting on a show to save a theatre.
• A Chorus Line (1985): Captures the ambition and struggles of performers trying to make it on Broadway, with a focus on the lives and stories of the characters auditioning for a musical.
• Fame (1980): The trials and tribulations of students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.

🛒 The Muppets Take Manhattan Related Products

• The Muppets Take Manhattan [Blu-ray]: Relive the magic of the Muppets on Broadway with this high-definition Blu-ray release. Perfect for family movie nights and Muppet enthusiasts.
• Muppets Most Wanted – Nintendo Switch: Solve the puzzles in this brand new detective adventure starring The Muppets. Join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie, Animal and the Swedish Chef as they try to crack the case!
• Muppets Take Manhattan Movie Poster Print: A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater, office, or kid’s room.
• Miss Piggy Funko Pop! Figure: Add Miss Piggy to your Funko Pop! collection. A great addition to your desk or shelf.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Muppets Take Manhattan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Together Again” – performed by The Muppets
• “You Can’t Take No for an Answer” – performed by The Muppets
• “Saying Goodbye” – performed by The Muppets

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Miss Piggy & Joan Rivers

Remember that hilarious scene with Miss Piggy and Joan Rivers? This short clip will take you right back – their chemistry is gold, and the makeup counter chaos is pure Muppet magic!

The Making of “The Muppets Take Manhattan”

Ever wonder how they actually *made* The Muppets Take Manhattan? This behind-the-scenes peek is super interesting – it really shows how much work went into creating all that Muppet mayhem, and I found it surprisingly fascinating!

The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) – Miss Piggy vs. The Purse Snatcher / The Huggies

Miss Piggy fighting crime? Yes, please! This clip is a hilarious mix of Miss Piggy’s classic jealousy and a crazy purse-snatching scene with Gregory Hines. Trust me, it’s a wild ride you don’t want to miss.

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