I Love the Muppets and You Should Too

With the new documentary, Muppet Guys Talking (detailing the artists’ creative processes and characters’ secret backstories), now available online, I think it’s time I appreciate these puppets for being the best thing that ever happened to my childhood (right next to Thomas the Tank Engine). I grew up watching the Muppets starring in their various movies, whether it was hitting the streets of Manhattan or retelling the classic story A Christmas Carol. I believe all kids need to experience the Muppets at least once in their lives (ideally, at least twice everyday). The Muppets aren’t only hilarious, they also teach you life lessons. Have you ever read one of Kermit the Frog’s tweets? They’re the most motivating part of my day.

Who among us didn’t watch Sesame Street? Who didn’t giggle at Animal and his crazy antics? Didn’t Statler and Waldorf make you crack up when you were younger, even if you didn’t get their jokes?

Image via The Drum

Are today’s children going to have that same experience, or are they going to grow up on more animated franchises like Paw Patrol and Despicable Me (2017)? I mean, they’re great movies, but do they really stack up to Muppets from Space (1999) or the classic The Muppet Movie (1979)? I think not.

We are sleeping on the Muppets, and it’s time to quit that.

Educational

Excuse me, but the Count von Count was the highlight of Sesame Street because not only was he a snappy dresser, he also taught us all how to count. And he played the organ for aesthetic, which is very inspiring.

And then there’s Ernie and Bert. Ernie taught me to be silly and that my rubber ducky really was the one. Bert taught me that not everything is fun and games and we all have those people we have to deal with in our lives but we still deal with them.

Image via Muppet Wiki

Oscar the Grouch taught me it’s okay to be grumpy sometimes. Big Bird taught me to be kind to others. Miss Piggy taught me that I’m perfect just the way I am and that women can be strong role models. Cookie Monster taught me the value of cookies. I even learned a few Spanish words from Rosita. And Statler and Waldorf taught me some grade-A jokes and how far a little humor goes in a lightening a situation.

And Kermit. Well, let’s just say Kermit is the ultimate Muppet. He taught kids not to care about society said because he dated a pig and ate flies and said screw haters in his lovable way. And he admitted that it’s not easy being green, but, you know what? HE WENT ON BEING GREEN AND DIDN’T GIVE UP. Screw all these inspirational stories about athletes and the like — Kermit is the real MVP.

Hilarious

If you haven’t laughed at least once during a Muppets movie, you are lying, homie, and I will find you and make you retract your statement.

Here are some gems from over the years:

“If you were a chicken, you’d be impeccable.”

“How about this? Ocean Breeze Soap: It’s just like taking an ocean cruise, only there’s no boat and you don’t actually go anywhere.”

“He died? And this is supposed to be a kids’ movie.”

“Remember, I built this new Jacuzzi for my alien family, so please, no eating in the spa.”

“This week on “Everything Stinks”…”

“Good night, Danny Trejo.”

“Those of you who have Dark Side of the Moon, press play now.”

“How can NBC live with themselves?”

And don’t forget the classic Statler and Waldorf banter!

How can people not like the Muppets when they’re busting out jokes and fourth-wall breaks like this? It’s absolutely hilarious. Much better than the rude humor found in much of today’s child-focused media.

Good Morals and Values

Whether you watch Muppets movies for a laugh or just because there’s nothing else on TV or you’re watching Sesame Street to educate your young children on what true culture is, you’ll always learn a lesson or two. Be a good friend; don’t give up on your dreams; don’t pay attention to what the haters say; be kind to people; treat everyone like you would like to be treated; some people act and look different from you and that’s okay.

Image via USA Today

Even if you’re a mature adult like I am (very mature), those lessons still hit you. I’ve heard morals while rewatching old Muppets movies that turned my whole day around. If Kermit can go from the swamp eating flies to Hollywood making movies, I can get through this. If Miss Piggy can be a pig and also the pinnacle of fashion and beauty, I can be a gorgeous human being, too. Gonzo has the world’s weirdest nose; I have the world’s biggest zit on my face; we’ll both get through our days.

Family Friendly

The best part about the Muppets is you can watch the movies with anybody, no matter what age. Younger kids will enjoy the simpler gags and the colorful puppets. Older people will enjoy the humor and nostalgia. Moody teenagers will enjoy the story lines about being able to do anything you set your mind to (even if they grunt in response with their face buried in their phone).

Image via Yahoo

They’re always a great pick for family movie night. Or party with friends. Or you’re holed away in the basement trying to get away from your nitpicky Aunt Helen who keeps nagging you to sign her cat’s birthday card. Honestly, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Final Thoughts

Do I really need to say any more? The Muppets are awesome. They’re inspiring, funny, adorable, kind, and overall great examples of what we should all be striving to be like. If you haven’t watched any of the Muppets movies, then it’s time you reevaluate your life choices, my friend.

image via YouTube

Frank Oz’s Muppet Guys Talking is now available exclusively on muppetguystalking.com.

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