The Muppets: Corny Jokes but Pretty Good Special Effects
Written: May 06 '04 (Updated Jun 21 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Special Effects, Entertaining Movie, Short Wait
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: A cute 3D show that kids will love. Parents will get a chuckle at the corny jokes. The 3D effects are pretty good.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D - California Adventu... |
We have seen the Muppet 3-D movie a couple of times. It is shown in a theater designed especially for the movie.
THE MOVIE
Those familiar with the Muppet Show will find that this movie is very similar to the show - the only missing piece is the human actor guest star. The characters are all the same including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and others. My children had not seen the Muppet Show but were familiar with Kermit from old Sesame Street videos we have around the house.
The plot of the movie is that the muppets are planning a big show to demonstrate their 3D technology. There are a couple of songs and some production numbers. The movie itself is cute, with lots of corny jokes and a predictable outcome. It is absolutely G rated with some very mild slapstick violence. There are some toy guns in the last scene as well.
The movie was entertaining for both kids and adults. There were definitely some jokes that went over the kids heads and were intended only for adult audiences. The kids liked seeing the Muppet characters and the slapstick humor.
The 3D technology is pretty good. No matter where you sit in the audience, the special effects look like they are only inches in front of you. In addition to the 3D effects, the theater itself is built to accomodate the show.
There is an "orchestra" at the front of the theater made of penguins that rise up from below the stage. There is a box to the right of the stage containing the two elderly gentlemen that heckle the Muppets. These characters are automatons and look somewhat realistic. The Swedish chef appears at the back of the theater.
I won't ruin the entire show but there are some cute surprises. It is neat to kind of hang back as other guests are exiting and see the theater reset for the next crowd.
THE WAIT
The wait takes place in two places. There is generally an area to wait outside but on my two visits to Disney's California Adventure, there has never been a line for this attraction that extended to the outside. Still, this area is worth exploring as it has lots of cute theming and jokes. This wait area is one of the better ones in Disney's California Adventure.
The inside wait is a large room filled with props and special effects that were created by the muppets. There are no chairs but usually people will sit on the floor. There are numerous tvs suspended from the ceiling that provide the whole pre-show. Although not 3D, the pre-show is pretty entertaining and we enjoyed the corny jokes the Muppet Show was known for.
As I mentioned above, there is generally no wait for this attraction. It would be good one to see on a busy day or to take advantage of the air conditioning on a hot day. The only reason you don't proceed directly into the 3D movie itself, is because they only open the doors every 15 minutes or so. So, you will be held in the inside waiting area until the movie is reset for the next audience.
HOW TO GET THE SEAT YOU WANT
I think all the seats in the theater generally offer good views. However, some people prefer front, back or middle. As you are standing in the waiting area, the doors to the theater will open on the right side so you can proceed in. If you want to be in the front of the theater, try to get the front of the waiting area.
As you enter the theater, you will have a choice of a few rows in your general area. Just be warned, that the Disney staff will make you move to the end of the row. If you are first to enter a row, you will be pressured to proceed to the very end of the row, landing you at the edge of the theater. If you want a middle seat, the best strategy is to let 15 or so people enter the row ahead of you.
SOME OTHER THOUGHTS
My 4 year old refused to give up his 3D glasses at the end of the show. I wish I had told him they were only loaners when we got them.
California Adventure has another 3D movie in A Bug's Land featuring characters from A Bug's Life. That show is a little scarier. This show is better for preschoolers and timid children.
There is a kiosk directly across from the entrance selling Muppet merchandise.
Even on busy days, we have never waited to get into this attraction. It would be a good one to visit during the park's peak hours. It would also be a good way to spend some time in air conditioning and sitting down.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I liked this 3D movie. It was enjoyable for the whole family and the special effects were pretty neat. While it didn't blow my socks off, it was decent entertainment.
MY REVIEWS OF THE DISNEY THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA
Disneyland
Disney's California Adventure
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK HOTELS IN CALIFORNIA
Disney’s Grand Californian
Marriott Suites Anaheim
Residence Inn Anaheim
MY REVIEW OF THEME PARK RESTAURANTS
Storyteller’s Cafe
Blue Bayou
Wine Country Trattoria
Goofy’s Kitchen
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Soarin’ Over California
Grizzly River Run
The Sun Wheel
Orange Stinger
Mulholland Madness
Jumpin’ Jellyfish
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue
It’s Tough to be a Bug 3D
Princess Dot Puddle Park
Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train
Tuck and Roll’s Drive ‘Em Buggies
Flik’s Flyers
Francis’ Ladybug Boogie
Misson Tortilla Factory Tour
Boudin Bakery Factory Tour
MY REVIEWS OF INDIVIDUAL RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS IN DISNEYLAND
Pirates of the Caribbean
Indiana Jones Adventure
Storybook Land Canal Boats
Snow White’s Scary Adventures
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Peter Pan’s Flight
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Alice in Wonderland
Matterhorn Bobsleds
It’s a Small World
Tarzan’s Tree House
Aladdin’s Oasis
Splash Mountain
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Autotopia
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D
Astro Orbitor
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
MY REVIEWS OF OTHER THINGS TO SEE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Legoland
SeaWorld San Diego
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Wild Animal Park
Balboa Park
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego’s Old Town
The Museum of Making Music
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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