“Muppets Most Wanted” refocuses the attention to the Muppets themselves and keeps its human counterparts in supporting roles.

It was refreshing to see the Muppets crew given the freedom to be as funny and entertaining as ever.

The movie begins with an opening number that pokes fun of sequels done in Hollywood.

“Everybody knows that the sequel is never quite as good,” the Muppets sing.

Despite knowing so, it is exactly what they decide to do.

The movie begins by figuring out what the plot should be, thus enters Dominic Badguy. This role is played by Ricky Gervais, who entices the crew into a world tour contract.

On their first stop, Kermit the Frog gets mistaken for Constantine, the world’s most evil frog. Kermit and Constantine look identical to one another except for the mole on Constantine’s face.

Constantine is sent to a prison in Siberia where the warden, Nadya, wonderfully played by Tina Fey, keeps strict command.

This leads to great comedic moments with her prisoners who among them are Ray Liotta and Danny Trejo. There is also the high security prisoner who is revealed with a surprising cameo at the end of the movie.

In the meantime, the rest of the Muppets travel with the evil Constantine who has them fooled into believing he is Kermit.

Constantine and Badguy are teamed up to steal the Crown Jewels of England and book shows for the Muppets at different cities in order to accomplish it. With every stop getting one step closer to their ultimate goal.

The Muppets become suspects of the crimes that happen in each town they visit on their grand tour. An Interpol agent, played by Jean Pierre Napoleon, yet another well-known celebrity, Ty Burrell, questions them.

The movie stereotyped and dramatized his European origin by having Jean Pierre take long breaks and end his workday at 2 p.m. Not original but funny nonetheless.

The Muppets eventually figure out that Constantine is an imposter and set out to rescue Kermit.

Together again, the Muppets stop Miss Piggy from marrying the wrong frog and Constantine is arrested.

The movie ends in true Muppet fashion with a full cast dance and song number.

With big names like: Lady Gaga, Salma Hayek, Usher and Zach Galifianakis to name a few, the countless celebrity cameo appearances are something to look forward to.

It was filled with good, catchy music but way too many pig jokes to count and a product placement that could not be ignored.

The movie comes down to a simple message of family being there for one another. It was heartwarming without trying too hard or being too cheesy.

All in all, it was a lighthearted, great movie for kids and adults alike to watch.

Muppets Most Wanted

Director: James Bobin

Cast: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Jermaine Clement

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 112 minutes

4 Puppets out of 5