It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) (TV)

Director:

Kirk R. Thatcher

Writers (WGA):

Tom Martin (written by) and
Jim Lewis (written by)

Release Date:

29 November 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Comedy | Family

Tagline:

More holiday fun then humanly possible!

Plot:

On Christmas Eve, an angel petitions God to send help for Kermit the Frog who has lost all hope after losing the Muppet Theatre.

Plot Keywords:

The Muppets | Christmas | Angel | Theater | Theatrical Show

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Steve Whitmire	...	Kermit / Rizzo the Rat / Beaker / Bean Bunny / Mr. Poodlepants / Statler
Dave Goelz	...	The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf
Bill Barretta	...	Pepe the Prawn / Dr. Teeth / Rowlf the Dog / Swedish Chef / Johnny Fiama / Bobo the Bear / Howard / Lew Zealand
Eric Jacobson	...	Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Yoda
David Arquette	...	Daniel
Joan Cusack	...	Rachel Bitterman
Matthew Lillard	...	Luc Fromage
William H. Macy	...	Glenn
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Daniel's 'Boss'
Carson Daly	...	Himself - Cameo Appearance
Kelly Ripa	...	Herself
Joe Rogan	...	Himself - Cameo Appearance
Molly Shannon	...	Herself - Cameo Appearance
Robert Smigel	...	Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (voice) (as Triumph The Insult Dog)
Zach Braff	...	Dr. John 'J.D.' Dorian

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild thematic elements.

Runtime:

100 min | Netherlands:85 min (DVD)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Singapore:G | Netherlands:6 | Germany:o.Al. | UK:U | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Lion's Gate Studios, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Trivia:

'Jerry Nelson' was sick during the production of this film so his characters were either dubbed later (Robin, Statler, Pops) or performed by another puppeteer ('Bill Barretta' performs Lew Zealand).

Goofs:

Continuity: Kermit's hand shifts on and off the back of the bench between shots during Gonzo's song in the alternate universe

Quotes:

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog: Muppet movies are always the best.
Kermit: You mean that?
Triumph the Insult Comic Dog: FOR ME TO POOP ON!

Movie Connections:

References "SpongeBob SquarePants" (1999)

Soundtrack:

Santa Baby

It's a Wonderful Muppet Life

I haven't watched the Muppets in years and was looking for The Muppet Christmas Carol when I came across this version of It's a Wonderful Life. Now, I'm not saying that Kermitcan capture the magic of Jimmy Stewart, and Fozzie certainly is not Uncle Billy, but this was an enjoyable trip down memory lane with some outstanding music, a great song (Everyone Matters), and some really funny bits that referenced other shows.

Joan Cusack was marvelous as the mean financier who wanted to drive Kermit and the Muppets out of town. Whoopie Goldberg was a great god figure and she had the ultimate accessory - a coffee shrub that produced hot coffee.

The funniest bit for me was the old men Statler and Waldorf. i had forgotten how funny they were.

An enjoyable Christmas tale.