Syl Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and all the Muppets gang are back for a Christmas Eve show at their theatre. Only Rachel Bitterman (Joan Cusack) wants to take away their theatre and dreams. Kermit down on the dumps in the park is met by an unlikely guardian angel from heaven. This film is loosely based on "It's A Wonderful Life" with Kermit the frog as George. The film is still entertaining overall with plenty of celebrity cameos. Joan Cusack is perfect to play Rachel Bitterman as a one dimensional villain. The film is set in New York City. Whoopi Goldberg has an unexpected role in the film. I just can't believe that I didn't know of this film sooner.

lastliberal 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.

Bhavanidevi I've been a fan of Jim Henson and his characters since the very beginning. The most beguiling thing about them was the love and innocence and camaraderie shown. Kermit was a role model of deep thinking and problem solving. A spiritual character, yet sweetly and believably so. All the other characters were slightly eccentric but it demonstrated how different kinds of beings can co-exist in a caring manner together, respecting each other's difference.Following movies have somewhat kept the same vibe. Yet this "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" would have Jim Henson spinning in his grave. These characters have been completely re-written to be horny, nasty, selfish, and cheesy.The cast goes on to portray God as an uncaring corporate head, with a mean streak. Angels as spineless, non-spiritual corporate staff, and the movie was so bad I had to stop watching. I had bought it for my great-nephew but fortunately I preview anything I give a child.This movie deserved the trash bin instead and has no socially redeeming content or charm.Shame, shame on the people who re-wrote the characters and departed from Jim Henson's original heart-centered, socially conscious version. It does a terrible disservice to a great hearted man who is no longer around to defend his creations.

Tommy Nelson stars: Joan Cusack, David Arquette, Whoopie Golberg, Matthew Lillard and William H. Macy. CAMEOS:Zach Braff, Robert Smigel, Ted McGinnley, Kelly Ripa, Molly Shannon and others.Muppeteers: Steve Whittemire as Kermit, Beaker, Rizzo and others.Eric Jacobson as Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Animal and Yoda.Brian Henson as Scooter, Sal Manilla, Janice and others.Jerry Nelson as Robin, Statler, Pops, Floyd Pepper and the Announcer.Bill Barretta as Pepe the prawn, Johnny Fiammo, Bobo, Howard, Lew Zealand, Swedish Chef, Rowlf, Dr. Teeth and others.Dave Goelz as Gonzo, Bunsen Hunnydew and Waldorf.Kevin Clash as Sam the Eagle.For a made for TV Muppet movie, this is great. It reminds me of an hour and a half long Muppet Show episode. It deals with angel Daniel(Arquette) talking to God(Golberg) about trying to help Kermit, since Rachel Bitterman(Cusack) just bought out his studio. Kermit wixhes he was never born and he learns what could be. Without him, Gonzo's a pan handler, Fozzie's a pick pocket, Miss Piggy is a lonely pig looking for love, Sam the Eagle is a crazy partygoer, Scooter is a cage dancer(with the thong and everything). Kermit's nephew Robin is a worker for Bitterman that is kicked around, Bunsen is a club worker, Beaker is a buffed up security guard, Johnny Fiamma is a bartender, Statler and Waldorf hang around trying to pick up girls and the Electric Mayhem band are mall river dancers. I love Fozzie Bear, and he has THE main role in this and is faced with problem after problem. Entertaining spoofs of Moulin Rouge and It's a Wonderful Life add to the plot. I also appreciate that all the Muppets are used after Jim Henson's and Richard Hunt's death. Its really great, and I recommend it! PG for some mild sexual innuendo. 89 mins.