The Muppets — MomStart

Behind the Movie The Muppets Interview with Jason Segel & Nick Stoller

November 7, 2011 By Momstart 6 Comments

I’m really excited about taking my kids to see The Muppets in a few weeks, especially since I had the chance to meet, Miss Piggy, Kermit, Walter and the writers Jason Segel and Nick Stoller.

Jason Segel as you all know is actually in the movie and he and his brother Walter (who is actually a Muppet) are the two biggest Muppet fans in the world. And Jason not only plays this character he IS this character. His love of The Muppets helped bring this new Muppet movie to life.

Nick Stroller says that The Muppets are perfect for the whole family, “Kids are just watching a goofy guy sing a song with a bunch of puppets and it’s fun. And adults are experiencing it on a whole different level and I think there’s something neat about the whole family walking away having enjoyed something together, having a shared experience.” and I completely agree. Adults get to laugh along with their kids and everyone may be laughing at a different meaning.

Q: Favorite Muppet Movie?

Nick’s Favorite Muppet Movie before this one: Muppets take Manhattan

Jason’s Favorite Muppet Movie before this one: The Great Muppet Caper. “It was just like, it was the video we had. The video you have, just watch it over. And I love the song Happiness Hotel. For some reason that song, I just love that song.”

Q Favorite Muppet?

Nick: Kermit first because that’s you know, he’s the best. But, but then Beeker is my favorite.

Jason: Also picks Kermit, saying that Beeker is awesome too.

Q: What is Walter like

Nick: Walter is like the eyes and the ears of where we hope our new audience will be. Just crazy Muppet fans with a wide-eyed naïveté who think anything is possible and they’re just super, super excited to meet the Muppets.

Jason: He reminds me of what Kermit would have been like before he became famous.

Something I’m really looking forward to in the movie is the improve. Jason said, and I agree after meeting them, they are SO SMART, The Muppets that is. This is what he said, “I didn’t realize how talented these puppeteers are. And I was saying, I said it a few times. I’m sorry if I’m repeating myself but their job is to be invisible basically, is to disappear. And it’s such a shame because they’re comedians and actors and hilarious improvers and they’re hiding under this table most of the time. You’ll never see their faces. That was what I walked away from most impressed by is how crazy talented guys are.” Plus Jason himself is pretty cool and fun to watch.

So get ready for some fantastic talent in The Muppets November 23rd.

Travel expenses, interview opportunity, and photos are courtesy of Disney/DreamWorks.

Filed Under: interview, Movie review, personal Tagged With: Disney, Jason Segel, movie, Muppet Mania, Nick Stoller, The Muppets

Muppet Mania: Muppets Under Your Tree and In Your Stocking

November 6, 2011 By Momstart 5 Comments

I’ve been watching the hash tag #TheMuppets and everyone seems to be super excited about going to see this movie and the count down is on, it’s only 17 days away. So I thought I would come up with a list of toys and great Muppet Finds that could go on your Christmas wish list.

Muppets plush assortment featuring all your favorite characters from the new Disney film “The Muppets” opening on Nov. 23 are on the Top 10 toy list by Disney! Here are some Muppet Plush that I found on Amazon.

Disney Muppets Kermit 9" Plush Doll

The Muppets 12" Animal Poseable Plush Doll Exclusive

Disney Muppets Miss Piggy 9" Plush Doll

The top of my list includes

The Muppets Monopoly

Celebrate the sensational, inspirational World of the Muppets as you make like Miss Piggy, and try to "own it all" in this Muppets Collectors Edition on MONOPOLY. Here’s your chance to buy, sell and trade everything from Kermit the Frog’s swamp, Miss Piggy’s Dressing Room to Fozzie Bear’s Comedy Club and Bunsen and Beaker’s Muppet Lab! It’s time to get things started! m So Let’s get on with the show! Includes 6 collectible tokens. Ages 8-Adult 2+ Players

The Muppets Yatzee

The Muppets make their premiere in America’s all-time #1 dice game in this special Collector’s Edition YAHTZEE. Custom dice featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Gonzo and the Swedish Chef are ready for you to shake up and roll dice combinations like Full House, Large Straight and Five of a Kind. A custom Kermit dice cup makes this YAHTZEE game with a Muppets twist a treasured collector’s item for fans of all ages. Game comes complete with 5 collectible dice, custom score pad and pencil.For 1 or more players, ages 8 and up.

Muppets OPI 2011 Collection

And your Muppet Holiday List wouldn’t be complete without the Soundtrack to the new movie. Get The Muppets Soundtrack. And preview the Muppets Soundtrack track listing:

1. The Muppet Show Theme – The Muppets
2. Muppet Studios, I Can’t Believe It* – Walter
3. Life’s a Happy Song – Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter
4. I Haven’t Seen the Old Gang* – Kermit and Jason Segel
5. Pictures in My Head – Kermit and The Muppets
6. We Drive* – Kermit and Walter
7. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard – Paul Simon
8. That Spells Reno* – 80′s Robot and Amy Adams
9. Rainbow Connection (Moopets Version) – The Moopets
10. Welcome Back* – Kermit, Fozzie, Walter and Dr. Teeth
11. We Built This City – Starship
12. Party of One* – Sarah Silverman and Amy Adams
13. Me Party – Amy Adams and Miss Piggy
14. We Humbly Ask* – Kermit and Chris Cooper
15. Let’s Talk About Me – Chris Cooper
16. The Answer Is No* – Chris Cooper and Kermit
17. Are You a Man or a Muppet?* – Amy Adams
18. Man or Muppet – Jason Segel and Walter
19. Down at the Ole Barbershop* – Kermit
20. Smells Like Teen Spirit – The Muppet Barbershop Quartet
21. Princesses of Poultry* – Kermit
22. Forget You – Camilla and The Chickens
23. It’s Time for Our Song* – Kermit and Miss Piggy
24. Rainbow Connection – The Muppets
25. Get Out There and Help Those Guys* – Jason Segel
26. The Whistling Caruso – Andrew Bird
27. How Charming, a Finale* – Uncle Deadly
28. Life’s a Happy Song Finale – Entire Cast
29. Mary, Marry Me* – Jason Segel and Amy Adams
30. Mah Na Mah Na – Mahna Mahna and The Two Snowths* Dialog Track

The Muppets returns to theaters November 23rd.

Filed Under: 2011 Gift Guide Tagged With: holiday gift ideas, The Muppets

The Truth is Out Kermit and Miss Piggy are JUST FRIENDS

September 20, 2011 By Momstart 25 Comments

I’ve been following the story for some time now as I’ve been getting ready for the New Muppets movie to come out since January. You see back in January I had the opportunity to go back stage with Miss Piggy and Kermit and they were very cordial and kind. I was able to see one of their scenes being filmed and was reminded to be quiet on the set.

Then back in June I asked the question? Did Miss Piggy and Kermit ever get married? No, they haven’t. I knew that would be world breaking news right? Everyone knows that Miss Piggy is madly in love with Kermit but I never really knew how Kermit felt. So how does Kermit feel?

“Miss Piggy and I have a professional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in a relationship. Actually, Miss Piggy and I are good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we are not romantically involved—despite her best efforts.”

There you have it, in a recent interview with the frog he admitted that they are JUST FRIENDS! He goes further to discuss how it was working with her again.

“I have to say: working with Miss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.

This was a different kind of movie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s “The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Paris and we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is tough for frogs… with legs.”

Check out the rest of his interview for his upcoming movie, The Muppets.

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”?

I play me, Kermit the Frog. I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” and Captain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favorite part.

Playing a frog named Kermit might be type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I was happy to get the part.

In the movie—and in life, really—I’m a humble frog in Hollywood who wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people.

How does your life differ from the characters you play in the films?

Well, on the big screen. I’m 16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to say the biggest difference is more height—and better lighting.

Seriously, though, my life on screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’m surrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigs—just like any other Hollywood star.

Why did you want to take part in this film?

I understand they considered other actors—George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes to playing short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to director James Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.

What is the funniest scene in the film?

I like the scene where everything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm, come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.

I can’t pick JUST one scene—all the other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy, too.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

Jason is not only a great comedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If you forget your lines, he can make up new ones.

Jason’s a swell guy. He really loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after. That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can find funny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.

…Chris Cooper?

Chris plays the villain, Tex Richman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incredible feat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s not that easy being mean.

…Amy Adams?

Amy is incredible. She’s so beautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. but Miss Piggy won’t let me.

She’s also a great actress: she can sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hoping she gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paint myself gold and stand on her mantle.

Describe director James Bobin.

James has a quirky sense of humor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see this isn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helps when you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professional—and we’re not, so we really needed him.

What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors?

Never say croak.

I received travel and hotel stay to LA to visit with the Muppets courtesy of Disney/DreamWorks.

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: Disney, interview with kermit the frog, just friends, Kermit, Miss Piggy, movie announcement, The Muppets

Behind The Muppets Movie: A Conversation About the Movie & Fashion Tips with Miss Piggy

September 9, 2011 By Momstart 19 Comments

The Muppets are a legend that I grew up with. I’ve watched so many of their movies, and hours and hours of their cartoon oh and their TV show. I love Miss Piggy, even if she’s a little over bearing when it comes to her feelings for Kermit. But don’t tell her I said that, we’re best friends now you know. Here I am on set of the movie, The Muppets, coming out November 23rd.

When asked about Fashion, she gave some really great fashion tips that I would be very happy to share with you guys.

Q: You are a fashion icon. What is your secret?

A: I have a few fashion secrets:

· Never wear anything that requires a hoist to get into.

· There is no such thing as too much accessorizing.

· If it’s expensive, it fits.

· Style comes in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the bigger you are, the more style you have.

I also wanted to share a very in depth conversation with the Muppet herself.

What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about?

It’s moi’s story, of course. It’s about how I am working in Paris and Kermit and the other Muppets come over and beg me to come home. I run the complete gamut of acting—from smiling to frowning. It’s got Oscar® written all over it—and I’m not just talking de La Renta. I have heard rumors that there’s another storyline in the movie that doesn’t involve moi, but who really cares about that?

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets?”

Moi plays moi. It’s a casting no-brainer. Naturally, all of Hollywood’s top actresses tested for the part—Roberts, Streep, Winslet, Jolie, Bullock—but in the end they decided that there is only one moi and I’m it!

In the movie, I portray the plus-size fashion editor of Vogue Paris—I’m in charge of a whole office full of editors who all want to look just like moi. But of course, Kermit wants me back with the Muppets to save the day and put on some big show. Can I resist? Well, see the movie and find out.

How does your life differ from the characters you portray on the big screen?

In real life, my wardrobe is much, much bigger and more expensive, but I’m a lot like what you see on the big screen. The camera does add a few pounds—when people meet me in person they’re always amazed at how svelte I am. Take my word for it.

What made you agree to star in Disney’s “The Muppets”?

It was written especially for moi. And they said I could keep all the shoes.

What is the funniest scene in the film?

The scene where Kermie begs me to come back to Hollywood with him is the funniest scene. I’m hilarious; and the frog isn’t half bad either. There are so many very funny scenes in the film… and guess what, moi is in all of them! Coincidence? I don’t think so.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

Jason is a sweet, sweet man… and a very funny comedic actor. Of course, when I heard he wrote the movie and could write my part even bigger, we became best friends forever.

…Amy Adams?

Amy and moi are so much alike, except for the fact that she’s been nominated for an Academy Award® THREE TIMES and I’ve gotten bupkis! (Entres nous, I think they just don’t want to nominate anyone outside their species.)

There was a little tension at first, but once Amy learned about not touching the frog, we became fast friends. We hang together whenever we’re in the same city, which up to now has been… let’s see… never.

…Kermit?

What can I say about Kermie and moi? Separately we’re fabulous and together we are absolute legends—like Astaire & Rogers, Tracy & Hepburn, Oprah & Stedman.

…Walter?

Walter is delightful! He worships the Muppets and especially moi. And as everyone knows, I absolutely adore being worshipped.

What do you do in your free time?

Shop. Eat Chocolate. Pose for photographers. Rinse. Repeat. I’m a diva. I have people to schedule my free time. You have no idea how time consuming that is.

Are you and Kermit together?

Of course we’re together. In the movie, we seem to be apart, but that’s just for dramatic tension. In real life, we’re fabulously happy and the longest-running interspecies couple in all of Hollywood.

Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”?

Because moi is in it! What a silly question!

It is the best movie I have ever made…and therefore the best movie ever made. Other than that, it’s got a lot of laughs and you’ll have a good time. Are those enough reasons for you?

To get closer to the diva pig, check out http://disney.go.com/muppets/portfolio/piggy/videos.html.

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Behind the scenes, fashion tips, Miss Piggy, movie announcement, The Muppets

Meeting The Muppets

June 20, 2011 By Momstart 9 Comments

Back in January I had the chance to sit down with Miss Piggy and Kermit and discuss the upcoming movie bringing the gang back together and how it’s been 11 years since the Muppets’ last big-screen feature film

I also had the chance to meet Walter. Walter is the world’s biggest Muppet fan. He becomes friends with Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) and sets out to get the Muppet gang back together. Kermit and Miss Piggy were living separately as Miss Piggy was perusing a career as a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris. As Kermit, Mary, Walter, and Gary set out to get everyone back together they discover a nefarious plan to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds by an oilman named Tex Richman (Chis Cooper). But first they had to finish finding everyone else. Fozzie was in Reno performing with a casino tribute band called the Moopets. Animal was in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo was a high-powered plumbing magnate.

After chatting with me the Muppets allowed me to watch the filing of their movie. They take acting very seriously (they were constantly reminded to stop making jokes and concentrate on their fabulous acting skills). It was an experience to remember. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

THE MUPPETS hits theaters November 23, 2011

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Kermit, Miss Piggy, The Muppets

Did Miss Piggy and Kermit Ever Get Married?

June 13, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

With the new movie The Muppets, I found out that Miss Piggy and Kermit aren’t happily together forever. Walter, who happens to be the world’s biggest Muppet fan is focused on bringing the whole gang back together it. Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Muppets, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate, and Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris.

The fact that Kermit was in the states while Miss Piggy was in France made me wonder if Miss Piggy and Kermit ever got married? Miss Piggy has had googly eyes for that cute green frog forever and I couldn’t tell if it was completely one way or not. Seems like Miss Piggy was strong willed enough that if she wanted a marriage it would have happened right?

Maybe they didn’t handle pre marriage counseling very well. And maybe they did get married and they could have used Mort Fertel (marriage counseling) from Marriage Max. Marriage Max specializes in saving marriages. And maybe they never really got married. Perhaps Miss Piggy was just too career oriented and decided she couldn’t have both. All I can picture, is Miss Piggy with her feather boa wrapped around Kermit and how could he resist that? I guess even for muppets there is more to marriage than a feather boa inspired marriage.

I’ll be in Hollywood later this week watching the Muppet movie footage courtesy of Disney. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.