Director: Brian Henson
Writers: Todd Berger (screenplay by), Todd Berger (story by)
Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Bill Barretta, Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph

“The Happytime Murders is like a delightful throwback to the zany world of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but with puppets taking center stage. In this quirky flick, puppets bear the brunt of society’s scorn, and when the cast of a beloved ’90s puppet TV show starts dropping like flies, it’s up to Phil Philips, a disgraced LAPD detective turned private eye puppet, to unravel the mystery.

Released in the late summer of 2018, this movie already had tongues wagging due to a lawsuit from Sesame Workshop over its tagline, “No sesame. All street.” Surprisingly, the courts dismissed the suit, and the studio declared its intent to honor Jim Henson’s legacy while distancing itself from Muppets and Sesame Street characters. Personally, I thought the tagline wasn’t worth the legal fuss.

The storyline follows a classic whodunit template, which is both a strength and a weakness. While it’s somewhat predictable, the film’s real charm lies in the performances. Melissa McCarthy shines as Detective Connie Edwards, a former partner of Philips, and their dynamic is a hoot. The banter and comedic timing between them had me in stitches.

Bill Barretta, the voice behind Phil Philips, delivers a standout performance as the grumpy ex-cop with a chip on his shoulder. Even if you weren’t a die-hard Muppet fan, his portrayal is a revelation.

What truly sets The Happytime Murders apart is its technical wizardry. The movie convincingly brings puppets to life in the real world, seamlessly integrating them into scenes, from street crossings to restaurant outings. The humor is decidedly adult and somewhat reminiscent of Ted or Team America, pushing the envelope and serving up laughs aplenty. The characters, whether puppet or human, share a fantastic on-screen chemistry that makes you forget you’re watching felt and foam creations.

While the plot may not be the movie’s strong suit, it still offers an enjoyable, one-time experience. Brian Henson, the director, may have hoped for a stronger audience reception in that department, but the film’s humor, performances, and visual effects make it worth a watch. If you’re up for a dose of puppetry and edgy humor, give The Happytime Murders a shot; it’s a unique and entertaining cinematic experience that’s hard to forget.”

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