There are very few pop-cultural institutions I can claim to have been a fan of since before I can speak, but Jim Henson's lovable Muppets qualify as one of them. So naturally, I couldn't pass up the chance to revisit The Great Muppet Caper (1981, Jim Henson) (umpteenth viewing, first in at least 20 years) when it popped up on HD cable, and I'm glad to report it holds up quite well indeed.
While lacking in unforgettably sweet moments like Kermit's "Rainbow Connection" bike ride in The Muppet Movie or the wedding finale of The Muppets Take Manhattan, Caper still overflows with surprisingly sophisticated humor, and is generous enough to grant Miss Piggy--not the most easily sympathetic of Henson's felt creations--pleasing notes of romantic vulnerability and motorcycle-straddling heroism.
The jokes here range from the cleverly self-referential (i.e. Kermit and Fozzie commenting on the entire opening credits as they unfold; Peter Ustinov and Oscar the Grouch bonding over their limited cameo status) to the agreeably absurd (Kermit and Fozzie are cast as identical twins!). The excellent human cast--including Jack Warden, Diana Rigg, and the recently passed Peter Falk--acts totally natural opposite non-breathing co-stars, and if Charles Grodin tosses away all dignity in his role, well, who wouldn't when playing a jewel thief infatuated with Miss Piggy? Dignity has no place in such a performing context. Grade: B+
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