ENTER TO WIN A "THE MUPPETS" BLU-RAY COMBO PACK

The Muppets Wocka-Wocka Value Pack

One of my favourite films of 2011 can soon be owned and I want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of it, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada! Join Walter, the world's biggest Muppet Fan, his Brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary's Girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, on their vacation to Los Angeles. Together, they discover the nefarious plan of Oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze Muppet Studios and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage a Telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the studio, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno Casino Tribute Band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size Fashion Editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for Anger Management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing Magnate.

Fresh off its win at the 84th Academy Awards in the category for Music (Original Song) with Man or a Muppet, The Muppets will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand formats, March 20, 2012.

In addition to owning the $150-million-grossing Box Office Smash, those who purchase the 3-Disc Wocka-Wocka Value Pack, get all sorts of stellar goodies, including:

"TWILIGHT" HOLDS ONTO #1 SPOT FOR THIRD WEEK

Still from Hugo 3-D

In a weak Box Office weekend, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 maintains a choke hold on Moviegoers with $16.9 million, bringing its total tally to $246.4 million in three weeks.  The Muppets from Disney meanwhile is kept at-bay in second with $11.2 million in this its second week of release, bringing its two week total in North America to $56.3 million.

Despite only showing in 1,740 theatres, Martin Scorcese's Hugo 3-D finds itself in third spot this weekend with $7.6 million, earning a total $25 million in two weeks for Paramount Pictures.  Arthur Christmas finishes in fourth spot also with $7.3 million this weekend.

George Clooney's Oscar vehicle The Descendants continues to do well in sixth spot this weekend with $5.2 million from just 574 theatres. Meanwhile, Immortals is still hanging-on to the Top Ten with $4.2 million in eighth spot earning $75.4 million in its fourth week. Puss in Boots slips to tenth spot with $3 million for Paramount Pictures after a six-week run.

"TWILIGHT" BLINDS THE COMPETITION: "MUPPETS" SECOND AT BOX OFFICE ON U.S. THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Still from Breaking Dawn Pt. 1

No real surprises here. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 holds-on to the top spot at the Box Office again in this its second week of release.  The Vampire Romance brought in $62.3 million over a five-day U.S. Thanksgiving Weekend for Summit Entertainment/eOne Films in North America.

Disney's The Muppets on any other weekend would've been on-top but by no means is it a disgrace to debut in second on a competitive weekend with $42 million. Praise has been unanimous for the revival of the Jim Henson Franchise, earning 98% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Happy Feet Two earns $18 million over the five-day weekend for Warner Bros. slipping to third spot in its second week of release, just ahead of Arthur Christmas for Sony Pictures, with $16.5 million.  The latter also has garnered lots of praise with a 98% rating on the Tomatometer.

Hugo would boast much higher numbers for Paramount Pictures, but the Martin Scorcese Family Movie opted to open only in 3-D, hence debuting with $15 million from 1,227 theatres.

Rounding out the Top Ten is The Descendants for Fox Searchlight, which still is performing exceedingly well in only 390 theatres with $9 million over the five-day weekend.

"THE MUPPETS" - FILM REVIEW

Still from The Muppets

The long-awaited return to the Big Screen for The Muppets is finally before us. This latest Revival from Flight of the Conchords Director James Bobin, centers around three Muppets Fans who visit Hollywood in search of their Idols only to learn of wealthy Tycoon Tex's (Chris Cooper) plans to destroy the historic Muppets Theater in order to access an Oil Reserve beneath it. Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) convince Kermit to gather The Muppets once again after many years apart, for a Reunion to raise $10 million in an effort to save the Theater from its demise.

Like many other Children, I grew-up with work of Jim Henson, hence particularly I have been excited about this Film, but does it deliver?  By all means.  Bobin crafts a movie-going experience which at once is highly fun and also heartfelt.  Kermit the Frog voiced by Puppeteer Steve Whitmire, is the perfect Underdog Hero, lovable in his Self-Doubt as he gathers the troops one more time for a Reunion and ultimately he hopes to win-back Miss Piggy's (voiced by Eric Jacobson) over-dramatic heart.

Segel who serves triple-duty as Executive Producer/Writer and Actor truly is a Talent, singing and dancing his way to our affections as the Boyfriend of Mary and also Big Brother of adorable Muppets Fan Extraordinaire Walter (voiced by Peter Linz). We feel Gary's genuine struggle to decide whether he is a Muppet or the Man who Mary wants him to be, as he gets pulled in different directions.  Adams in her incessant pleas for a bit of undivided attention from her Gary is endearing, proving again with her performance why she is at the top of Actresses in her Generation.  Not many Actresses can get away with pulling-off Mary so ably.

The Muppets truly is something for everyone, entertaining Kids with its infectious Melodies and also as a colourful Spectacle.   At once, Adults equally find amusement in its awareness of its own over-the-top tendencies.  And if the abundance of familiar-faced Cameos from the likes of Feist, Selena Gomez, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Emily Blunt, Ken Jeong, Whoopi Goldberg, Sarah Silverman, Zach Galifianakis and Jack Black aren't enough to make you smile, wait til you see a maniacal Cooper wow you with his Rapping and Singing abilities.

JASON SEGEL & THE MUPPETS ON "SNL"

Jason Segel & The Muppets on SNL

So brilliant! Jason Segel hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live last night and he was superb as always. Watch this adorable Song and Monologue he did with the help of The Muppets, who are none to pleased that he is getting all the attention with his hosting gig.

If you're in Canada, you can watch the Introduction and various Skits from last night here.  You can't miss Paul Rudd's surprise entrance and full-on smooch with Segel in honour of U.S. Thanksgiving.  It's quite something!

I just saw The Muppets again yesterday for a second time and loved it just as much as the first time. Review to be posted Wednesday. Walt Disney Motion Pictures releases Wednesday, November 23, 2011.

(Photo credit: Global Television/NBC)

THE MUPPETS IN-CONTENTION TO HOST "OSCARS"

Still from The Muppets

Why the heck not? With Rush Hour Director Brett Ratner and Actor/Comedian Eddie Murphy no longer in-contention to host the 84th Academy Awards, there is much speculation whom should host the prestigious Hollywood Ceremony on February 26, 2012. 

Coming out of nowhere into the Race now are The Muppets. IndieWire currently are hosting a Poll on whom should host the Event next year and the iconic and lovable Puppets currently are a clear, decisive Leader in the Poll.  If you want to see The Muppets host the Oscars, you can vote at IndieWire and also help them trend on Twitter with the Hashtag #muppetsoscars and follow them @MuppetOscars.

And while they're at it, wouldn't it be brilliant if they got a little help from Sesame Street Buddy Oscar the Grouch to hand-out an actual Oscar?

Click here to vote.

The Muppets hosting the Oscars wouldn't be the first time an Oscar Contender hosted the Event the same year they were in-contention. Earlier this year James Franco was nominated for Best Actor for his work in 127 Hours and also hosted the Oscars alongside Anne Hathaway.  And surely The Muppets can top that performance as Host easily.  Just sayin'...

The Muppets hit theatres on November 23, 2011.

UPDATE: Billy Crystal for an eighth time will be hosting the 84th Academy Awards.  Oh well, we tried!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

NEW CLIPS FROM "THE MUPPETS"

Official Promotional Photo for The Muppets

With less than three weeks to go until Disney's The Muppets hits theatres, three new Clips from one of this Fall's most eagerly-awaited Titles have surfaced.  Each of these build-up a bit of Back Story leading to the most ultimate Reunion in recent memory.

Here we have Brothers Gary (Jason Segel) surprising his little Brother Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) with Tickets to The Muppets Studios!  And so the Journey begins...

Here we have Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) & Walt (Linz) gearing-up to find Kermit the Frog and present him the idea of a Muppets Reunion:

INTERVIEW: KERMIT THE FROG ON "THE MUPPETS"

Kermit the Frog in Toronto - October 2011

"It's tough to work with someone you're close with and turning-on that magic on-screen." - Kermit the Frog, on maintaining a Romance on-and-off screen with Miss Piggy (October 2011)

Toronto gave a Hero's welcome to its favourite acting and singing Amphibian who returned to the same City where he filmed various Specials and The Jim Henson Hour throughout the '70s and '80s. Kermit the Frog flew in from Los Angeles, holding a Press Conference at his Yorkville Hotel in support of Disney's eagerly-awaited The Muppets. Also participating on the Press Tour is Actor/Executive Producer/Co-Writer Jason Segel, who many of us know as the Star of How I Met Your Mother and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.  With fond memories of the City, Kermit (who hasn't aged a day), tells a select group of Journalists moderated by Film Critic Richard Crouse, "It's great to be back".

Richard Crouse & Kermit the Frog

Since being introduced to the World by Jim Henson in 1955, Kermit has captivated the hearts of Children and Adults around the World. In addition to being an internationally-recognized TV and Movie Star, he also is a noted Author who happens to have earned a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 hit with 1979's Rainbow Connection.

The upcoming Musical-Comedy from Flight of the Conchords Director James Bobin, centers around three Muppets Fans who visit Hollywood in search of their Idols only to learn of wealthy Tycoon Tex's (Chris Cooper) plans to destroy the historic Muppets Theater in order to access an Oil Reserve beneath it. Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) convince Kermit to gather The Muppets once again after many years apart, for a Reunion to raise money in an effort to save the Theater from its demise.

JASON SEGEL IN TORONTO FOR "THE MUPPETS" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Jason Segel & Mr. Will-W.

The brilliant and charming Jason Segel is gearing-up for a Promotional Tour in support of Walt Disney Motion Pictures' The Muppets and Toronto is one of his first stop-offs.  Not only does he sing, dance and act in the Film, but he Co-wrote its Screenplay and also serves as one of its Executive Producers too.

I was fortunate enough to screen a Cut of The Muppets, directed by James Bobin last week, and although a proper Review is forthcoming when I see its Final Cut later in November, I can say with confidence that I loved what I saw. I laughed, I cried and I adored the Music.  Segel was thrilled to hear my response in surely what will be a chain of praise to come.

This Film centers around three Muppets Fans - Gary (Segel), Mary (Amy Adams) and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) who visit Hollywood, only to learn that a rich Oil Tycoon named Tex (Chris Cooper) wants to drill under the storied Muppets Theatre.  Together, they try to persuade the original Muppets - led by Kermit the Frog - to reunite one more time and put on a Show to raise money to save the historic Theatre from destruction.  The Muppets hits theatres nationwide Friday, November 23, 2011.

MISS PIGGY IN NOVEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF "INSTYLE"

Miss Piggy in November 2011 Issue of InStyle

Two reasons to pick-up InStyle Magazine's November issue are that one - Gwen Stefani is on the Cover, and two - there is a full spread featuring Miss Piggy! Timed right around the release of The Muppets, in theatres November 23, 2011, Miss Piggy talks to InStyle about her favourite Fashion Designers, Men (she is a Fan of Robert Pattinson, George Clooney and Brad Pitt) and Lady Gaga - only Miss Piggy can have the real Kermit the Frog draped around her neck! LOL

Designers like Prabal Gurung (seen above), Jason Wu, Opening Ceremony, Brian Atwood, Suno and Giles & Brother custom-created outfits for the Pop Culture Icon.  My favourite definitely is the latter's glamorous creation where she is channeling some serious Mariah Carey.  Or should I say it's the other way around?

Designers Christian Louboutin and Zac Posen designed additional outfits for the actual Movie which I was lucky enough to have screened last week! 

Miss Piggy also will be the new face of MAC Cosmetics for an exclusive line to be released in November.

See more below:

"THE MUPPETS" OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER

Official Artwork for The Muppets

It's out! The official Trailer and Poster for The Muppets, starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams! 

When Walter (Peter Linz), the World's biggest Muppet Fan, his Brother Gary (Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Adams) discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater, they help Kermit reunite the Muppets to stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater.

The Muppets also features appearances from: Donald Glover, Leslie Feist, Alan Arkin, Kristen Schaal, Eddie “Piolín” Sotelo, Ken Jeong, James Carville, Rico Rodriguez and Judd Hirsh.

Watch the Trailer below:

The Muppets hits theatres November 23, 2011.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

JASON SEGEL & KERMIT THE FROG TO VISIT TORONTO FOR "THE MUPPETS"

Still from The Muppets 3-D

2011 has been a stellar year for Walt Disney Motion Pictures with Blockbusters like The Lion King 3-D and The Help having fared exceptionally well at the Box Office.  Perhaps their biggest not-so-secret weapon though is The Muppets, which hits theatres nationwide on November 23, 2011 starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams.

Torontonians might have been saddened by his noticeable absence from TIFF 2011 festivities, but they will be thrilled to hear that Star/Executive Producer/Co-writer Segel will be making a visit to the City later this month.  But get this - accompanying Segel will be the Icon himself, Kermit the Frog! The Duo will be doing Press for one of this year's most eagerly-awaited Musical/Comedies!  More details to come on this sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppet-ational announcement!

In the meantime, watch this Trailer for The Muppets:

VIDEO PREMIERE: OK GO - MUPPET SHOW THEME SONG

Still from Muppet Show Theme Song

How amazing is this? Check out OK GO's just-released Theme Song for The Muppets.  The Chicago Band quickly is becoming to go-to source for Soundtracks with Morgan Spurlock recently enlisting their help for his The Greatest Movie Ever Sold Documentary.

Watch the Video in full below:

The Muppets hits theatres November 23, 2011. Pre-order the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack here.

(Audio Content: Walt Disney Records)

OFFICIAL CANADIAN TRAILER FOR "THE MUPPETS"

Still from The Muppets 3-D

Too ridiculously cute. The official Canadian Trailer for Disney's The Muppets has just surfaced and after seeing it in the Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, I have been thinking about it repeatedly since.

Although it doesn't hit theatres until US Thanksgiving on November 23, 2011, you can enjoy these 90 seconds of pure delight below:

DISNEY'S "THE MUPPETS" PREVIEW

Muppets One-Sheet

... and here's your official Synopsis for the new upcoming The Muppets Movie due on U.S. Thanksgiving Day:

"On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theatre and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theatre, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called The Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos, “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.".

How completely absurd and ridiculous!  Just the way I like it.  Although the official Trailer hasn't surfaced online yet, I did see it during Previews for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and it looks absolutely adorable.  Amy Adams!  Jason Segel!

Visit the official website for Disney's Muppets here. 

DISNEY PREVIEWS 2011 FILMS: "THE HELP", "PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 4" AND "THE MUPPETS"

Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada just sent me a preview of some of their 2011 releases and it's looking already like next year will be crammed with Blockbusters!

One release which caught my eye in particular was The Help in which Emma Stone stars.  Its Synopsis states that it takes place in the '60s and is about a Girl named Skeeter (Stone) who visits a town in Mississippi.  Determined to be a Writer, she turns the town upside down after deciding to interview candidly the Black Women who serve the wealthy.  Along with the forthcoming installment of Spider-Man, we'll be seeing a whole lotta Stone next year and I can't seem to get enough.  The Help is slated for an August 12, 2011 release.

Many of you will be excited to know that Jim Henson's The Muppets will be given the treatment next Fall.  Forgetting Sarah Marshall's Jason Segel will be starring in the Film as Walter, a huge Muppets Fan who tries to save The Muppet Theatre from demolition after a wealthy Businessman Tex Richman discovers that there is an Oil resevoir of wealthy beneath it.  To raise the much-needed funds required to keep it running, Walter stages a grand Telethon.  Cute!  The new generation of Kids don't know what they're missing and hopefully this will revive some renewed interest in the iconic Franchise.  The Muppets is scheduled for a November 23, 2011 release.

And of course, many of us are excited to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides 3-D which sees Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) reuniting with the beautiful and mysterious Angelica (Penélope Cruz), who coaxes him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge.  Soon before he knows it, he finds himself in all sorts of trouble with both Angelica and the dangerous Blackbeard (Ian McShane).  CHICAGO and NINE Director Rob Marshall helms this installment. The Film hits theatres May 20, 2011.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)