The Muppet Movie – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Muppet Movie

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1979

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The original Muppet road trip with iconic songs and Jim Henson magic—just know there are more guns than you'd expect in a felt frog movie.

7.6/10

89%

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The Muppet Movie

movie

G, 1979

79%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The original Muppet road trip with iconic songs and Jim Henson magic—just know there are more guns than you'd expect in a felt frog movie.

7.6

89%

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7.6/10

89%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—Jim Henson's original Muppet masterpiece that launched a franchise. The puppetry is stunning, the songs are genuinely good (Rainbow Connection earned an Oscar nomination), and the humor holds up surprisingly well.

The catch: there's way more gun violence than you'd expect from a G-rated movie about felt creatures. Doc Hopper's armed pursuit of Kermit runs through the whole film, and while it's played for laughs, it's persistent enough that Common Sense Media specifically calls it out for age 6+.

The bigger challenge for modern families? The pacing. This is a 1979 road movie with long stretches between songs and action. Kids raised on Pixar's rapid-fire editing may fidget. But if your kid can handle slower storytelling, there's real magic here—both in the technical achievement and the genuine heart.

It's a nostalgia watch for many parents, and that's valid. Just know your kid's tolerance for both vintage pacing and cartoon violence before you queue it up.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media recommends 6+ due to armed chase scenes and threat throughout. Kids 5 and under might find the villain's pursuit scary. The humor and songs work well for elementary-aged kids, though the 1979 pacing may test modern attention spans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic road-trip adventure with genuine warmth, friendship, and optimism. Kermit and friends model cooperation and determination without being saccharine. The humor is clever and kind, with celebrity cameos that add joy rather than cynicism. Some slapstick violence and armed pursuit scenes keep it from perfect, but the emotional core is genuinely healthy.

Imaginative

Groundbreaking puppetry and musical storytelling that was revolutionary for 1979. The meta-narrative of Muppets making a movie about themselves was creative and ahead of its time. Songs like 'Rainbow Connection' invite wonder and aspiration. The blend of real-world settings with puppet characters creates a unique imaginative space that inspired generations of creators.

Safe

Generally family-friendly but with notable caveats: armed men pursue Kermit throughout, guns are fired, and there's consistent threat of violence (frog legs merchant wants to capture/kill Kermit). Common Sense Media flags this at age 6 specifically because of these elements. No sexual content, minimal language concerns. The violence is cartoonish but present enough that younger or sensitive kids might find it stressful.

Enriching

Teaches persistence, following dreams, and the value of friendship through an entertaining narrative. 'Rainbow Connection' became a cultural touchstone about hope and searching for meaning. The road-trip structure shows problem-solving and teamwork. However, it's primarily entertainment rather than deeply educational—which is fine! The craftsmanship and artistry are enriching for kids interested in filmmaking or puppetry.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Rainbow Connection is legitimately beautiful and became a cultural anthem about hope and dreams
Jim Henson's puppetry is masterful—the technical achievement of putting Muppets in real-world settings was revolutionary
Clever, kind humor that works for both kids and adults without talking down to either
Models genuine friendship, persistence, and following your dreams without being preachy
Celebrity cameos (Steve Martin, Bob Hope, Orson Welles) are fun Easter eggs for adults

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What to Watch For

Doc Hopper and his goons chase Kermit with guns throughout—shots are fired, though it's played for slapstick laughs
The villain literally wants to kill Kermit for frog legs, which could upset sensitive younger kids
1979 pacing is slower than modern kids' movies—some kids may get bored between musical numbers
A few dated cultural references that will sail over modern kids' heads

Conversation Starters

"What's your version of 'Rainbow Connection'—what are you searching for or hoping to do someday?"
"Why do you think Kermit kept picking up new friends along the way instead of going to Hollywood alone?"
"The Muppets were made with puppets and practical effects, not computers. What do you think was hardest to film?"
"If you were going on a road trip to follow your dream, who would you want to come with you?"

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