The Muppets – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Muppets

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2011

86%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The Muppets are back, baby—and this genuinely delightful reboot proves felt and foam can still steal hearts in the 21st century.

7.1/10

95%

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The Muppets

movie

PG, 2011

86%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

The Muppets are back, baby—and this genuinely delightful reboot proves felt and foam can still steal hearts in the 21st century.

7.1

95%

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7.1/10

95%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare reboot that actually works. Jason Segel and team clearly loved the original Muppets and made a movie that honors the legacy while feeling fresh enough for 2011 (and honestly, it still holds up in 2025). The songs are genuinely good, the humor is clever without being mean, and it's just... nice. In a good way.

Your kids get introduced to iconic characters, see a story about friendship and perseverance, and you don't have to cringe through 90 minutes of lazy jokes or hyperactive nonsense. The critical acclaim (95% on RT) is deserved—this is quality family entertainment.

That said, it IS a musical, and if your kid isn't into that format, they might zone out during the songs. And some of the humor is definitely aimed at parents who grew up with the Muppets. But even without the nostalgia factor, it's a solid, safe, funny movie that models good values without being preachy. Streaming on Disney+ makes it an easy pick for family movie night.

Age Fit

Perfect for kids 5-12, though the musical format and nostalgic tone might not hook every modern kid. Younger siblings can watch safely, and tweens who appreciate old-school humor will still enjoy it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Classic Muppet humor with heart—models friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. The tone is warm and optimistic without being saccharine. Characters work together to save something they love, demonstrating cooperation and loyalty. Pacing is energetic but not chaotic, with musical numbers that give natural breaks. The humor is genuinely funny for both kids and adults without relying on meanness or cynicism.

Imaginative

The Muppets themselves are inherently imaginative—felt creatures living alongside humans, breaking the fourth wall, and bursting into song. The plot involves reuniting a beloved troupe to put on a show, celebrating creativity and performance. Musical numbers are inventive and the meta-humor (acknowledging they're in a movie, making Hollywood jokes) encourages kids to think about storytelling itself. However, it's more about appreciating creativity than actively building or exploring.

Safe

Extremely safe for family viewing. Common Sense Media rates it for age 5+. The villain is a comically over-the-top oil mogul—no real menace or scary moments. No violence beyond slapstick pratfalls, no inappropriate content, no surprise disturbing elements. The conflict is low-stakes (saving a theater) and resolved through performance and friendship. MPAA rating is likely G or PG at most. Completely predictable in its wholesomeness.

Enriching

Celebrates the arts, perseverance, and the value of friendship and nostalgia. Kids see characters working hard to achieve a goal, dealing with disappointment, and supporting each other. The meta-commentary about entertainment and showbusiness adds a layer of media literacy for older viewers. Musical performances model creative expression. However, it's primarily entertainment—the life lessons are present but gentle, not deeply challenging or transformative. Strong critical reception (95% RT, 75 Metacritic) suggests quality storytelling.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually funny for both kids and adults—the humor holds up and doesn't talk down to anyone
Musical numbers are catchy and well-produced; kids might actually want to sing along (brace yourself for 'Man or Muppet')
Models genuine friendship, teamwork, and working toward a shared goal without being preachy about it
Introduces kids to the classic Muppets characters in a modern context—Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and the gang still work
Meta-humor and fourth-wall breaks give older kids a fun introduction to self-aware storytelling

⚠

What to Watch For

It's a musical—if your kid groans at the thought of people singing their feelings, this might be a tough sell
Some of the humor and references are aimed at adults who remember the original Muppet Show (kids won't get all the jokes but won't feel lost)
The villain is cartoonishly evil but completely non-threatening—no nightmares here, just hammy villainy

Conversation Starters

"Which Muppet would you want to be friends with? Why do you think Kermit is always trying to keep everyone together?"
"The movie is about saving something the characters love—what's something you'd work really hard to save or protect?"
"Why do you think the Muppets put on a show to solve their problem? What other ways could they have tried?"
"Walter had to figure out where he belonged—have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in somewhere?"

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