A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)

This movie has been a Christmas Eve tradition of my family's for the past 10 or 15 years, and every year, it is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. In A Muppet Family Christmas, Kermit and his friends arrive at the house of Fozzie Bear's mother, and eventually get together for Christmas with even more of their Muppet pals from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. This is an older, made for TV Muppet movie, but to me, it is a classic. It comes with everything the Muppets have to offer, from Miss Piggy acting like a prima donna, to the Bert making Ernie feel uncomfortable, to Animal ruining a Christmas celebration. I remember enjoying this installment as a child, but I think that as an adult, I get even more out of it. There is a lot of ridiculous, yet subtle humor that I never picked up on until I had seen the film eight or nine times. I challenge anyone to listen to the Swedish Chef attempt to cook Big Bird and keep a straight face. Another great feature of A Muppet Family Christmas is the caroling. In just under 45 minutes, the Muppets hit almost every classic holiday tune, including a few gems that I have not heard anywhere else. The last 10 or 15 minutes of this movie alone are a medley of Christmas favorites that is the perfect way to close out a Christmas Eve. My parents recorded this film on the VCR in 1987, but recently I purchased and watched it on DVD. I have to say, without having to fast forward through the commercials, and with a few key scenes missing, the experience is not the same. I know this does not help any potential viewers, but if you want, let me know and you can join my family next Christmas. This was my first Christmas Eve with my family in a few years, so my wife's first experience with our tradition. All I know is that I am sure she enjoyed it. I would say that I plan on watching the movie again, but that should be clear, since my brothers, my parents and I watch it once a year. I look forward to next Christmas Eve. I give A Muppet Family Christmas 3 and a half stars.