Have you ever wondered what the Muppets are up to when the kids aren’t around? It’s an odd question, but it is the one that audiences will get an answer to with “The Happytime Murders.”
In a dirty, neo-noir someone out there, is killing puppets. What kind of a criminal would commit such a heinous crime? Rest assured, Officers Connie Edwards and Phil Philips are on the (highly R-rated) case. Directed by Brian Henson, son of “Muppets” creator Jim Henson , “The Happytime Murders” has the look of a classic Henson-muppet feature, with the crass humor of an R-rated comedy.
The film stars Melissa McCarthy and the voice talents of Bill Barretta, who has lent his voice to a fair number of muppets. “Happytime Murders” co-stars Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph, and Joel McHale. This is the feature film debut for Henson under the Henson Alternatives banner. As if with a wink, the key word here, alternative, should lend to audiences many opportunities to fill in the blanks as to what may come with “Happytime Murders.”
Henson’s previous features, “Muppet Treasure Island” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” had all of the makings for wholesome, family features. Well folks, these muppets may not be the same cutesy, tender characters we’ve come to know and love. But they sure will offer audiences quite the romp that could only be described as Muppets: After Dark.
Here’s the official synopsis and trailer:
No Sesame. All Street. “The Happytime Murders” is a filthy comedy set in the underbelly of Los Angeles where puppets and humans coexist. Two clashing detectives with a shared secret, one human (Melissa McCarthy) and one puppet, are forced to work together again to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show.
“The Happytime Murders” hits theaters August 24.
