A Yahoo article features the ‘Top’ TV adaptations of late. Mission Impossible, A-Team, Miami Vice, Smurfs and Tintin were all mentioned.

Here’s the intro:

The combination between films and television is one that causes me, as a huge fan of both worlds, a mixture of exhilaration and anxiousness at the same time. When it comes to the adaptation of vintage television shows to the big screen the it is even harder. Vintage television, on the one hand has strong history and background and the enthusiastic fans to go with them. However, as an old television show it has a risk of looking archaic, old fashioned and not relevant to a new generation of film goers.

The List concludes with Kermit and the Gang

The Muppets

 One of my favourite recent revival of a vintage TV show. ‘The Muppets’ have a great history of television and films behind them. When Jim Henson, their creator, passed away he left a huge void in the hearts of his fans, which none of the films made after his death could fill. Jason Segel together with Nicholas Stoller and James Bobin created a film from a point of view of a fan who is trying to bring the Muppets back together and make the world as well as the Muppets themselves realise just how wonderful they were and still are. By introducing a new character and making him a Muppets fan, ‘The Muppets’ succeeds in both reigniting the old flame in the old fans and introducing the Muppets magic to a new generation of fans.

What makes the great vintage television films so wonderful, in my opinion, is that their creators know and love the shows they are based off of. Most of them have been fans of these shows themselves and they understand and respect the world of fandom created around the shows. The great films of great television shows know what made those television show great to begin with, believe in it, and capture it and by that recreate the experience these show had when they first came on the air.

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/vintage-tv-remakes-best-worst-081100485.html

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Miss Piggy post in http://www.news.com.au

I’m where I am today thanks to talent, perseverance, beauty, sincerity and, most of all, being incredibly humble. Oh, and it helps to have a good agent, publicist and hair and make-up team.

On the first series of The Muppet Show, in 1976, I was a mere chorus pig. But when Kermit stepped on stage, I fell in love and knew I had to sing by his side. By the end of the show, I was his co-star, shared top billing and had signed a three-picture deal.

Kermie and I used to get flak for our inter-species relationship, but I put a stop to that. It’s amazing how a thoughtful discussion followed by a flurry of fisticuffs can help people see a different point of view.

I have dozens of friends. If you’re familiar with Hollywood’s A-List females, you’ll know many of their names. As for the Muppets, I get along with all of them – as long as they don’t come between moi and the camera.

A great diva must live by the Diva Code: ‘Anything worth doing is worth having someone else do for you.’ Also, you have to be willing to fly off the handle now and then, just to keep your entourage on their toes.

There’s no such thing as a typical day for a diva like moi. There are demanding days, let’s-throw-a-tantrum-for-no-apparent-reason days and, of course, shopping days.

When it comes to my style, I adore Audrey Hepburn’s look, especially the black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I’m currently developing a film sequel called Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a Snack at Tiffany’s. I’m also impressed with the style of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge. And, of course, I’ve borrowed from Sir Elton John’s closet many, many times.

How do I maintain my ravishing looks? Well, it helps that I was born this way. But I’m willing to do anything to improve my appearance: hairstyles, clothes, cosmetic surgery – I’m 98 per cent Botox now. I eat lots of chocolate, too. I’m not sure that helps with looks, but who cares?

The highlight of my life has been meeting Kermie. And every day we’ve spent together since. Another highlight will be the day I win my Oscar, which should have happened this year.

I have years ahead of me yet. But I’ve already decided what my final words on Earth will be: “Back off, buster – I still have two encores and a curtain call!”

http://www.news.com.au/news/miss-piggy-im-98-per-cent-botox/story-fn6ja31c-1226346876204

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New York is seeking tourists, so why not turn to an icon?

Donald Trump? No, try Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang.

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s newest allies in his mission to attract more visitors to New York City.

The Muppets joined Bloomberg as he announced that Jim Henson’s lovable creations are the city’s official “Family Ambassadors.”

The whole gang will encourage families to travel to the Big Apple. They’ll highlight the city’s family-friendly restaurants, parks and other attractions.

The tourism and marketing arm, NYC and Company, says the city welcomed 15 million family visitors in 2011.

Kermit told reporters that he plans to hang out in the pond in Central Park. But Miss Piggy says she prefers shopping at Tiffany’s.

Bloomberg was also joined by Gonzo the Great and Pepe the King Prawn.

• March 20, 2012: Walt Disney Studios Chairman, Rich Ross, left, and the children of the late Muppets creator Jim Henson, Lisa Henson, CEO, and Brian Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Co. (AP)

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Geek Dad of Wired sat down with the Legend Kermit the Frog and Walter from “The Muppets” as the DVD is released.

GeekDad: Any plans for a sequel? If so, any plans on what its focus may be?

Kermit: A sequel? To The Muppets? That’s a great idea.
Walter: Yeah… and it could have even more Muppets and more laughs and more Oscar-winning songs and maybe even Miss Piggy.
Kermit: Definitely, Miss Piggy.
Walter: Thanks for thinking of it. You’re a pretty smart interviewer.

GeekDad: How long did it take for you to make this Muppet movie?
Kermit: Well, shooting the movie took a couple of months, but we spent more than a year getting everything together and preparing to make the movie.
Walter: I didn’t know that.
Kermit: Sure, don’t you remember all the work that went into the script?
Walter: There was a script?
Kermit: Now you see why Walter fits right in with the other Muppets.

GeekDad: How did making this Muppet movie compare with movies of the past?
Kermit: It went very smoothly. And I think that had to do with the fact that one of our stars, Jason Segel, co-wrote the movie. He had a vision of what he wanted the movie to be, and we all worked together to bring that vision to life.
Walter: It brought me to life, too.

GeekDad: Kermit – Do you ever get a chance to visit your birth place in Mississippi? If so, what is it like to go back?
Kermit: I go back to the swamp all the time. For frogs, all swamps are connected so even if we’re on location and I stop by a local wetland in Bavaria or Poughkeepsie or Singapore, I still feel like I’m back home. But being in the swamp where I was born, where I was a tadpole and first dropped my tail… well, that’s always special.
Walter: Can I go with you back to the swamp with you sometime?
Kermit: Sure… but you may want to wear water wings.

GeekDad: Walter – Has being a member of the Muppets changed you? What are you working on now?
Walter: Being a member of the Muppets is the culmination of everything I’ve ever dreamed of all my life forever and ever and never thought would come true but now it has and I’m so thrilled I can’t stop talking about it or hyperventilations….GASP! GASP! GASP!
Kermit: Walter is very enthusiastic. And these days, he’s helping a lot around the Muppet Theater.
Walter: Mostly I pick up dry cleaning, get cappuccino and do lots and lots of errands for Miss Piggy.
Kermit: Trust me, Walter, you have no idea what a big help that is.

GeekDad: Anything special we should look for on the release of The Muppets on DVD/Blu-ray? Any Easter Eggs to look for?
Kermit: There are lot of great extra features and the world’s longest and funniest Muppet blooper reel ever.
Walter: And something really really cool happens on the Blu-ray when you hit pause.
Kermit: The movie stops playing.
Walter: Not just that, Kermit.
Kermit: I know, Walter. I was just kidding.
Walter: I’m still trying to “get” frog humor… Anyway, there’s something called “Disney Intermission”; when you hit ‘pause,’ the Muppets come out on screen and entertain while you wait.
Kermit: That’s one constant about the Muppets — we never leave you alone.

GeekDad: Kermit – Who has been your favorite star with whom to share the stage? Who has been your favorite cameo?
Kermit: I’ve shared the stage and screen with so many amazing stars, from Elton John to Robert DeNiro to Orson Welles and Lady Gaga. But I think my all time favorite has to be the time I got to dance with Gene Kelly to “Singin; In The Rain.” It doesn’t get any more Hollywood than that.

GeekDad: Walter – Who was the most delightful to work with on the Muppet movie?
Walter: Everyone. Kermit is my hero, I worship the ground Miss Piggy walks on, Fozzie is the funniest stand-up comic bear ever, Gonzo is incredibly brave and resilient, and Animal is loud in the best sense of the word. Then there’s Rowlf, Sweetums, Scooter, Pepe, Floyd, Janice….
Kermit: Uh, Walter, I think they want only one name.
Walter: Amy Adams. She’s wicked cute.

GeekDad: Congratulations on your Oscar win. Anything exciting you can tell us about that?
Kermit: We are so proud of Bret McKenzie for winning the first ever Best Song Oscar from a Muppet Movie. He deserved it… and Walter here did a great job singing with Jason… and a very funny cameo by…
Walter: Oh, let them see for themselves on the DVD.
Kermit: Okay. Anyway, the performance and the song were fantastic and we’re all thrilled about the Oscar.
Walter: Especially Miss Piggy.
Kermit: Who has promised Bret he can have his Oscar back… someday.

GeekDad: For anyone who did not get to see The Muppets in the theater, what would you tell them about this release on home video?
Kermit: We hope you like it.
Walter: It’s the greatest movie ever made and now you can watch it whenever you want which, if you’re like me, will be always and forever.
Kermit: Walter has been spending a lot of time with Miss Piggy working on his promotion skills.

GeekDad: Anything else either of you would like to add?
Walter: Do you validate parking?
Kermit: We walked here.
Walter: Yeah, but it’s always nice to know.
Kermit: True.

http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/03/interview-kermit-and-walter-muppets/

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There’s a new George Clooney in town. Move over, silver fox: Jason Segel is the now the guy with the golden ticket.

The “How I Met Your Mother” actor humbly told Vanity Fair that, besides a few minor qualities, he and Clooney are one and the same.

“With the exception that he’s way better looking and way more talented than me, I’m the new Clooney,” Segel joked.

But Segel may be on to something.

Just as Clooney boasts an impressive list of exes, Segel has been linked to beauties like Michelle Trachtenberg and Chloe Sevigny. Segel’s 2011 box-office baby, “The Muppets,” has earned a whopping $87 million since its November release, while Clooney’s similarly timed Oscar darling, “The Descendants,” has earned $71 million.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/16/jason-segel-the-new-george-clooney-the-muppets-vanity-fair_n_1282693.html

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Photo/McKenzie at 2010 Emmy Awards Sirab/wikicommons

“I grew up in New Zealand watching The Muppets on TV,” McKenzie said in his acceptance speech. “I never dreamed I’d get to work with them. And I was genuinely starstruck when I finally met Kermit the Frog. But once you get to know him, he’s just a normal frog. And like many stars here tonight, he’s a lot shorter in real life. Just a few jokes.”

Q. Here you are joining the ranks of Hugh Jackman, Jane Campion. How does such a tiny country like New Zealand produce so many award winning artists…?

A. Well, it’s a great place to grow up. You can do whatever you want there. Uhm, whereas, America, I think everyone’s obsessed with their careers. New Zealand, you get to just live your dreams.

Q. Bret, being a Flight of the Choncords fan, how was it writing the song without Jemaine [Clement]?

A. Seems to work, seems to have come off very well. But, uhm, well, I am looking forward to writing with Jemaine in the future here. Because I can, you know, I will being able to pull out the Oscar card, and say, “Oh, I think we should use this chord,” and I won an Oscar. So, yes.

Q. … Two songs were nominated for this. Why do you think that is and what particularly do you think about your song, not only allowed you to be nominated, but, like, to win?

A. Well, I am not sure why they only nominated two songs, but I was very happy with that situation. … I think the system, you know, leads itself toward musicals instead of songs, you know, the needle dropped.

Why my song won? To be honest, I think it was one of those musical numbers where, uhm, everyone did a great job, James Bobin, the director, did such a cool video. Jason Segel just channeled his, I don’t know — he went really deep in his performance, both in the recording and on the screen. And, uhm, yeah, just felt like it was one of those, one of those things that fell into place very easily.

Q. Thank you, thank you. So, have to ask, do you feel certain amount of pressure living up to the legacy of previous Muppet songs? Like the “Rainbow Connection”?

A. Like the classic “Rainbow Connection”? I absolutely do. And, uhm, a friend of mine said, when I got the job of working on the film … “You will need to write another “Rainbow Connection.” And I said, “You’re right.” And I didn’t. And it’s an honor to get this because “Rainbow Connection” didn’t win an Oscar, but there’s no doubt that that song is, you know, an absolute, timeless classic, and this is nothing in comparison.

Q. You mentioned Jim Henson the Muppets creator when you were up on stage. Can you talk about what he meant to you growing up and what this means? Just talk about your next [inaudible] and what he means to you?

A. Yeah. In the eighties, when I was at home a lot watching TV, my dad one day brought home a video recorder, and that was the latest thing. He’d been to America and came back with a video recorder. No one else had one. It was pretty exciting, but he only had two video cassettes, and one was The Dark Crystal. So, my brother and I watched that movie at least twice a week for, I guess, for about five years.

So, uhm, infinitely, Jim Henson influenced me, and I think it’s you know, he is a huge inspiration. And, uhm, the other thing I love about the guy is he made children’s, uhm, films that I think he found funny; that he was making them for adults that didn’t patronize the minds of children.

http://www.altfg.com/blog/movie/bret-mckenzie-oscar-2012/

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Disney is moving forward with a sequel to “The Muppets.” At the time, however, it was clear if Jason Segel, the co-writer and star of the movie, was planning to return.

Now, in an interview with Collider, the actor confirmed that he not be involved with “The Muppets 2,” not as a writer or actor.

“My goal was to bring the Muppets back and I did that, leaving them in very good hands, my writing partner and James Bobin the director,” he explained. “All I wanted to do was to set the stage for them to do whatever they wanted. I did what I set out to do, and now I wanna pursue more human-related projects. I’m sure I’ll return in some capacity here and there, but that was half a decade of my life. Five years of hard work. I’m ready for a little puppet break.”

Read more: http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=24214&count=0#ixzz1oY9H6y7Q

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To celebrate the release of “The Muppets” on Blu-Ray and DVD, Jason Segel, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppet family have returned for a “Hunger Games” parody trailer.

The Muppets: Feel the Hunger

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Bret McKenzie has another award to join his Best Comedy Album Grammy Award, as the Flight Of The Conchords member won Best Original Song at the 84th Academy Awards on Sunday for “Man Or Muppet”, a song he penned for The Muppets. The only competition the tune had was Rio’s “Real Or Rio”, the other nominee for Original Song.

http://idolator.com/6198672/academy-awards-2012-bret-mckenzie-original-song-muppets

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As part of the E! Oscar pre-show on Feb. 26, Kermit the Frog and “Glee’s” Darren Criss performed the iconic “Rainbow Connection” at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

In the approximately five-minute segment, E! red-carpet host Ross Mathews “introduced” Kermit to Darren Criss. (The two had rehearsed “Rainbow Connection” Saturday.) Criss talked about being a big fan of “The Muppet Show” and movies since childhood.

In return, the ever-gracious Kermit replied that he enjoyed “Glee” as well as it reminded him of “The Muppet Show” as the two bantered a bit:

“I love ‘Glee’ as well. It reminds me a little bit of ‘The Muppet Show.’ You sort of break into song whenever you feel like it,” Kermit said during the segment.

“Yeah, we got dancing monkeys and bears,” Criss replied.

“You have to have permits for those. I know how it is.”

The two then performed “Rainbow Connection,” with Criss playing the guitar. It was unsurprisingly sweet, with both entertainers sharing the spotlight with ease.

Criss and Kermit ended the duet with some more “Glee” chatter with Kermit saying he’d love to appear on the show. The television show has already featured “Bein’ Green,” another Muppet song, which was sung by Rory Flanagan (Damian McGinty) in the “Pot O’ Gold” episode earlier this season.

“At rehearsal with Kermit. And I thought I had a froggy voice! #Muppets #ERedCarpet,” Criss wrote on his WhoSay account, posting a photo of himself and the Muppets main man by the Hollywood Roosevelt’s swanky pool Saturday.

“Can barely contain myself. Not only do I get to meet one of my all-time biggest heroes, Kermit The Frog—I get to sing with him too! For E!’s Oscar countdown on Sunday! @eonline #eredcarpet,” Criss tweeted Saturday as well.

Read more: http://www.eonline.com/redcarpet/2012/oscars/news/glee-s-darren-criss-and-kermit-sneak-peek-pics-from-video-duet/296847#ixzz1naCqCtRd

Continue reading on Examiner.com Kermit the Frog and Darren Criss perform ‘Rainbow Connection’ at Oscar pre-show – National Muppets | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/muppets-in-national/kermit-the-frog-and-darren-criss-perform-rainbow-connection-at-oscar-pre-show#ixzz1naCFbzVd

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