There's an obvious touch of Henson in this. And while it is based on a Henson story/idea, that's sadly not the part that works in the film. The creature designs are nice, and the creatures are great. I won't go too much into detail her (spoiler territory), but they're the clear highlight of the film. I also actually quite like the Ludicrous-segments, that break the fourth wall. They feel very much in line with the Muppets.
But other than that, the movie disappoints. The premise is good enough, but it feels like there should be more time spent on the kids exploring the secrets of the forests, and less time on the search for them. There's a sequence where they come to some interesting pumpkins that seem ready to burst into life... but nothing happens. It's like they planned a sequence, and instead of dropping it, made the audience feel what we missed. The creatures are great, but are hardly put to use.
I'm sure many kids will enjoy it, and I can also see it becoming a staple of thanksgiving TV - but for something fronted as "Jim Henson's", it sure lacks a lot.
But other than that, the movie disappoints. The premise is good enough, but it feels like there should be more time spent on the kids exploring the secrets of the forests, and less time on the search for them. There's a sequence where they come to some interesting pumpkins that seem ready to burst into life... but nothing happens. It's like they planned a sequence, and instead of dropping it, made the audience feel what we missed. The creatures are great, but are hardly put to use.
I'm sure many kids will enjoy it, and I can also see it becoming a staple of thanksgiving TV - but for something fronted as "Jim Henson's", it sure lacks a lot.