If you’ve read my earlier review of the 1st season of ‘The Muppet Show”, you already know that I am a huge fan of everything Muppet, and considered the late Jim Henson to be one of my childhood heroes. I’ve enjoyed most of the Muppet films that have been released since Henson’s passing, mostly thanks to his son Brian’s deft direction and wish to keep his father’s dream alive. Unfortunately, I cannot add “The Muppets Wizard of Oz” to my list of all time Muppet great projects. The film, which stars Ashanti in the role of Dorothy, isn’t a total mess, but comes darn close. Unlike the projects that came under the younger Henson’s wing, this film as a whole just doesn’t ever really come together. The script is fairly pedestrian, lacking the sharp wit and subtle humor one comes to expect from a Muppet movie. Then there’s Ashanti. I understand that she’s a big R&B star, but acting is simply not her forte. Warner Brothers made the same mistake with “Space Jam”, which was made dreadful every time the talentless Michael Jordan would come on the screen.

Ashanti can sing, but unless she plans on getting some acting lessons, should stay as far away from a movie camera as possible.

Not to be considered a total loss, there are a few things to like about the film. It’s always good to see the Muppets in action, and some of the jokes were still able to raise a smile out me. Just seeing Kermit as the Scarecrow, Gonzo as the Tin Thing, Fozzie as The Cowardly Lion and the beautiful and dynamo Piggy as the Wicked Witch of the West was worth the time spent watching it. I also found the casting of Pepe the King Prawn as Toto to be somewhat inspired. My daughter, who is about to turn 2 and is becoming as big a fan of the Muppets as I am, didn’t seem to notice the film’s shortcomings and enjoyed the film nonetheless.

Disney is releasing the DVD of “The Muppets Wizard of Oz” the same day as the 1st season of “The Muppet Show”, and they’ve included a couple of extra features that help make the disc a little more worthwhile. You’ll find some bloopers (that are actually a bit funnier than the film), and a look at the making of the film. There’s also an extended look at Pepe’s interview with guest star Quentin Tarantino.

I wish I could say that “The Muppets Wizard of Oz” lives up to what has come before from the world of Muppets, but sadly it comes up a bit short. If only Jim were still here to oversee what is becoming of his creations.

Directed by: Kirk R. Thatcher
Starring: Ashanti, Jeffrey Tambor, Quentin Tarantino, David Alan Grier, Queen Latifah
Extras: Outtakes and Bloopers, Making of Featurette, Interview with Quentin Tarantino
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Disney
Release Date: 8/9/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give The Muppet's Wizard of Oz a C-.