The Happytime Murders Review — Stuffed Full of Raunchy Laughs

First let’s clear up a few misconceptions: Yes, the outrageously raunchy puppets are created by the Jim Henson Company—the same one responsible for Big Bird and the Cookie Monster. But no, you will not see the beloved Muppets of your childhood strung out on drugs, literally beating the stuffing out of each other or having vigorous sex.

These crass but curiously compelling and clever characters come from a subsidy known as Henson Alternative, with originator Jim Henson’s 54-year-old son Brian at the helm. And let’s just say these aren’t your mama’s puppets—unless your mama was a crack whore.

Even the film’s creators admit it’s raunchy. “No Sesame. All street.” reads the promotional material. “The Happytime Murders is a filthy comedy set in the underbelly of Los Angeles, where puppets and humans coexist.”

In this alternate universe, Melissa McCarthy is Connie Edwards, a detective who must re-team with her disgraced former partner, the only puppet to ever make detective, who is now just a seedy gumshoe. They’re charged with finding out who is killing the cast members of the popular puppet TV show known as Happytime.

The puppets are really the stars, but you’ll be amused seeing Maya Rudolph, Elizabeth Banks, Joel McHale and Leslie David Baker in the human roles.

In comparison with other children’s media movies gone rogue, it’s not quite as naughty as Sausage Party, but far raunchier than Team America: World Police, which is, I believe, the first time we saw puppet sex on the big screen.

It’s outrageous, but it’s also uproariously funny. You’ll be stunned by the movie’s gross and grungy depths, but even more shocked that you’re laughing at them.

Rated R

1 Hour 31 Minutes

Did this Happytime Murders review encourage you to see it? Get times and tickets at Fandango.com.

The Happytime Murders Review — Stuffed Full of Raunchy Laughs