The Happytime Murders-2018
Director-Brian Henson
Starring-Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph
Scott’s Review #808
Reviewed September 6, 2018
Grade: B-
Considered by some to be the worst film release of 2018, I had nary a positive expectation as I walked into an empty movie theater.
In truth, The Happytime Murders is not that bad, more in tune with a fun, adult-humored late-night affair. The greatest assets are the comic talents of Melissa McCarthy and the neat whodunit that is the central part of the story.
The human actors acting opposite puppets are a bit bizarre and take some getting used to, but the nice editing (not easy at all to do!) is to be commended.
Set in modern times, in the underbelly of Los Angeles, puppets live alongside humans and are not treated well- constantly bullied and thoughtless of.
Sarcastic and angry puppet, Phil Phillips (a nod to the American Idol winner?) works as a private investigator, an incident many years ago causing him to be booted from the LAPD police force forever.
When Phil is hired by a sexy blonde female puppet, Sandra, to find out who has been sending her blackmail letters, he stumbles upon a rash of puppet murders.
The killer is knocking off members of a 1980’s television show, presumably for profit. Phil’s brother and grizzled ex-partner, Connie Edwards (McCarthy) become central to the story.
The first dynamic that works well in The Happytime Murders is the “chemistry” between Connie and Phil. Surprising is the connection and good rapport considering the human/puppet factor.
One might find that surprising that the two characters play well off of each other, but their adult sparring and frequent vulgar language name-calling is oodles of fun to watch. McCarthy is always fantastic with comic timing so fans of hers will not be disappointed. As they shout vulgar “pleasantries” to each other one cannot help but smirk.
Maya Rudolph has an interesting role as secretary to Phil. Named Bubbles, she is sexy, sultry, and coquettish- an unusual role for Rudolph, but she pulls it off in spades.
Otherwise, Elizabeth Banks cast in the small role of Jenny, Phil’s blonde ex-girlfriend is entertaining. Phil, despite being a puppet is quite the lady’s man with Sandra (a nymphomaniac) being his main conquest.
In one lewd scene, Phil beds her right in his office spewing strands of white goo meant to be semen and Sandra exposing her purple pubic hair.
The film is clearly for adults only and hopefully, unwitting parents do not mistake the puppet characters for a kid’s film. The film contains many scenes bordering on X-rated territory, yet the inclusion of puppets undoubtedly gives off a humorous, not to be taken too seriously element.
Handsome Joel McHale as a Special Agent on the case along with a Lieutenant, Connie’s superior, makes it clear the characters are along for the comic ride and the film never takes itself too seriously.
I admittedly had low expectations to begin so I was surprised to find myself enjoying the puppet characters most of all and the rapport between them. Phil, charismatic in a Dick Tracy sort of way balances with the other “over the top” puppets including a drug lord, two puppet prostitutes, and a puppet bunny addicted to porn.
The creations are lively and unique.
Let’s not get carried away though- The Happytime Murders is not the genius that Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) is, but its crass nature is of some appeal.
I adored the Los Angeles setting as the sunny locale perfectly counter-balanced the murderous antics of a hooded killer. The big reveal I did not see coming added to the surprise factor for me.
To summarize, The Happytime Murders (2018) is not a work of art or anything particularly spectacular.
Presumably, it will be a forgotten film, especially since McCarthy is appearing in another “more serious” film in 2018 named Can You Ever Forgive Me? with enormous Oscar potential. Therefore, the focus will assuredly be on that film.
But a work like The Happytime Murders does have its place as perhaps a fun late-night offering.