The Happytime Murders-2018
Director Brian Henson
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph
Scott’s Review #808
Reviewed September 6, 2018
Grade: B-
Some consider it the worst film of 2018, but I had no positive expectations as I walked into an empty movie theater.
In truth, The Happytime Murders is not that bad. It is more in tune with a fun, adult-humored late-night affair. The greatest assets are Melissa McCarthy’s comic talents and the neat whodunit that is the central part of the story.
The human actors acting opposite puppets are bizarre and take some getting used to, but the nice editing (not easy 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. They are constantly bullied and taken for granted.
Sarcastic and angry puppet Phil Phillips (a nod to the American Idol winner?) works as a private investigator. An incident many years ago caused 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 an 1980s 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. The connection and good rapport are surprising, considering the human/puppet factor.
One might find it surprising that the two characters play well off each other, but their adult sparring and frequent vulgar language name-calling are oodles of fun to watch. McCarthy is always fantastic with comic timing, so her fans will not be disappointed.
As they shout vulgar “pleasantries” to each other, one cannot help but smirk.
Maya Rudolph plays an interesting role as Phil’s secretary. 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. Despite being a puppet, Phil is quite the lady’s man, and Sandra (a nymphomaniac) is 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 exposes her purple pubic hair.
The film is clearly for adults only, and hopefully, unwitting parents do not mistake the puppet characters for a kids’ movie. 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.
The 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, so I was surprised to find myself enjoying the puppet characters and the rapport between them most of all. Phil, charismatic in a Dick Tracy sort of way, balances 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 counterbalanced the murderous antics of a hooded killer. The big reveal I did not see coming added to my surprise.
To summarize, The Happytime Murders is not a work of art or anything spectacular.
Presumably, it will be forgotten, especially since McCarthy is appearing in another “more serious” film in 2018, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which has enormous Oscar potential. Therefore, the focus will assuredly be on that film.
However, a work like The Happytime Murders (2018) does have its place as perhaps a fun late-night offering.
