Article 1A family appeal in the Action-adventure Genre

Most Action-Adventure films are released in cinemas with a PG or 12A rating. This allows most children and families to go and see them. Because family audiences make up a large percentage of the film-going audience, making Action-Adventure films appeal to them is big business. Merchandising allows millions of pounds worth of publicity and increased revenue, but many action-adventure films don't need this to appeal to younger audiences, as the genre itself has plenty of aspects that hold the interest of children.

STORY

Many Action-Adventure films are based on fairy tales and popular books. This appeals to children, who are often familiar with the source material, and allows everyone in the family to appreciate the sense of wonder as the books are brought to life. One perfect example of this is the evocation of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. When Hogwarts is introduced. It is shown from a long LAS which is held for a few seconds. This allows audience members of all ages to appreciate the beauty of the setting, and marvel at it in a way unique to film. It is this spectacle that primarily appeals to family audiences

CHARACTER APPEAL

Just like action adventure films for a more mature audience, action adventure films for a family audience rely on relatable,interesting characters. For example, in Race To Witch Mountain (2009) the alien children at the centre of the story are shown to be similar to ordinary children in many ways. at several points in the film, such as in the the taxi driven by the film's adult protagonist, Jack Bruno, they are shown in HAS. This emphasises that, for all their special powers, they can be vunerable too. This adds depth to them, and therefore appeals to everyone in the family. The children aspire to be like these characters. But can understand them too, as can the adults.

MESSAGES

Most Action-Adventure films provide the reassuring message that good can defeat evil. They can also incorporate more mature messages, such as Avatar(2009) which teaches it's target audience to respect the environment and other races. The former message is displayed through the beauty of Pandora, the planet where the film is mostly set. To emphasises it's beauty, the flora and the fauna of Pandora are shown in long, lingering shots. This shows all the children and adults in the audience that this wildlife is beautiful and precious and should be preserved, reminding them about the importance of the environment in a more subtle and persuasive way than other media. This appeals to adults wanting to teach their children about such things, and children, who want these life lessons presented in a more engaging manner than usual.

CONCLUSION

Action Adventure films are often released during the summer holidays, when families have a lot of time on their hands. Therefore, they are made to appeal to families as much as possible, which means that more of them use their free time to see the films. This allows the film to make as much money as possible, which is why appealing to families is so important for Action Adventure films.

Article 1B to what extent would you agree that A-A relies too heavily on stereotypes?

Audiences for Action-Adventure expect stock characters to have particular traits so that they can easily be identified as such. However, critics of the genre believe that this leads to stereotypical characters who are simplistic and underdeveloped, such as the Damsel-in Distress who spends the whole film getting into danger, running, and Screaming, such as Mary Jane in the Spiderman films. I am going to discuss the opinions for and against the claim that stereotypes are overused in the genre

FOR

Stereotypes are used in Action-Adventure as a shorthand for audiences around the world to recognise certain characters. For example, James Bond is recognisable to audiences all around the world as a stereotypical image of a British secret agent: Suave, strong and intelligent, in a tuxedo and drinking a "Shaken, not Stirred" martini. This familiarity appeals to audiences who aren't just British, because Bond, although a British stereotype, isn't built on stereotypes that only British people would understand, but on ones that have a universal appeal.Other Prince characters in the genre are also Stereotyped, because they are designed to be aspirational 'Alpha Males' for the audience to look up to

Another stock character who is frequently made into a stereotype is the princess. Because the action-adventure Genre is targeted at men, the female 'Princess' characters are usually sexualised and often need rescuing by the prince. As mentioned earlier, Spiderman's girlfriend, Mary Jane, is a perfect example of this, needing to be rescued by him frequently throughout the series. Women are often stereotyped in the genre because they are used to highlight the hero as even more aspirational as he almost always gets the beautiful girl in the end.

AGAINST

Since the rise of feminism in the 60's and 70's the number of stronger female characters in the genre has increased. This started with stronger princess characters, such as Princess Leia in Star Wars, and has led to female 'Prince' Characters, such as Ellen Ripley from the Alien series, and Lara Croft. However, probably the best examples of female protagonists in the genre are The titular heroines of 'Charlies Angels' (2000). In the film (based on the groundbreaking 70's TV show of the same name) the Angels are strong, smart and beautiful. This broadens the appeal of the genre, as both men and women are interested in these characters. the women want to be like them, the men want to be with them.

Furthermore, contemporary society has lost interest in the ultra-heroic prince, and embraced a new type of protagonist- the Anti-Hero, characters like Batman or Jason Bourne who are not conventional heroes, but are ordinary people who are at times reluctant to be a hero. Probably one of the most popular anti-heroes in the genre is Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean series (2003+). He is a pirate (pirates are often villains in this genre) and a drinker, who would rather run away from a battle than fight it. However, when the need arises, he can be a brave and competent hero.

CONCLUSION

So,has the Action-Adventure genre really shook off those old fashioned stereotypes? Well, to an extent, yes. But it's also worth noting that stereotypes are never concrete and therefore change over time. The strong, sexualised Action Girl and the morally ambiguous antihero are fast becoming updated stereotypes due to their increasing use. action-adventure filmmakers can play with and change stereotypes, but they will never be able to get rid of them completely.

Article 1.A Why do you think action-adventure films are able to appeal so successfully to global audiences?

Action-adventure is probably the most popular genre in the world. Out of the 50 highest-grossing movies in the world, 34 are action-adventure, including Avatar (2009) the highest grossing film ever. Why is action adventure so appealing to audiences around the world?

·         Storylines

One of the most exciting elements of the Action Adventure genre is the storylines. The Heroes often have to accomplish a very difficult goal, with a large reward for success, and a large penalty for failure. Due to this, one of the most regularly-occurring scenarios in action-adventure films is the race-against-time (AKA the ticking clock), where the heroes have only a limited amount of time to achieve their goals. For example, in X-men: First Class (2011), the action takes place against the background of one of the most famous ticking-clock crises in history- The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. This adds extra appeal, because, whilst audiences generally know what happened then, they are interested in how it happens and how it affects the protagonists. The use of a globally-recognized incident allows audiences all over the world to wonder what they would have done in the main character’s situation, thereby involving them in the action, and appealing to audience need for identification with the characters.

·         Characters

Characters in the Action-Adventure genre are conceived to be recognizable and familiar. This leads to stereotyping, as audiences around the world can recognize stereotypes. The Hero is often an intelligent, strong and charming character, usually male. This appeals to male audiences, who aspire to be like them. A perfect example of an action-adventure hero who is Aspirational to audiences across the globe (Despite being quintessentially British) is James Bond. In Casino Royale (2006), at the end of the final scene, Bond is shown in LAS, cementing him as a strong and confident figure and therefore Aspirational to the genres target audience, wherever they come from

·         Locations and settings

Many Action-Adventure films employ exotic settings across the globe. These fulfil the audience needs for diversion- they can forget that they are in a mundane cinema in their mundane town- and surveillance- they want to learn more about these settings. However, action films do not always have to be set on planet Earth. From 1977, the Star wars series created an entire universe on screen, but the most popular film to do this is Avatar (2009). By setting the film on the fictional planet of Pandora, it sidestepped the common problem of some films in the genre only appealing to people in the countries where these films are set. Therefore, it could appeal to audiences around the world, especially those sick of endless American-set action films.

·         Conclusion

Despite the above factors, the central reason for Action-Adventure film’s global popularity is their blockbuster nature. The simple but enthralling ‘High-Concept’ plots and the lavish production values attract cinema goers everywhere, but films in the genre need good stories, characterization and settings as much as high budgets, stunt work, and CGI .

Action-Adventure Trailer Shot List

1. Instituional Logos
2. Rachel at Office, on computer
3. Rachel discovers incriminanting evidance. "Oh No."  "Is He Firing Us?" "No.It's Worse"
4. TITLE CARD: From Secretary
5. Rachel in Burning Building. Helicopter arrives, with Andrew in it
6. Rachel is helped into helicopter by Andrew "Who are You?" "Andrew Drake,CIA"
7. Rachel and Andrew in helicopter "I Think my boss tried to kill me." "I've heard that before."
8. Blake in office (V/O Rachel and Andrew "It's Blake Hackman" "Now you're talking")
9. Andrew and Rachel in the 'Hub', the CIA Headquarters "You Willing to help me take him on?" "Yes."
10. TITLE CARD: To Spy (Start of Background Music- 'Jump' by Madonna
11. Rachel and Andrew spar at Martial Arts in a Dojo "How Am I Doing?")
12. Rachel checks out a camera gadget
13. Rachel hacks into a computer
14. Helicopter/car chase. Rachel and Andrew persue Anocite, Blake's Hitman.
15. Rachel fights Blake's Guards
16. Another shot of Rachel fighting the guards (V/O Andrew "You're Learning").
17. TITLE CARD: Zoe Saladana
18. Rachel fights Kate "You fight like a girl"
19. TITLE CARD: Chris Evans
20. Andrew with Rachel in the 'Hub' "This Job is very dangerous. But so is Skydiving, Free-running, or Karate"
21. TITLE CARD: Val Kilmer
22. Blake and Paul in Blake's Lair " Nothing will go wrong"  "Uh, Boss, I just crashed the computer"
23. TITLE CARD WITH RELEASE INFORMATION: Secretary Agent (End of Music)
24. Rachel and Andrew chase Anocite in a helicopter. Rachel, aiming at his car with a blowdart "I can't hit him" Andrew, picking up a bazooka and aiming it at Anocite's car "Let me try" Rachel  "I thought bazookas were Illegal". 

List Of Trailer Scenes

1. Rachel In Office, discovers incriminating information about Blake
2. Andrews introduction. He Rescues Rachel from a house fire. She explains her situation to him.
3. Andrew and Rachel at The CIA headquarters-The Hub
4. Rachel trains as an agent, practising gadget use and computer hacking
5. Rachel and Andrew spar at a Dojo, as he trains her in martial arts
6. Rachel and Andrew chase Blake's hitman, Anocite, in a helicopter
7. Blake discusses his criminal scheme with Paul
8. Rachel fights Kate
9. Rachel fights a group of Blake's henchmen.

The Dark Knight Trailer Analysis

Target Audience

Ages: 18-34
Interests: Action adventure and cop films, Comic Books (especially Batman)
Whats going through their mind: They loved Batman Begins and hope the sequel will be as good. After Batman Begins used more obscure villains, they want to see director Christopher Nolans's realistic take on Batman's most popular and terrifying enemy- The Joker

How the audience get their wish: The trailer is mostly focused on the Joker's campaign of chaos and terror. (The marketing campaign was focused on this until the untimely death of Heath Ledger, after which it was changed to focus on other key characters). The plot comes through clearly and simply: Batman must stop the Joker. There was no need for any more detail (This was the first of two trailers).  This focus on the bare essentials of the plot allows more focus on the Joker, establishing the direction Nolan will take the character in. This fulfills the fans wish to see Batman take on him in Nolan's newly established continuity

Their is also a high level of action in the trailer (Mostly explosions and the Joker threatening Gotham City's citizens), and a lot of the drama fans of Nolan want to see from his films. They Identify with Batman, want to Survey the effects of the Jokers reign of terror, want to see the effects this has on Batman's existing Relationships  , but above all, want to Escape into the films like they escape into their comic books. Therefore, the trailer attracts fans to the film.

Opening Sequence Storyboard

Action-Adventure Marketing research-Iron Man 2

Target Audience- Male comic book fans, aged 18-30

How Does Marketing Appeal to Them?

The trailers show plenty of action and the glamourous,exciting and therefore aspirational life of the film's protagonist, Tony Stark/Iron Man.

The soundtrack is comprised of songs by iconic Hard Rock group AC/DC. AC/DC are popular with students and middle-aged men who were fans of them when younger, and this will attract them to the movie.

Based on a comic-book superhero, Iron Man has a built-in audience. Fans of the comic books get Iron Man and several other popular Marvel superheros (for example, Nick Fury is shown in the trailer) in the film.
Note: Since the first Iron Man film,all Marvel Comics-based movies take place in the same 'universe', with superheros from one film cameoing in another, to attract fans of any of the superheros to multiple movies (For example, Iron Man cameoed in 2008's Incredible Hulk movie). In 2012, 'The Avengers' ,a movie featuring most of Marvel's superheros, will be released. It will attract fans of any of those superheros, and Marvel comics in general.

The cast was also an important selling point. Popular actors such as Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson. Fans of them will go and see the film for there presense. (A major trailer for the film aired with screenings of 'Sherlock Holmes' also starring Downey Jr.)

Iron Man 2 was also promoted in more unique ways. A fictional website for Stark's company was used to release information. It linked to the proper website, creating synergy and attracting more fans.

Finally, major companies such as Burger King, Hershey, and Audi helped promote the film . This created further awareness, and extra merchandise to attract younger fans.

Conclusion

 Iron Man 2 had a very effective marketing campaign, conveying the films superhero USP and selling it to its male target audience, as well as gaining younger fans with merchandise and some female fans witrh some emphasis on strong female characters. This strategy paid off as the film made over $600 worldwide.

Action Adventure Men/Women mood boards

Men in action adventure movies show most male traits, with heroes showing positive ones (e.g bravery) and villans showing negative ones (e.g agression). Some heros, such as James Bond, can display traits from either side.

The archetypal female role used to be that of the Damsel-in-Distress, only involved to be rescued by the hero. However, in recent years, they have evolved into stronger and more intelligent characters, able to give the males a run for their money.

ACTION ADVENTURE NARRATIVE TECHNIQUES

A selection of narrative techniques I will use for my film

Montage: Andrew training Rachel in various secret agent skills, such as escapology, self-disguise, and use of gadgets.
Suspense: Intercutting scenes of Andrew trapped in a flooding lift with Rachel fighting off guards on her way to rescue him. Fast editing will also increase the exciting nature of the sequence
Closed Narrative: Rachel and Andrew have defeated Blake
Open Narrative: Now that Rachel has joined the CIA, what new adventures await?

Action Adventure Feedback

SECRETARY AGENT

Praise: Most aspects of the production (Narrative, cast, influences, etc...) were praised, with the poster and viral video being perceived as particular highlights.

Constructive Criticism : The presentation was felt to be a bit long, and there is also the need to describe film and television ads in more detail.

A point also made which I should address in this post is to explain my opinion that Feburary is a bad month for movies.My reason is that several Hollywood films released in Feburary are, in my opinion, released just to fill screens and often get bad reviews The following action/adventure films released (in America, as Secretary Agent will be released in both the US and UK on the same week) in that month have less then 20% positive reviews on review aggregating website Rotten Tomatoes

1. The Beach (2000) 19%
2. Rollerball (2002) 3%
3. Fools Gold (2008) 10%
4. Echelon Conspiracy (2009) 0%
5. Cop Out (2010) 19%

To reduce the lengh of future presentations, I will go into less detail on the marketing and cast

my Audience profile

Primary Audience

Gender: Female

Age: 18-34

Profession: Demanding and boring 9 to 5 office jobs

Are they typically into the action-adventure genre? No. They find films like The Dark Knight too dark and lacking a strong female character to get them interested. They are into Romantic films and comedies, and would only be interested in action films with strong female characters, preferably as protagonists.

Why will they want to see this? This film has strong romantic elements (Sexual tension between Andrew and Rachel), strong comedic elements (including homages to many popular action-adventure films and TV shows), but, most importantly, a strong and ordinary FEMALE lead.

Secondary Audience: Men aged 18-34 who are into the action genre.

Although its protagonist is more relateable to older audiences, this film will aim for a 12A certificate, and thereby attract 14-18 year olds of both genders, for the reasons stated above.

Action Adventure USP

This film is an antidote to the dark, male-dominated action-adventure films of late, with a strong, relatable, female protagonist and a sense of fun.

Action Adventure presentation

SECRETARY AGENT

(For future presentations, I will cut everything I have in brackets)

For future presentations, I will make changes I have underlined




Iconography: Numerous action sequences, fights and chases, saving the world(or at least the country), escapes from flooding lifts and burning buildings
guns, martial arts and gadgets.

Perfect Budget: $100 million. Why? The film will have an expensive cast and lavish action sequences, but it will mostly be physical action.

Perfect Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Setting: LA. An everyday environment for an everyday protagonist. Busy and mundane

Release date: 3rd February. February is a risky time to release a film, as few films released in that month do well financially, but I have three reasons for wanting to release it at that time

1. In my opinion, the reason most films flop in February is that they either aren't very good or have limited appeal. I want this film to buck that trend.

2. The film is escapism for a time of year people want to escape from the cold into the cinema

3. Due to the lack of quality films at this time of year, there will be less competition.

Marketing Strategy: (First photos released in August, along with teaser trailer and a teaser poster put up in multiplexes (Here is a prototype below) Both of these will Rachel and the changes she will go through.

November: Release of an official poster, which will introduce other key characters like Andrew and Blake

December: Proper trailer attached to major blockbusters,Start of competitions and quizzes related to the film in Men's and woman's magazines (Such as Empire, Total Film and Glamour) for premiere tickets, holidays in L.A and adventure holidays.

15th-25th January: First airings of TV spots,which will, like the trailers, show Rachel evolving into an action icon.There will also be Posters put up on bus stops and billboards and promotions on talk shows by the stars.

29th January: The film will Premiere at Odeon Leicester Square with its stars present)

 In the future, I will cut this down to a couple of points on a generic campaign with USP




Characters

Rachel Dekker: (Princess/Prince) Rachel starts the film as a lowly, timid secretary, but evolves into a brave and confident heroine. Perfect Actress: Zoe Saldana. (Why? Zoe has been in many action-adventure films, such as Star Trek and Avatar, Often as strong female characters.)

Andrew Drake: (Helper/Prince/Princess) A CIA agent, Andrew is adventurous and unorthodox and teams up with Rachel. Perfect Actor: Chris Evans. (Why? He's good-looking and an action-adventure regular, in films like Fantastic Four)

Blake Hackman: (Villain) The film's villain, he is, like most genre villains, overconfident and wants domination of some kind (In his case, destroying the competition for his computer company). He is also the boss from hell. Perfect Actor: Val Kilmer. (Why? Although noted for playing good guys such as Batman, Kilmer has a reputation of being very difficult to work with, so would make the perfect tyrannical boss.)

("There are two things I would never do again in my life. I will never climb Mount Everest, and I will never work with Val Kilmer again. There isn't enough money in the world." )

(John Frankhiemer   )

Kate Li: (Secondary Villain)Blake's second-in-command. She is an expert at Martial Arts. Perfect Actress: Zhang Zyi. (Why? She is a regular in martial arts films, and had a similar role in Rush Hour 2)

Paul Arbuckle: ('False Villain'/Helper) Blake's young, inexperienced and incompetent 'Technological Assistant'. when his boss criticises him once too often, he switches sides to help Rachel and Andrew. Perfect Actor: Aaron Johnson. ( Why? Has appeared in action comedies like 'Kick-Ass'.)







(Other Characters:
The Expert: (Donor) Andrew's MI6 supervisor
Liza Mackenzie: (Donor) Rachel's friend at work. Her husband is implied to be a CIA agent. She gives Rachel a lipstick that turns out to be a concealed gadget.
Sensei Zane: (Donor) A Martial Arts teacher who teaches Rachel.
Anocite:(Tertiary Villain) A Hit-man hired by Blake to kill Rachel.
Flight Instructor: (Donor) A helicopter pilot who agrees to fly Rachel and Andrew as they chase down Anocite)

(Viral Marketing:

Here is a prototype viral advert, to be released just before the teaser. The real thing would appeal to it's target audiences desire for excitement, and establish Rachel as a figure to aspire to.



Later on, I will set up websites related to the film, and use 'Treasure Hunts' across them to find out information (But before the release of the trailler, so it is new and exciting).

Other: Replicas of gadgets, such as a lipstick which can burn through any metal, an IPOD which can be used as a bug, and a digital camera with a tranquilizer dart inside will be sent to critics to get them to review the film)

In the future, I will combine this with the generic marketing campaign.

Action Adventure-My Film Pitch

My Film Pitch- Secretary Agent

'Secretary Agent' is an action-adventure comedy,

Equilbrium:Rachel Dekker is a secretary working for her demanding boss,computer tycoon Blake Hackman.

Disruption: One day in the office, she discovers a USB with evidance that Blake is a criminal mastermind planning to bring all the other computers in the state to a standstill using a computer virus and cause chaos in the process. After an attempt on her life by a hitman hired by Blake, she finds herself having to team up with adventerous CIA agent Andrew Drake, and discover her own inner action hero. They are helped by Paul, Arbuckle, Blake's former assistant.

Resolution:  Rachel and Andrew defeat Blake. Rachel joins Andrew in the CIA.

Influences: The idea of placing an ordinary woman into a world of action and excitment was used in the likes of 'Romancing the Stone' and 'True Lies'. Secretary Agent will also copy the two film's lighthearted, action-packed tone, and reference several other popular action-adventure films as well.

The idea and tounge-in-cheek tone were also infliuenced by the feeling that most action-adventure films these days, such as 'Casino Royale' and 'The Dark Knight' are too dark.

Action Adventure Clip Genre Analysis

'Men In Black' is an Action-Adventure Sci-Fi film. It reflects sci-fi convention in its use of aliens and flying saucers, and is also very comedic, with a running gag about the idea of famous celebrities being aliens. However, it is predominantly an Action-Adventure film.

The Narrative follows the conventions of the action adventure genre, and reflects Todrov's narrative theory.

Equilibrium:James Edwards (Will Smith) is a cop for the NYPD

Dispruption: After a run-in with a criminal who can scale walls and blinks like a bug (Shown in the clip) James is recruited into 'Men In Black' an organisation which moniters extraterrestrial activity on earth.Now named Agent J, He is paired with the experienced Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones).
Soon they are on their first mission. A vicious cockroach-type alien called 'The Bug' has disguised itself as a human and stolen a galaxy, hidden in a diamond owned by the member of another alien race called the Arquillans. The Arquillan government gives J and K one earth hour to find the galaxy, or they will destroy the earth

Resolution: Agents J and K take on 'The Bug' at the site of the 1964 world fair. with the help of Laurel (Linda Florentino), a medical examiner who has found out about the organisation and existance of aliens, they destroy it and retrieve the galaxy. Agent K tells Agent J he has decided to retire.

Restoration:The film ends with Agent J working with Laurel, now Agent L

The familiar action-adventure concepts of finding an important object and saving the earth are blended, and there is also no shortage of action, with car and foot chases, explosions, and very powerful guns.

The guns and explosions fit very well into the traditional action iconography. The Men in Black wear smart black suits and Ray-Ban sunglasses, and carry 'Neuralyzers' which they use to wipe people's memories. There is plenty of CGI in the action sequences, but conventional make-up is also used for the aliens. In the chase at the beginning, James is dressed in a casual white shirt with orange tracksuit trousers. The difference between this and the smarter clothing he wears as a Men in Black agent showcase the changes James has to go through as Agent J

The character types reflect Propp's character conventions

Hero: James (Agent J). Like most heros in the genre, James is confident, athletic and handsome. He also gets most of the comedic dialouge in the film
Helper: Agent K. Agent K is an experienced MIB agent who serves as James's mentor
Villan: The Bug. Like most action-adventure villans, The Bug, who poses as a human named Edgar for much of the film, is searching for power through the galaxy, which serves as an energy source, regardless of the consequences
Princess: Laurel. Laurel is a relativly unusual variation on the princess sterotype. She is a doctor, and quite intelligant. Futhermore, she helps Agent J and Agent K defeat The Bug.
Donor: Jeebs. Jeebs is an alien who sells Agent J and Agent K their weapons.

The film is set entirely in New York-the banaility of the location is juxtaposed with the unusual nature of the aliens seen to create comedy. As is typical of the action genre, the buildings often have an exaggerated height.

To conclude, Men in Black uses the conventions of Action-Adventure well, but combines them with Sci-Fi and Comedy in an interesting and original way to make a unique and enjoyable film.

Homework 1 - analysis of comedy clip

The Muppet Movie is primarily a comedy. In this clip, Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear sing a humorous song whilst on a journey to Hollywood, where they hope to become stars. There are sight gags (A literal fork in the road) and comedic dialouge sung or spoken, primarilly by Fozzie ("Aah.. a bear in his natural habitat...A Studebreaker")

The film's characters reflect Propp's conventions...
Prince: Kermit the Frog
Princess: Miss Piggy
Villain: Doc Hopper
The Helper: Fozzie Bear (And the rest of the Muppets)
The Donor: Dr. Bunsen Honeydew

The plot reflects Todrov's narrative theory...
Equilibrium: Kermit lives a simple life in a swamp, but dreams of making it big (Reflected by the "Rainbow Connection" song)

Disruption: A talent agent recommends that Kermit persue a career in Hollywood. He sets off on the journey there, meeting the other Muppets along the way, whilst being pursued by Doc Hopper, the owner of a frog-leg restaurant chain who will do anything to have Kermit as his spokesperson.

Restoration: The Muppets arrive in Hollywood after a western-style showdown between Kernit and Hopper, Which Kermit wins after Animal, turned into a giant by one of Dr. Honeydew's inventions, scares off Hopper.A Studio executive hires them to make a movie based on their experience.It is a success, and they become famous.

The film has a fairly conventional storyline,but, as part of it's humour, breaks the fourth wall using meta-references. For example, Kermit and Fozzie give the script to another Muppet, who uses it to help them when they get lost in the desert. This is common nowadays in the genre, but was relatively fresh and unique when the film was released in 1979. It was also the first to feature humans and puppets interacting at real-life locations.

Though the narrative is conventional, the use of The Muppets and the distinctive humour help it stand out, and The fact that the Muppets aren't exactly typical stock characters (Miss Piggy is an expert at karate, and able to defend herself a lot better then most princesses)allows the movie to be both familiar (The Muppets were already popular when this was released) and unique, ensuring the movie's success and longevity.