Every minute of a worthy Muppet endeavor manages to fire off three different jokes—one broad laugh for the kids, one sly nod to the adults while the kids are busy laughing, then a clever sight gag in the background to catch on repeated viewings. I'm pleased to report that Jason Segel, who cowrote and stars in The Muppets, absolutely understands the necessity of jim Henson's approach. The Muppets are in very good hands (and very good hands are in the Muppets, too). Segel stuffed the movie end-to-end with entertainment: Celebrity cameos abound, Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie contributes genuinely catchy songs, and Segel and costar Amy Adams dance their hearts out. It introduces the Muppets to a new generation of kids while reminding the generation before exactly why they loved them so much. (PAUL CONSTANT)