THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS: A Less Than Joyful Killing Spree

Recycling and utilizing children’s entertainment is far from new. Typically done through the art of animation, though not limited to, shows such as Family Guy, Rick and Morty, South Park and Sausage Party have each brought the nostalgia of cartoons and made them desirable to adults, pushing the boundaries of content typically associated with the medium. As adults, we crave nostalgia, basking in the euphoria it creates – which can attest to the success seen in the recent saturation of rivals throughout television. Yet, we also find enjoyment in the pairing of this nostalgia with content made specifically for adults.

This is also nothing new for Henson Alternative, a subsidiary of The Jim Henson Company, whose adult content utilizing popular children’s media dates back to 1955 with mature themes coupled with puppets for late night entertainment. This year, Henson Alternative, with the distributing power of STX Entertainment, adds to the growing list of films and TV series that are catering to both this sense of nostalgia and desire for adult content with their latest film The Happytime Murders.

From director Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson, The Happytime Murders follows an ex-cop (Bill Barretta) turned detective as he fights against time to stop the murders of each cast member who had once starred in the hit 1990s children show “The Happytime Gang”. There were hearty laughs sprinkled throughout the film, yet not strong enough to carry this feeling throughout, causing The Happytime Murders to feel deflated. There was a story to tell, yet the execution will leave many wondering why it was told.

The Happytime Murders lacked originality, something to make it stand out from films before it and films it was being released against. For years, the failed cop looking for redemption storyline has been overused, and no amount of puppets can put in the originality that would be required to invigorate it.

The Puppeteer Behind the Puppet

I will admit that The Happytime Murders was great when you look at the finer details interlaced, yet, when you look at it as a whole picture, it falls flat. The Happytime Murders is littered with small bits of intertextuality that make it a bit of a game. Melissa McCarthy‘s husband is the best of the bunch, though I won’t say how and where, just know his appearance and accompanying dialogue is surprising, comes out of right field, and is one of the most perfect easter eggs of the film.

At the beginning of The Happytime Murders, while Phil’s character is still being introduced to audiences, he is seen pouring himself a whiskey, giving further into the clichéd portrayal of an ex-cop looking for redemption. Yet, as he places the whisky bottle on the table, you will notice it reads “Ancient Alcohol”, with both the A’s in a deep red, “AA”.

At face value, many may read this as though Phil is an alcoholic, but this small detail parallels Phil to those who are currently taking the steps needed to change their lives, which up to this point, Phil hasn’t – but one small step could make all the difference. There are many little tidbits to the details throughout The Happytime Murders and I wish this much attention had been given to the film overall. If someone has just stepped back and taken a look at the whole picture, the film may have turned out differently.

The best comedy was between Melissa McCarthy and puppet Phil –  this is where the film will find most of its humorous dialogue and interactions. There are still other moments throughout, with puppet Phil and Joel McHale‘s multiple face-offs coming in a close second. The humor is not limited to each of these pairings, though it is not as credible and authentic.

In the last year, Jennifer Lawrence has been noted as most in need of a new agent following the release of her last two films mother! and Red Sparrow. Unfortunately, I feel Melissa McCarthy will be the next such actress in need of this advice. In a comedic environment, this was the most reserved and controlled character I have seen McCarthy play. It was a refreshing opportunity to see her take on a humorous character that was not over-the-top eccentric. The talent she delivers is outstanding, and it was great to see her encompass a different vibe, yet she continues to find herself in terrible films.

Saturday Night Live alumni Maya Rudolph was the perfect clichéd secretary, her performance humorous, classic and bubbly – which is probably good cause to defend her character’s name Bubbles. Every nuance that would be expected of this portrayal came through perfectly: every tiny high-heeled step, every hip swivel and every moment of dialogue delivered. The only downside to her performance, coupled with McCarthy, was the strong desire for a cameo from Kristen Wiig – bringing the Bridesmaids reunion full circle.

Parallels of Racism, With a Shout Out to #Metoo

The Happytime Murders is anything but discreet in regards to its views on racism. The film is saturated with references to both segregation and equality, utilizing puppets and humans as their unequal representations. Puppets are seen as nothing more than forms of entertainment to the populace. They are paid less, have their own hospitals and are looked down upon by society. Puppets are even banned from being on a police force due to a perceived belief that puppet police may value the lives of other puppets over the lives of humans. While a very obvious nod, these various references and parallels speak to a continued need to acknowledge and to further educate on the inequality that still exists throughout our society.

While not as immediately recognized, there is also a small shoutout to women’s rights and the fight against pay inequality that is still raging. There is a moment in the film when Phil and Detective Edwards are interviewing the head of the syndicate behind “The Happytime Gang”. As they are discussing salaries between actors and puppets, it is noted that there is a wide percentage difference in what human actors and puppets make, for which the studio head responds, “all the little dummies want to do is sing and dance”.

With many actresses stepping forward over the past year, declaring the pay wage gaps they have experienced in the industry, many women around the world have looked to the inequality they too may have experienced. While there have been steps made to adjust the inequality of the industry, there is still more work to do.

Conclusion: The Happytime Murders

The Happytime Murders was truly a terrible film. While there were several details that shined, the extra attention giving deeper meaning, they were lost in an unoriginal plot and tired, clichéd Hollywood storyline.

It is a shame as there was potential in the idea that it was trying to convey. It seems an era of puppets for adult entertainment may not be as effective as it once was.

What are your thoughts on The Happytime Murders?

The Happytime Murders opened in US theaters on August 24, in UK theaters on August 27. Find international release info here.