Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

“Muppet Most Wanted” opens after 2011’s “The Muppets” ends as our beloved heroes bask in new found fame until they realize the still-present camera means one thing: Sequel. The Muppets have always played with the fourth wall and the jokes come fast. The opening song declares sequels as inferior and –- in an inspired bit -– surmises aloud that parent company Disney only green lit this because it’s still holding for “Toy Story 4.” The plot, though, is inferior, clever bits aside. Ricky Gervais plays an oily talent manager who fools the gang into a European tour that is a ruse to rob museums, masterminded by his frog boss, a Kermit look-alike with only a facial mole to set him apart. And a twerpy Russian accent. And no talent. Meanwhile, Kermit is sent to a Siberian prison run by Tina Fey, and housed by the likes of Ray Liotta and Danny Trejo, expert villains. There are many cameos. None must see. Director James Bobin goes for the spirit and madcap anything goes jokes of the older films, but the “Shawshank” and “Silence of the Lambs” winks ring awkward. That said, few entertainments balm one’s soul as well as the sight of Beeker. B

Ghost Town (2008)

"Ghost Town" is not a film worthy of big-screen treatment, but this smallish comedy is a good DVD to watch from the couch. Ricky Gervais plays an uptight, a-hole NYC dentist who dies (a little bit, not long) during routine surgery and wakes up with the ability to see and hear the not-yet dearly departed.

Among his new "friends" is a dead adulterer (Greg Kinnear) who seemingly doesn't want his widow (Tea Leoni) to find happiness with another man. No one is better at milking a prick for long uncomfortable bouts of laughter than Gervais, and he is just perfect here. He's the sole and soul reason to see this film.

I didn't much care for the predictable, forced ending, but that's par for the course in romantic comedies. B