The Muppet Movie

Hollywood lore is full of instances when an actor’s tour de force performance defines a generation. Think Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire, De Niro in Taxi Driver and Day-Lewis in My Left Foot. Easily fitting into that category is a green-skinned thespian who shows his chops both as an action hero and an irresistible romantic lead. No, not the Hulk, but America’s greatest amphibian actor, Kermit the Frog, in The Muppet Movie. The zany comedy, the first time Jim Henson’s Muppets hit the big screen, follows the adventures of the fly-eater whose only ambition since he was a tiny tadpole was to entertain people. Kermit and his motley crew, including a lusty pig (Kermit’s high-maintenance sweetie, Miss Piggy), a bear, a Swedish chef, a dog and whatever the hell Gonzo is, seek out their Tinseltown dreams and head to Hollywood, but they hit a few bumps along the way.

And don’t worry, Gen-Xers — it’s okay to get a little misty-eyed during Kermit’s sweetly sad rendition of “The Rainbow Connection.” 11:55 p.m. Friday and Saturday. River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray Street. For information, call 713-866-8881 or visit www.landmarktheatre.com. $6 to $9.50.
Fri., Dec. 26, 11:55 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 27, 11:55 p.m., 2008