Muppets From Space

(Columbia TriStar)

First-time director Tom Hill abandons soggy song-and-dance in favor of a wholesome plot: charismatic oddball Gonzo's search for his family. Belonging to no genus or species, the hirsute chicken fetishist wonders the big Hows and Whys while on the hunt for his blue-nosed brethren. Sage Kermit reaches profound new levels of best-friendness, Miss Piggy is resplendent in various shades of violet, and creepy madman Animal easily aces creepy madman David Arquette, who's seen here in a cameo. The lasting impression, however, is Gonzo's embrace of the superstar critter within.