It is rare for a sequel to be as good as the original. However, Muppets Most Wanted ends up as a perfect example of a sequel that even surpasses the film preceding it. This time out, the Muppets embark on a world tour starting in Europe under the guidance of smooth-talking Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). When questioned, Dominic insists his surname is French and pronounced Bad-Gee.  Unfortunately for Kermit (voice of Steve Whitmire), Constantine (voice of Matt Vogel), the world's most notorious criminal, recently escaped from prison and bears a rather startling resemblance to Kermit. The only difference involves Constantine’s permanent sneer and a mole he conceals with green makeup.

When Kermit gets imprisoned in a Siberian gulag by mistake, Constantine and Badguy convince the Muppets that the impostor really is Kermit. They don’t realize that Dominic, who only pretends to be an agent, is actually the Number Two criminal in the world, right below Constantine’s Number One status. It’s up to the Muppets to figure out this ruse and discover what these evil characters are scheming.

Ty Burrell portrays Interpol’s top detective, Jean Pierre Napoleon, who deeply resents the CIA's Sam the Eagle (voiced by Eric Jacobson) with whom he must now investigate a series of high profile burglaries.  Sadly, Burrell does an extremely poor imitation of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau throughout.  

Tina Fey appears perfectly cast as Nadya, a prison guard. Kermit may have met his ultimate match in this fascinating character.  She’s extremely feisty and knows every nook and cranny of the prison.  She has thought of every conceivable way an inmate like Kermit can escape before he dreams up any plans to execute.  Fey is at her best when singing “The Big House,” a 1950s style number.  

Christophe Beck’s score and Bret McKenzie’s original songs offer several infectious numbers including “They’ve Ordered A Sequel,” where Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga join in.  Director James Bobin wisely sticks with the tradition of each Muppet movie containing numerous celebrity cameos. Among them are appearances by Chloe Grace Moretz, Danny Trejo, Ray Liotta, Sean Coombs, Josh Groban and Salma Hayek. Several additional surprise guests crop up during the course of the film.

The Muppets lost their voice when Jim Henson died in 1990. They have since regained it with screenwriter Nicholas Stoller, who co-writes with James Bobin. Stoller also co-wrote The Muppets (2011) with Jason Segel. Stoller and Bobin demonstrate a firm grasp of Henson’s beloved characters and an understanding of his vision. Their screenplay is smart, funny, and engaging from start to finish. Muppets Most Wanted definitely benefits from Bobin’s skillful direction. This writer/director crafts a fast-paced, energetic, comedy that should please both children and adults alike.

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures and rated “PG” for some mild action.)