First, this is an anti Henson film and is NOT FOR KIDS.
The story of a puppet who is a former policeman who has become a private investigator (like in a 40’s film) living in a society that looks down upon puppets, as not being worthy in a human sociery. In this place the puppets perform many of the same acts humans but remain an underclass. Dick, (voice of Brekkan Spens) is the main character searching for the killer of a number of puppets who are related to his past history.
Dick is very active socially and sexually, his past girl friend is Elizabeth Banks and his secretary played by Maya Rudolph is obviously in love with him. But he has his most active encounter with a female puppet. She is sexually edgy using very direct foul language and activity. She even has an up skirt scene similar to Sharon Stone in “Basic Instinct”.
.
The adult comedy is effective to a point but after a short time it falls flat. The murder investigation which should be the heart of the film is generally background for the language and risky activity of humans and puppets alike.
Melissa McCarthy who was Dick’s partner before he lost his job after killing a bystander, is forced to work with him on the Happytime Murders because he was a good detective and knows a little about the blue stuffed puppets. Most are not blue, Dick’s brother used bleach to change is skin to white, it makes him feel more human.
The idea is interesting, but is runs dry very quickly, Todd Berger the writer, had one idea and not much else to build the script on.
Happytime Murders just doesn’t bring us enough happy time to hold our interested.