Sequels are tough. Very rarely do they live up to the original. It’s a fact that director James Bobin and Oscar winning songwriter Bret McKenzie are clearly familiar with. The opening musical number sees the Muppets mock their movie from the outset. They proclaim that “we’re doing a sequel… the studio wants more… while they wait for Tom Hanks to make Toy Story 4.”

Realising that they need a “half-decent plot”, the Muppets have come up with the idea of a European adventure. They’re going to take their show on the road and try to dazzle audiences in Berlin, Madrid, Dublin and London under the guidance of their new manager, Dominic Badguy (Gervais), who is quick to clarify the pronunciation of his French surname – it’s “bad-gee” and not “bad-guy”.

We all know he’s bad though. Dominic has partnered with the world’s most wanted criminal, an “evilen froggen” named Constantine, in an elaborate plan to steal valuable artefacts from Europe’s renowned museums. Constantine secretly takes Kermit’s place within the Muppets (as they look almost identical) and ships the real Kermit off to a freezing Siberian gulag (affectionately known as “Russia’s state-funded hotel”).

With everything now in place, the “greatest burglary of all time” can begin. Dominic and Constantine have ensured that all the Muppets performances are booked in theatres adjacent to their targeted museums. That way, they can steal with ease (only light tunnelling will be needed) and they pin the whole crime on the Muppets themselves.

Perhaps I should steal more lyrics from the “We’re Doing A Sequel” song as part of my critique. Muppets Most Wanted is easy to follow but it feels slightly below the 2011 reboot. The story lacks “meat”, the musical numbers aren’t as catchy, and it’s missing the charm of Amy Adams and Jason Segel. I’d also argue that they’ve gone overboard on the number of cameos. A few get a laugh (Usher a highlight) but others feel like they’ve used to plug gaps in an incomplete screenplay.

I still had fun though. I’m a fan of the Muppets and always will be. Tina Fey is a nice inclusion as a crafty Russian guard who has seen every prison escape movie. I couldn’t help but smile as she interacted with Kermit and his fellow gulag inmates. There’s also some great banter between Ricky Gervais and Constantine (loved his villainous accent) as they try to outsmart each other. They provide the film’s most memorable song – “I’m Number One”.

Laced with family-friendly messages, Muppets Most Wanted isn’t the pinnacle for these beloved characters… but it should keep children entertained for two hours over the Easter school holidays. Good, not great.