Meet the Feebles (also known as Frogs of War in New Zealand as the film's English fake working title) is a 1989 New Zealand adult puppet musical black comedy film directed by Peter Jackson, and written by Jackson, Fran Walsh, Stephen Sinclair, and Danny Mulheron (who also performed the body of lead character Heidi the Hippo).

The plot follows a stage troupe of puppet animals in a perverse comic satire,[4][5] in contrast to the positive innocence and naïve folly of The Muppets, the Feebles largely present negativity, vice, and other misanthropic characteristics.

[6] The Feeble Variety Hour theatre troupe is rehearsing with hopes of finding success through being picked up for a syndicated television show.

Star singer Heidi is insulted by pornographic director Trevor and complains to her boss and lover Bletch, who is having an affair with Samantha.

Robert, the troupe's newest member, arrives at the theatre and immediately falls in love with fellow newcomer Lucille.

Animal tamer Sid is visited by his ex-girlfriend Sandy who reveals he has a son named Seymour and is preparing a paternity case.

After a poor rehearsal and lambasted by director Sebastian, Heidi rushes to Bletch for emotional affirmation, but walks in on him with Samantha.

An ailing Harry vomits, Sid is accosted by Sandy with Seymour on stage, and a high Wynyard accidentally kills himself with one of his knives.

A photographic postscript reveals that Sid had surgery on his kneecaps and works in an orchard as a struggling horticulturist with his son Seymour.

Sebastian achieved worldwide fame for his best-seller The Feeble Variety Massacre: One Man's Act of Heroism!

The film was originally conceived as part of a television series, and only belatedly became a feature after Japanese investors proposed expanding it; as such, the script was hastily re-written.

An initial application for Film Commission money was rejected by executive director Jim Booth, who a short time later became Jackson's producer.

The site's consensus reads "Dark and vulgar, Meet the Feebles is a backstage comedy featuring puppets that offers proof of Peter Jackson's taste for sheer outrageousness, even if it often lapses into pure juvenilia.

"[12] Janet Maslin of the New York Times gave it 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was "Destined to stand as an unfortunate footnote to Mr. Jackson's career.

"[13] Despite being a commercial failure on release (grossing only NZ$80,000),[3] the film went on to develop a cult following, gaining new fans after the success of Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

"[14][15] The titular Feebles are briefly mentioned in the seventh episode of the 2023 television series The Muppets Mayhem during a cameo by Jackson.