Jim Henson: Idea Man (2024) Poster

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9/10
Excellent Rare Clips
smgrigal-745831 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
*Semi-Spoilers*

I own and have seen virtually every documentary that has been put out on Jim Henson and The Muppets so I was quite curious what Ron Howard could dig up for another one that might be new. Sure enough, he surprised me, ESPECIALLY with the vintage behind the scenes clips from the 50's and 60's of Jim and his troupe.

It is a beautifully constructed documentary with wonderful stories, heartwarming interviews, and hilarious clips. My ONLY gripe is that I feel it ended a little abruptly. Not bad by any means, but I think I would have rather them closed out with more examples of his influence and legacy after we lost him. Watch it; you won't regret it.
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8/10
Great Biography With Annoying Music
paulwetor2 June 2024
When I was in high school, Sesame Street came along. I had study hall before lunch in a small room where we could watch the show on TV. That began my interest in the Muppets and Jim Henson. This documentary is a great view of the history of both.

That said, I'm halfway through and the music is annoying. I'm trying to listen to people talk, watch the pictures, and there's distracting music playing that interferes with the sound.

It's not flowing music, it's short and choppy. That would be fine for scenes that need to imply action, but it's people talking in short, choppy words. The music is ear-catching when it should be subtle and not distracting. Music should be an additive to scenes that don't have dialogue. When people are talking, let them talk!
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8/10
The trajectory and work of the revolutionary and visionary artist
aguilera-felipe5 June 2024
"Jim Henson: Idea Man" shows us the trajectory and work of the revolutionary and visionary artist known as the mind and personality behind the Muppets. With a wide variety of interviews, supporting material, and great admiration from director Ron Howard, this documentary provides us with information that goes far beyond the creation of Kermit the Frog and his group of puppets. It's a journey through the motivation, relentless work, perseverance, and great talent of a character who, along with his wife and team, always sought to surprise, innovate, and change the possibilities that television offered.

Jim Henson is undoubtedly a pillar of creativity and positive artistic attitude in recent years, and his legacy will be indelible not only for the relevance of Sesame Street for a generation of children or the cultural phenomenon that the Muppets brought to millions of viewers. He is also a source worthy of admiration and inspiration in a world where everything may seem already defined.
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10/10
Beautiful Tribute for Jim!
lucybnichols31 May 2024
This was absolutely the most heartwarming documentary I've seen yet! Since I was younger, I've always been obsessed with the Muppets! I always thought Jim Henson was just the "puppeteer" for these famous puppets. But from this documentary, I've learned he was so much more than that. He was a creative mind that wanted way much more than just being a children's puppeteer. I've learned that he's done more creative projects than just the Muppets. Like other muppet documentaries, it doesn't show the true side of him and his work, like this does. This just gives a more of an inside scoop of his life and his reality. For the most part, seeing the others who have worked alongside him pay tribute, is just so beautiful! If you're interested in him and his life, I most definitely recommend this! To conclude, It's such a heartfelt, heartwarming tribute for Jim Henson. I'm just hoping this lives on for generations to come and that we celebrate his artistic work.
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10/10
Wonderful Tribute to a Wonderful man
SHB_731 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This documentary by Ron Howard is a fascinating look into the life of the late great muppets creator Jim Henson. The documentary takes us back to the early days of Jim's life in Mississippi. From tragically losing his big brother in an automobile accident to creating Kermit from his mother's coat. Many of Jim's friends and family participate in the documentary. People like Frank Oz and his son Brian Henson describe what Jim was like to work with and his life as a father. We see many behind the scenes footage of him performing the muppets on Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and his films such as The Dark Crystal and Labrynth. Jim was on the verge of selling his company to Disney when he tragically died on May 16, 1990 from bacterial pneumonia. Ron Howard does a fantastic job with the documentary showing us rarely seen footage of him and also explaining how he persevered when no tv studio would take a chance on The Muppet Show. Jim always said he would love to leave the world a better place and thankfully his creations continue to do just that. Idea man is a fascinating look at the life of an incredible man who left us far too soon.
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10/10
oh my gawd...
ops-525351 June 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is some of the most majestic of nostalgic feature length documentary making, a film about Jim Henson, the godfather of tv puppets, whether in commercials, childrens tv or for all us grownups who had '' the muppet show'' as a pillar of inspiration to comedy pranking...

its a full run story about a man , and a workoholic that died younger than me, but developed and enveloped hundredfolds in products and creativity, a voice actor out of the giants, and not to forget all that comedy that comes out of that bodily figure and puppets...

i'm stunned by this production, it ends far too abrupt, just like the man himself, but all the memories he has made in all and everyone weighs heavier than the loss, like he said himself, ''im just on another plane'' when talking about neverland and beyond. So therefore, one of few men that can make me smile instantly, has now got his own biographical documentary, a film that me, the grumpy old man , will recommend just for good memories...
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10/10
Creative Genius - Wonderful Human Being
tiberius-324952 June 2024
Fantastic biographical account not only of Jim but the Muppets too.

Jim's boundless creativity makes you question what wonderous creations we would be treated to today had he not been taken from the world so early... Watching this is an emotional rollercoaster for any true Henson/Muppet fan, his legacy will continue in our hearts and with his family.

The world learnt so much from his shows like Sesame street, not just reading and counting but empathy for our fellow occupants of this earth both human and animal alike.

When I watch this movie/doc I'm left with those emphatic words of Elmo "Gotta love me!" well Jim we always did and will do forever!

Thankyou Ron, Frank and the Henson family for this wonderful insight of genius.
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