I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

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I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

2015

1h 30m

Documentary

Biography

Drama

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Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

75 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Caroll Spinney is the 80-year-old who has been creating the Muppet characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the first season of "Sesame Street."

Critics Consensus

Every bit as good-natured as longtime fans might hope, I Am Big Bird: The Carroll Spinney Story offers heartwarming behind-the-scenes perspective on a cultural icon.

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Michael O'Sullivan

Washington Post

There's little sour to temper the sweetness of this portrait.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 25, 2015

Full Review

Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

Though its gooey, sentimental soundtrack is a misstep - this story is quite sweet enough already - "I Am Big Bird" is mesmerizing for anyone (and that's a lot of us) who grew up with "Sesame Street."

Rated: 3/4

Jun 18, 2015

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Dave McGinn

Globe and Mail

Very much a heartwarming tribute, bordering on treacly.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 29, 2015

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Jordan Brooks

Vague Visages

From his humble beginnings, to the years he spent in awe of the great Jim Henson, every noteworthy aspect of the performer’s life is meticulously documented to paint the portrait of a great man with an even greater legacy.

Aug 3, 2023

Full Review

Cory Woodroof

PopMatters

I Am Big Bird is a fitting ode to Spinneys career, one that might be biased towards its subject and has every right to be. Some people are just good, and some documentaries are just that as well. Not many knocks can be made against either.

Rated: 8/10

Feb 10, 2022

Full Review

Ben Homewood

NME (New Musical Express)

The heartache that drives this story is captured best when Spinney's eyes moisten as he recalls an on-set moment when "I was crying inside the costume. Inside I was dying."

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 2, 2021

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Kevin P

Bittersweet documentary about the career of one of the most beloved puppeteers of all time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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dave d

Carol Spinney was the man behind Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch and when the movie focuses on him it's wonderful. The documentarians try to also summarize a lot of broader muppet topics. If you're into this kind of thing, you'll like it! Final Score: 8/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Really lovely. It's honest, without being brutal or melodramatic; heartfelt, without being overly sentimental; informative, without being didactic or newsy. Caroll is portrayed very well as an empathetic, artistic and family-centred man who is much loved by those around him... and by millions around the world. The insights into his relationship with Jim Henson are interesting, as well

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This documentary gets you closer to Big Bird than you ever thought possible! The level of creativity behind Spinney's characters, is enough to make any adult a fan of Big Bird, if weren't already.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The story of the man behind what is probably the most iconic muppet character on the classic children's television series "Sesame Street" is very entertaining and gives the audience a very good an in depth look into the late Carrol Sipnney. Being somebody that has an interest in getting a look behind the scenes, "I am Big Bird" met my expectations quite well. Anybody who grew up watching "Sesame Street" should give this documentary a look. I think they will enjoy it very much.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Wonderful documentary. Caroll was a very special person and I wish I could have met him. I'm thankful for this insight into his life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

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Dave LaMattina

Director

Chad N. Walker

Director

Frank Oz

Actor

Roscoe Orman

Actor

Sonia Manzano

Actor

Caroll Spinney

Actor

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I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Caroll Spinney is the 80-year-old who has been creating the Muppet characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the first season of "Sesame Street."

Director: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker
Producer: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker
Screenwriter: Dave LaMattina
Distributor: Tribeca Film
Production Co: Copper Pot Pictures
Genre: Documentary, Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 8, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 4, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $13.0K
Runtime: 1h 30m

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