Jim Henson Idea Man

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Jim Henson Idea Man

Released May 24

1h 51m

Documentary

Biography

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60 Reviews

90%

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50+ Ratings

"Jim Henson Idea Man" takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard captures Henson's restless creativity, ambition, and artistic evolution in the style and spirit of his complex subject, an artist who revolutionized television, inspired generations, and created some of the world's most beloved characters. Featuring new interviews with Henson's closest collaborators and children, as well as never-before-seen materials from his personal archives--including home movies, photographs, sketches, and diaries--Howard brings us an entertaining and insightful look at a man whose boundless imagination changed the world.

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Critics Consensus

A rich and warm overview of Jim Henson's life and career that avoids simplistic hagiography, Ron Howard's documentary will give audiences a much clearer idea of the pioneering puppeteer's artistry.

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Steve Pond

TheWrap

Henson and Howard are a fine match, and the sort of film you’d expect Ron Howard to make – straightforward, skillful, honest and sympathetic – is pretty much the kind of movie you’d want about Jim Henson.

Aug 8, 2024

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Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A fairly honest portrait of him thanks to his kids, who are willing to put their fingers into his relationship with his wife, Jane... That lens into Henson's life was completely unfamiliar to me, and I really did appreciate that.

Jun 15, 2024

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Robert Levin

Newsday

You leave the movie with a better understanding of this monumental figure, while also feeling like he's still something of an enigma. And that's as it should be.

Rated: 3/4

May 31, 2024

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Jeffrey Peterson

Geek Vibes Nation

The film praises Henson's innovative spirit, highlighting his ability to blend technology with storytelling to revolutionize puppetry and entertainment.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 20, 2024

Full Review

Linda Cook

OurQuadCities / WHBF-TV (Illinois)

Go ahead. Let this wonderful documentary tug at the strings of your heart.

Rated: 4 stars

Aug 22, 2024

Full Review

Dónal Lynch

Sunday Independent (Ireland)

Expect a tsunami of nostalgia to wash over you as you look back on the life’s work of a man who may have provided more joy to more people than any other artist.

Aug 21, 2024

Full Review

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Annie P

Solid, emotional, and entertaining portrait of an incredible man!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/29/24

Full Review

Audience Member

A heart warming tribute to an absolute legend. R.I.P Henson. Plese don't close Muppets 3.D

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/24

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Spencer P

The story of Jim Henson is a classic tale of never letting negativity get in the way of creativity, but the film is also honest with his personal flaws, too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

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Tom F

Not as clunky as most of this sort of documentary, largely because Henson’s legacy has only become more fascinating with time in spite of Disney’s best efforts to undermine it.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Rose G

I thought I wouldn't cry; I was wrong. So very, very wrong. My love for Jim and his work is without bounds and I'm so happy that the documentary was done with an obviously deep respect for both him as a person, and his achievements and contributions to the world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/28/24

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Barry M

Thank you, Ron Howard...Thank you, Jane Henson... thanks to all the Henson children and frankly the entire family... all of the the beautiful, talented, devoted friends and colleagues... Jim Henson left the world a much better place for him having been here... THIS WAS MAGICAL...BRAVO, Opie!!! You ain't too shabby, yourself!!! 💜💚🌈

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/18/24

Full Review

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Ron Howard

Director

Fran Brill

Self

Jennifer Connelly

Self

Dave Goelz

Self

Brian Henson

Self

Rita Moreno

Self

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Jim Henson Idea Man: Trailer

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Synopsis

"Jim Henson Idea Man" takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard captures Henson's restless creativity, ambition, and artistic evolution in the style and spirit of his complex subject, an artist who revolutionized television, inspired generations, and created some of the world's most beloved characters. Featuring new interviews with Henson's closest collaborators and children, as well as never-before-seen materials from his personal archives--including home movies, photographs, sketches, and diaries--Howard brings us an entertaining and insightful look at a man whose boundless imagination changed the world.

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Margaret Bodde, Justin Wilkes, Mark Monroe, Christopher St. John
Screenwriter: Mark Monroe
Distributor: Disney+
Production Co: Disney Original Documentary, The Jim Henson Company, Imagine Documentaries
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2024
Runtime: 1h 51m

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