Jim Henson Idea Man

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Jim Henson Idea Man

Released May 24, 2024

1h 51m

Documentary

Biography

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Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

61 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100+ 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 (LAist)

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

Full Review

Clement Tyler Obropta

Film Inquiry

Jim Henson Idea Man is not just insubstantial as a documentary — it’s a rare example of a subject being so big, so artistically daunting, and so creative that he outgrows his own documentary.

Jan 16, 2025

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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

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T H

Loved this! Jim Henson was a brilliant man, a definite genius! As Peter Jennings said when he reported Jim’s death, most people will feel like there’s been a death in the family. SO true! Ron Howard has made a wonderful tribute to this fabulous man!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 51 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/25

Full Review

Alysha S

Straightforward but self-illuminating.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

Full Review

matthias s

**Review of *Jim Henson: Idea Man* – 3.5 Stars** *Jim Henson: Idea Man* is a heartfelt deep dive into the mind of one of the most creative forces in entertainment history. As a lifelong Muppets fan, I loved seeing the origins of Kermit and getting a peek behind the curtain at how Henson built his empire. The doc really gives you a sense of who he was — not just as a creator but as a person — and covers everything from *Sesame Street* to *The Dark Crystal* with impressive detail. The behind-the-scenes footage is gold, and you walk away feeling like you really *get* Henson. That said, it does drag a bit in places — the amount of content almost begs for a docuseries rather than a single film. Still, it’s a well-crafted tribute to a true icon. If you’re a Henson fan, it’s absolutely worth your time — just be ready for a slightly long sit.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/13/25

Full Review

Audience Member

An entertaining, emotional look at the work and life of a genius that perfectly captures the spirit of Jim Henson.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/25

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Garrett B

Cool documentary of a revolutionary man.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

Full Review

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Ron Howard

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Jennifer Connelly

Self

Dave Goelz

Self

Brian Henson

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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: The Jim Henson Company, Disney Original Documentary, 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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