‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ documentary is ‘the definitive account’ of all he achieved [Review Round-Up]
Following its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Disney+ began streaming “Jim Henson Idea Man” on May 31, 2024. The documentary directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard chronicles Henson’s life, from the early years of his career to the creation of properties like the Muppets, “Sesame Street,” and “The Dark Crystal,” and also focuses on his creative and romantic partnership with his wife Jane Henson.
The movie is holding fresh with a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, stating “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.” Read our full review round-up below.
Kate Erbland of indieWire writes, “In a documentary landscape rife with both star-fronted documentaries and other hagiographic entries, Howard leans into honesty. The film is so much better for it, even as it can’t quite capture the full magic and scope of Henson’s life and work.” Concluding, “Howard guides us through the big moments (meeting Frank Oz and Jerry Juhl; the struggle of using his creativity to make ads) and we finally get to the creation of The Muppets. The film contains wonderful bits of trivia about all of Henson’s work, and it would be tough to imagine a Henson fan who doesn’t get a bit misty when Kermit first arrives (famously, made from a ping-pong ball and his mother’s old coat) or laugh heartily as Miss Piggy barrels her way into the world. It’s joyous and a little sad, which is exactly what so many of the people sound like when talking about Henson.”
Matthew Carey of Deadline praises the film, stating, “His death at age 53 leaves one to wonder what else he could have accomplished if fate had given him more time. But ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ stands as the definitive account of all he did achieve.” Continuing, “Jim Henson Idea Man is a soup-to-nuts biographical documentary, covering the entire range of the protagonist’s life and career: upbringing in Mississippi; marriage to Jane Nebel, his artistic partner and wife, who sometimes puppeted Kermit in the early days; collaboration with the Children’s Television Workshop on ‘Sesame Street,’ which introduced millions to the Muppets; the syndicated ‘The Muppet Show’ and subsequent movies; and Henson’s other big screen endeavors, like ‘Dark Crystal’ and ‘Labyrinth.’ Howard brings fresh energy to the subject through the skillful use of animations based on Henson’s impressive drawings and wonderful archival rarities that go beyond what has been seen in previous treatments of Henson’s life.”
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Alan French of Sunshine State Cineplex notes, “Howard highlights many aspects of Henson’s life that have become common knowledge. However, in this package, and with the cooperation of many of his chief collaborators, ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ shines as a unique tribute and love letter to one of history’s greatest creatives.”
Josh Parham of Next Best Picture says, “It is interesting how, from the very first frame, there is an intention to highlight not only Henson’s most well-known works but also those that may be more obscure items for the general public. The layout of interviews takes place in an arena composed of cubes, introduced by a figure that’s a character from one of his experimental pieces. Having the opportunity to get a glimpse of his more stylistic works, including his Oscar-nominated short film ‘Time Piece,’ is a wonderful view into his vibrant imagination.”
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