(Warning: This
review contains spoilers. For example, it turns out that beloved television
personality Elmo is not actually a living thing but is part puppet/part
marionette and controlled by a large, pleasant-tempered man named Kevin Clash.)
The Muppets got so much hype and publicity this
past year when it was released that you are forgiven if you were not aware of
the other Muppet movie that was out in theaters: Being Elmo - A
Puppeteer's Journey. This documentary tells the story of Elmo's human Kevin
Clash and his rise from obscurity to puppet greatness. Of course, if that was
all the movie was really about, you could just go to the About The Film page on
the Being Elmo website, read Kevin Clash's bio, and be done
with it. But I'll warn you, you would be missing out on a profoundly moving
film experience.
While watching
Kevin's journey from his childhood of meager means, to performing neighborhood
puppet shows as a teen, to his first visit to New York, to Tickle Me Elmo
mania, I kept thinking one thing over and over again: "What if?" What
if Kevin's parents hadn't been so supportive? What if they punished him when he
cut the lining out of his father's coat to make his first puppet? What if Kevin
wasn't strong enough to ignore the taunts of his peers during the
impressionable high school years? What if Henson legend Kermit Love hung up on
Kevin's mom (when she somehow tracked down his phone number) instead of
inviting Kevin to New York City to visit his workshop?
Those What Ifs
never happened because at every step of the way, there was someone supporting
and reaching out to help Kevin Clash. I do not mean to detract from Kevin's
immense drive and talent by saying that. In fact, if there is anyone in the
world that doubts the monumental talent of this man, they need only take a look
at one of my favorite scenes in the movie. Kevin is training the French Sesame
Street crew, and one puppeteer in particular is having trouble bringing her
character to life. When the Muppet leaves her arm and goes to Kevin's, the results
are nothing short of extraordinary. It's alive, man!
I believe that Being
Elmo is really about the impact one human being can make on the lives
of those around him, whether it is Kermit Love showing a young puppeteer the
magic of the Henson stitch or a furry red Muppet bringing joy to billions.
Director Constance Marks does a great job of letting some very emotional
moments speak for themselves throughout the film. A side note- I have no idea
why all that footage of Kevin Clash as a teenager exists, but Marks made very
good use of it! My one complaint is that the movie- 76 minutes- is too short.
And I personally would have preferred additional scenes on the art of puppetry
and of course more Jim Henson stories.
"Too
short" is a pretty good complaint to have, however. I would recommend Being
Elmo to everyone. Well, everyone except for those dark souls who write
nasty anonymous comments all over the Internet. They may not be able to take
the joy and positivity. But everyone else, watch it! Especially parents, watch
it with your kids! The movie is available on iTunes, Netflix streaming, or of
course the DVD is available in stores and online.
I Laughed: 5-10X
I Cried: Twice
Overheard In The Theater: "You don't even have to be that into Elmo to like this movie!"
I Cried: Twice
Overheard In The Theater: "You don't even have to be that into Elmo to like this movie!"
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