Elmo im Grummelland

I admit that I'm not that familiar with the "Sesame Street" episodes that focus primarily on Elmo. The funny thing is that Elmo was originally just a background character and didn't become the focus until the 1990's. It's still great to have a movie based on "Sesame Street", especially when there are only two in existence. I did find this to be too short. I mean, I look at the Muppet movies and find that they're a lot longer and a lot funnier. A downside here was probably how I really wanted more focus on the other characters. "Sesame Street" has given us so many iconic characters and only Elmo and Oscar the Grouch really have a big role here.

I admit that I'm not familiar with Zoey. Well, it was nice to be introduced to her more, I suppose. This just didn't seem like it was enough for a full movie and more like just a long episode of the show. That being said, it's by no means bad. It's especially fun to see Bert and Ernie appear throughout the movie and literally comment on it. I guess I'm just not much of an Elmo fan and am a lot more into Big Bird. Characters like Cookie Monster and the Count should have had way more of a role. Of course, it does nothing to ruin a beloved series and "Sesame Street" really should live on forever. I guess I liked this for the nostalgia, it just didn't have the characters I'm more familiar with. **1/2

The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland is one of the few films to come around this year that is for the whole family. It can be for the kids because the characters are so likable (especially Elmo played by Kevin Klash) and it can be for the parents because they remember the lovable characters they used to watch as a child. Along with a good story, great characters, and better than good songs, this film teaches kids many things (like sharing and friendship) and of course the Sesame Street characters are always a delight to see on the screen.

I am 21 years old, and I consider myself as a kid at heart. I grew up watching Sesame Street every morning, and I have always loved Elmo. I took my 9 year old sisters to see it and we all loved it. Absolutely nothing offensive, Elmo is adorable! Looking for his lost blanket, he heads to Grouchland to find it. With some help from his friends, they battle Huxley (comically played by Mandy Patikin) to get the blanket back. Take the kids to see it- you and them will love it!

Just thinking about this movie brings back so many memories... ahh those were the days. Anyway, it's a harmless kiss movie kids and adults can watch together. The story's pretty bare unsurprisingly. It's meant for kids to follow after all. Elmo(Kevin Clash) goes on a quest to find his blanket after it ends up in Oscar's(Carol Spinney) trash can.

After diving in, he discovers a world known as "Grouchland". Not only is he lost but he also has to deal with a greedy man child named Huxley. Will Elmo find it as well as discover something about himself or will he be stuck there forever? You know the outcome in fact we all do.

There's not much to say other than it's a good movie kids will like. The songs are ok, the dialogue's passable and the characters are basic. Elmo's the perfect character used in this. He's the physical embodiment of innocence which makes him the best candidate for being the main character. The supporting cast are fine too.

If you have little kids that like Sesame Street than they'll like it just fine. Jump on in and see for yourself.

I have seen Sesame Street home videos that are much more enjoyable than this theatrical release. My 2 year old daughter loved it though, and I guess that's the target audience. The lesson this movie tries to teach is "sharing". I feel that the home video "learning to share" does a much better job.