Jim Henson: O Homem-Ideia

I knew immediately that this bio documentary about Jim Henson was in good hands (Ron Howard directing) with the opening, played out against the rousing music of Charles Mingus in one of his trademark barn-burning performances. The story is one of unbridled creativity, and the movie, along with authoritative commentaries by the likes of Frank Oz and Jennifer Connolly, speaks for itself. Howard is especially successful at the poignant way he handles Henson's sudden death, which I had forgotten even though I was a reporter covering the movie industry 34 years ago when it occurred.

One element that hit me out of the blue was a shot of George Lucas on screen during the coverage of "Labyrinth". It reminded me how difficult it would be to make a documentary on Lucas's life, and how there are book-ending similarities in his career relative to Henson's: both were once experimental filmmakers in the 1960s (THX 1138 4EB versus Timepiece), later becoming entwined in the commercial side of the entertainment business with huge financial success, and their creative achievements ended up in the domain of Walt Disney (himself an analogous figure in history).

This documentary is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the most imaginative and creative individuals of our time. Seeing Henson, Oz, and the talented team of Muppeteers at work, performing just below the frame, was both surreal and slightly heartbreaking. It felt as though I had seen too much behind the curtain, losing a bit of that childhood magic where Kermit, Piggy, Fozzy, and Gonzo were real to me.

While the film is visually stunning and expertly made, I felt that certain parts of the 80s were glossed over, leaving me wanting more depth in that era. However, the use of stop-motion was a wonderful addition, complementing the storytelling beautifully.

Ultimately, this documentary paints a touching and heartfelt portrait of an extraordinary man, told through the eyes of those who knew and loved him. It's hard not to be moved by the end, and it's easily one of the most enjoyable projects from Ron Howard.

This was absolutely the most heartwarming documentary I've seen yet! Since I was younger, I've always been obsessed with the Muppets! I always thought Jim Henson was just the "puppeteer" for these famous puppets. But from this documentary, I've learned he was so much more than that. He was a creative mind that wanted way much more than just being a children's puppeteer. I've learned that he's done more creative projects than just the Muppets. Like other muppet documentaries, it doesn't show the true side of him and his work, like this does. This just gives a more of an inside scoop of his life and his reality. For the most part, seeing the others who have worked alongside him pay tribute, is just so beautiful! If you're interested in him and his life, I most definitely recommend this! To conclude, It's such a heartfelt, heartwarming tribute for Jim Henson. I'm just hoping this lives on for generations to come and that we celebrate his artistic work.

When I was in high school, Sesame Street came along. I had study hall before lunch in a small room where we could watch the show on TV. That began my interest in the Muppets and Jim Henson. This documentary is a great view of the history of both.

That said, I'm halfway through and the music is annoying. I'm trying to listen to people talk, watch the pictures, and there's distracting music playing that interferes with the sound.

It's not flowing music, it's short and choppy. That would be fine for scenes that need to imply action, but it's people talking in short, choppy words. The music is ear-catching when it should be subtle and not distracting. Music should be an additive to scenes that don't have dialogue. When people are talking, let them talk!

I thought this was great.

This is a feature length tribute and biography to the great man that was Jim Henson.

It features lots of the people who worked with him, and forms a wonderful education about who the man was and what he stood for.

The talking heads don't get in the way, and there is a lot of rare footage to be seen and enjoyed as well.

I didn't expect this to be as moving as it turned out being, and just hearing the ethos and beliefs that Jim Henson had proved to be inspiring.

I hope people enjoy this well made documentary as much as I did and that it encourages Disney to do more with The Muppets.