Follow That Bird

I had the greatest pleasure this past Christmas (2004) of having the opportunity to watch this beloved movie once more. We never owned it when I was younger, but to my mother's memory, anytime we had an opportunity to rent a kid movie from the video store, without doubt, we would pick Follow That Bird. This year, though, my older brother happen-chanced upon a copy of the tape and bought it as a present for Mom. Anyhow, to get down to business...I was amazed at just how wonderful this movie really was. Yes, it is a kid's movie, and is therefore corny and the such (they do break out into cheesy songs every now and then...), but it had a unique charm that a lot of B-class kid movies just don't have anymore. And while Sesame Street still exists for kids today, the newer stuff just doesn't seem to be the same. So for all of you out there like me who grew up on old school Sesame Street...I totally recommend you watch this movie....nostalgia is one of the greatest feelings in the world!

This is a wonderful film for children ages 8 and under. Parents of children that age will be very grateful for a childrens film which has zero bathroom humor or any other crudity. Now I am no prude, but in a day and age when young children are treated to scenes of wart hogs with gas (Lion King) or the sight of a dog hiking it's leg to relieve itself with a commentary(Homeward Bound), it is just nice to have something completely harmless for the little ones. I had to comment because this film deserved more than just to have a listing of: In Memory of Waylon Jennings. This film is a credit to the wonderful creativity of people like Jim Henson, who put quality children programs ahead of the easier, poorly made childrens fare.

Michael

This movie may be a little dated (It may be hard to believe, but it came out almost 20 years ago!), but it is definitely one of the best Sesame Street movies ever written.

I am amazed at the cast of this movie: Sandra Bernhard, Chevy Chase, Waylon Jennings, and Joe Flaherty just to name a few. They definitely add "spice" to an already good movie.

If you or your child is looking for a nice Sesame Street movie, I definitely recommend "Follow That Bird". I think it recently came out on DVD. If you have already seen it, you should see "Big Bird in Japan" or "Big Bird in China". However, they (especially "Big Bird in Japan")are a bit harder to find, and I don't think they're out on DVD yet, but they are on VHS. I do not recommend "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland", however.

"Follow That Bird" is a rare sort of children's film...the type that actually will appeal to both the kids AND the parents. Teens, of course, will hate it...because they're teens....but everyone else should have a nice time watching this together.

The story is about a bunch of do-gooder birds trying to find Big Bird an actual family. They place him with a family of dodos in middle America and he turns out to prefer life back on Sesame Street...and his old friends miss him as well. So, these friends set off to find him...and at the same time Big Bird leaves and wanders about aimlessly looking for Sesame Street.

So why did I like this one? Well because although the film is oriented towards kids, there are some genuinely funny moments...mostly starring Oscar the Grouch. He opens the film with a cute and funny song and has many great moments throughout the movie...such as when he takes his friends to the grouch restaurant. And, if that isn't enough, there are plenty of other wonrderful cameos by the Sesame Street muppets...more than enough to satisfy viewers. Well written, sweet and enjoyable from start to finish...this is a Sesame Street film that's hard not to love.

This is a really cute kids movie with some really great cameos (was that John Candy?) If your kids like Sesame Street and/or the Muppets they will love this movie. Great stuff. Can't recommend it any more highly, almost as good as the original Muppets!