Jim Henson Idea Man

Released May 24

1h 51m

Documentary

Biography

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Jim Henson Idea Man: Trailer

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Audience Score

50+ Ratings

"Jim Henson Idea Man" takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron 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.

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Critics Consensus

A rich and warm overview of Jim Henson's life and career that avoids simplistic hagiography, Ron Howard's documentary will give audiences a much clearer idea of the pioneering puppeteer's artistry.

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Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

A fairly honest portrait of him thanks to his kids, who are willing to put their fingers into his relationship with his wife, Jane... That lens into Henson's life was completely unfamiliar to me, and I really did appreciate that.

Jun 15, 2024

Full Review

Robert Levin

Newsday

You leave the movie with a better understanding of this monumental figure, while also feeling like he's still something of an enigma. And that's as it should be.

Rated: 3/4

May 31, 2024

Full Review

John Nugent

Empire Magazine

Howard’s genial account of the legendary Muppeteer plays it safe, with a fairly traditional documentary-making approach — but it still manages to be adequately inspirational, celebrational and, yes, even Muppetational.

Rated: 3/5

May 31, 2024

Full Review

Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

The film tracks Henson’s progress as a creative visionary, revealing his superlative imagination, his persistence, and his unyielding dedication to his craft.

Jun 15, 2024

Full Review

Andy Klein

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It's totally enjoyable and well put together.

Jun 15, 2024

Full Review

Sheraz Farooqi

CinemaDebate

A comprehensive look at Jim Henson and the iconic Muppets. Set through the lens of Henson's unique imagination and frantic need to create, Ron Howard puts together a documentary that tells the icon's life with the same flavor as his work.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 14, 2024

Full Review

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m s

watched it tonight. super good! a well done portrait of a tireless worker and creative genius!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/17/24

Full Review

Jareth N

Beautiful movie and a wonderful tribute to an amazing man.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/24

Full Review

Audience Member

A lot of insight into one of the most influential entertainment masters for GenXers. I think they could have gone deeper. It just seems to scratch the surface, for a person who has a lot of footage and stories to show who he was.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/13/24

Full Review

Evan C

I just watched it and it really digs deep into the whole history of Jim Henson. The last few minutes were extremely emotional for me. Definitely something you must watch! 5/5

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/24

Full Review

kate c

Incredible storying telling of a creative genius. Time flew by watching and left me wanting to watch Labyrinth for the 1000th Time! Could the doc go more into the "mind" of his creative or his personal relationships...of course. He created so much in a short amount of time and probably achieved more than 20X the average creative in one year, so yes there is going to be a lot left unexplored. Ron Howard produced a movie that the masses could be re-introduced and entertained to the life of a non-stop innovator and creative with the majority of the movie showing old footage and film, including behind the scenes. For those who said too long...I say, not long enough. Both of this film and his life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/09/24

Full Review

Patrick H

Enjoyable. but too long. I had it watch it in two viewings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/09/24

Full Review

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Ron Howard

Director

Fran Brill

Self

Jennifer Connelly

Self

Dave Goelz

Self

Brian Henson

Self

Rita Moreno

Self

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Jim Henson Idea Man: Trailer

2:16

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Synopsis

"Jim Henson Idea Man" takes us into the mind of this singular creative visionary, from his early years puppeteering on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and beyond. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron 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.

Director: Ron Howard
Producer: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Margaret Bodde, Justin Wilkes, Mark Monroe, Christopher St. John
Screenwriter: Mark Monroe
Distributor: Disney+
Production Co: The Jim Henson Company, Disney Original Documentary, Imagine Documentaries
Genre: Documentary, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2024
Runtime: 1h 51m

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