Jim Henson Idea Man

Released May 24

1h 51m

Documentary

Biography

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List

100%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

91%

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

Carla Hay

Culture Mix

Jim Henson Idea Man could've easily been just a nostalgia trip of Jim Henson's successes. However, this candid documentary gives an illuminating look at the ups and downs of his life without glossing over how his flaws affected his personal relationships.

Jul 21, 2024

Full Review

JK Sooja

Common Sense Media

Jim Henson: Idea Man still manages to capture who Henson was, what fascinated and inspired him. All the great behind-the-scenes material perhaps best helps let Henson be who he was, playful, dedicated, communicative, and a team player.

Jul 8, 2024

Full Review

Derek Sante

KSNV (Las Vegas)

Creativity and kindness seeped from this man, and he still has many generations asking, "Why are there so many songs about Rainbows?"

Rated: A

Jul 3, 2024

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Tom F

Not as clunky as most of this sort of documentary, largely because Henson’s legacy has only become more fascinating with time in spite of Disney’s best efforts to undermine it.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/19/24

Full Review

Rose G

I thought I wouldn't cry; I was wrong. So very, very wrong. My love for Jim and his work is without bounds and I'm so happy that the documentary was done with an obviously deep respect for both him as a person, and his achievements and contributions to the world.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/28/24

Full Review

Barry M

Thank you, Ron Howard...Thank you, Jane Henson... thanks to all the Henson children and frankly the entire family... all of the the beautiful, talented, devoted friends and colleagues... Jim Henson left the world a much better place for him having been here... THIS WAS MAGICAL...BRAVO, Opie!!! You ain't too shabby, yourself!!! 💜💚🌈

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/18/24

Full Review

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

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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

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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: Disney Original Documentary, The Jim Henson Company, 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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