Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Janis One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

michaelinedjohnson For those of us who grew up watching Jim Henson and his magical band of Pied Pipers, this is a must see. Carroll Spinney's life story is almost as fascinating as the characters he has created over his lifetime. From a rough relationship with his father, first wife, and television director, to finding the love of his life, reconciling with his father, and almost being a part of a NASA shuttle mission, this documentary on the puppeteer's life will make you life and shed a tear. The way he met Jim Henson and his relationship with this genius will amaze you. Extremely effective story telling and journalism is apparent in this film. I would recommend it to everyone, and will be purchasing the DVD shortly.For those of you who do not like The Muppets, or have written the shows and organization off after certain members of the cast were accused of molestation, you are missing out. The old school were the lovers and the dreamers who were passionate about puppets and the stories that could be told and principles that could be taught through them. Do not write off the modest genius and pure innocence these men and women offered to us. An amazing tribute to an extraordinary man. A documentary worth watching.

Larry Silverstein This documentary weaves a fascinating story and is filled with warmth, humor, some tragedy, and a real sense of genuineness. It focuses on the life and career of Caroll Spinney, who for over 40 years, has been the man in the giant feathered yellow costume of the iconic character Big Bird. Surprisingly, at least to me, Spinney is also the muppeteer who is behind the wonderful presence of Oscar the Grouch, on Sesame Street of course.The film traces Spinney's life back to his difficult early years, how he, by chance, met the late Jim Henson at a puppet festival and was hired for the show. Spinney really struggled at first and nearly quit, but got the idea of making Big Bird's character child-like and it was perfect for its presentation. There's lots of behind-the-scenes insights into the Sesame Street shows and the cast as well.All in all, I enjoyed this documentary, directed by Lave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker, from start to finish, and thought it was one of the better ones I've seen in a while.

arfdawg-1 The Plot.Think you know everything there is to know about Sesame Street? You don't. You might know that Frank Oz turned down an offer to play Big Bird, but you probably don't know that until a last minute change of heart by NASA, Big Bird was supposed to go to space aboard the Challenger. Or you may know that Oscar the Grouch got his voice from a cantankerous cabbie, but you'd be surprised to learn that a fire in his trash can almost led to Caroll's untimely demise. Caroll's stories are the stuff of legend. He has been a constant presence in our lives for over 40 years, his path weaving through American history like that of Forrest Gump. His time inside the Bird has taught him about the world and about himself. I AM BIG BIRD will peel away the instances in Caroll's life that inspired his creation of characters that influenced generations of children. And, as the yellow feathers give way to gray hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.Really? Who would be interested in this garbage?The music is pathetic too. Who on earth put up a hundred grand to make this trite crapola?Everyone n the ovie jumps on the accolades wagon and it's absolutely silly. The guy did the animation for Bozo. They show it and it's the worst animation you'll ever see but they make it sound like he's Orson Welles!And besides all of this...the muppets are so yesterday and Sesame me Street hasn't been watched since 1980. It's the worst show on TV and they hire pedophiles!UGH

Yondaseso The real winner of this film is the subject himself, Carrol Spinney. The film making itself is pretty straight-ahead, and the sound track is lousy (No percussion at all? Who's idea was that? This is a movie of men and muppets, for the love of puppetry give us an occasional rhythm or beat!). That said, Carrol Spinney, the man behind the bird and the grouch, really carries the film just by being himself. Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch are iconic world-renowned characters that continue to enjoy a long legacy. And Mr. Spinney demonstrates himself to be a person full of creativity, love, joy, pain, and a genuine passion for his work and for his wife. I would recommend this film as a solidly entertaining watch with lasting pathos. The subject is very strong and magnetic, despite the bland filmmaking and schmaltzy soundtrack.