[Thessair]

I Am Big Bird

I backed this film on Kickstarter three years ago. Earlier last month they released the digital edition and, hopefully, I'll get my Blu-ray later this month. I can't wait to view the extra home movies included on that. Well, on to the film. Quite honestly, I'm not sure the film would have as much of an emotional impact if the viewer didn't grow up in that Sesame Street/Muppet sweet spot that was the late 70s through the mid-80s. It would be nice to be wrong, though. The film is a documentary about Caroll Spinney, the man who has spent the last 40+ years as both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

It doesn't go into a lot of depth on any one thing and, in general, it almost feels like an overview of Spinney's life. But it is a great insight into the man and the home movies, including quite a few of the filming of 1987's Muppet Family Christmas. There are also a wealth of interviews with people like the late Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Bob McGrath, Sonia Manzano, Emilio Delgado, and Spinney's family. There are a lots of highs and lows in the course of the documentary. It's easy to get involved in what's happening and, if you grew up with it all, it really does get you right in the emotions.

Sadly, there wasn't a screening local to me so I didn't get to see it on the big screen, but I imagine it would have been even better in the theatre. If this even tangentially touches on your interests, it would be worth your time to see.