Share

Watch It

On DVD: Now | On Blu-ray: TBD
Watch it on iTunes Buy on Amazon

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    71

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    A marvelous movie.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    Village Voice Melissa Anderson

    Constance Marks's documentary on Kevin Clash, the kind, gentle man who created the Muppet beloved by every single child in the world, rushes through the intriguing points its interviewees bring up to devote more time to banalities.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    All in all, the pace -- although buoyed by Joel Goodman score -- is rather plodding until Clash's life story intersects with that of the little red guy, at which point it lifts off. And even yanks a tear or two.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    A documentary as gentle as its subject: the story of a boy who realized his dream and, on the film's evidence, received a lot of encouragement and support along the way.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York Times Neil Genzlinger

    The film, by Constance Marks, is a little light on details of Mr. Clash's personal life once he broke through, but otherwise this is a winning tale of the persistence and creativity behind one of the most famous and fuzziest faces in the world.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    Backstage at the Muppet works, we see countless drawers filled with eyeballs, eyebrows, whiskers and wigs. It's the only world Kevin wanted to live in, and he made it.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Being Elmo is a rare documentary that will connect across generations and cultures to delight viewers worldwide for years to come.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey reviews at Metacritic.com

View MoreView Less

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 8+

Inspiring docu about the man behind the Muppet superstar.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this inspiring documentary about Kevin Clash -- whose dreams of becoming a puppeteer came true when he grew up to become the hands and voice of Sesame Street's beloved Elmo -- shows that if you believe in yourself and work hard at something you love, you can achieve greatness. Not surprisingly for a film set in the world of Sesame Street, there's very little for parents to worry about, though the film may not appeal to the youngest Elmo fans since it's more about Clash than the Sesame characters. There's a passing reference to the strain between Clash and his wife and daughter, whom he doesn't see as often as he'd like because of his busy schedule, but it's handled sensitively.

  • Families can talk about Clash's life. How did his family react to his boyhood drive to make puppets and bring them to life? Did any of them expect his hobby to become an amazing career?
  • What do you like to do? What are your dreams? Do you think you can turn any of your favorite activities into a career?
  • What do you think about seeing the real people behind your favorite Sesame Street Muppet characters? Is it weird or interesting?

The good stuff
  • educationalvalue true2

    Educational value: Kids will learn about what it takes to become a puppeteer, as well as lessons related to perseverance and following your passions.

  • message true4

    Messages: The movie's messages are to believe in yourself and do what you love, and you'll find a way to turn your passions into a rewarding career and satisfying life. That's what Kevin Clash did, and he makes it clear that other people can do so as well, as long as they have faith in themselves.

  • rolemodels true4

    Role models: Clash, who dreamed of becoming a Sesame Street puppeteer and finally made his dreams come true, is an excellent role model for young people who are trying to imagine what they might like to do with their lives and how they can make it happen.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence and scariness: Not an issue

  • sex false0

    Sexy stuff: Not an issue

  • language false0

    Language: Not an issue

  • consumerism false3

    Consumerism: The entire film promotes Sesame Street and one of its most popular characters, Elmo. It also includes many references to other TV shows and films that feature puppets.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false1

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Brief drug reference.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

View MoreView Less

Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 4.462
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
5

A must see for everyone! by laura694
Kevin's inspirational story draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you captivated til the credits roll. It's amazing to see how a young boy's passion led him to become the voice of one of the most beloved puppets of all times.

5

A must-see movie for all generations! by Cassadine555
I saw this film during it's premiere weekend. I urge everyone to see it. It's amazing to see how a little boy's dream and passion evolved into one of the most important figures of our time. Elmo's kind, compassionate, and innocent spirit is the type of character that this society needs and it's all due to the generosity and compassionate heart of it's puppeteer, Mr. Kevin Clash. This film leads us on a journey of pure love beginning with Mr. Clash's parents, to all of his mentors, to Mr. Clash's love for his audience (of all ages), ending with Mr.Clash's mentoring of a new generation of puppeteers. This film will make you cry, will make you cheer, will make you laugh, and will make you love mankind. Thank you to Constance Marks for making this remarkable and inspiring film. Do not miss it. P.S. Special thanks to Mr. Clash for meeting the fans outside of the theater. Your generosity goes beyond words. Much success with this film. Wilma :)

5

by grimesgolden1

5

by nikkinicks24

Read all Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey reviews at Fandango
Advertisement