Jim Henson Idea Man
Disney+ | Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
69
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
5
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
Movie NationRoger MooreJun 2, 2024
Henson didn’t live long. But his restless mind and energy were devoted to sweet-natured and sometimes challenging entertainment — he never wanted to be a “children’s puppeteer” — that he produced with almost every waking second. “Idea Man” reminds us that the ideas he explored live on after him. Read full review
88
The Associated PressMark KennedyMay 30, 2024
It’s a documentary, ultimately, about creativity and a singular mind, one who dreamed up a gaggle of friends for life: Big Bird, Cookie Monster, the Count and, of course, Kermit, stitched from an old coat. Read full review
83
IndieWireKate ErblandMay 18, 2024
In a documentary landscape rife with both star-fronted documentaries and other hagiographic entries, Howard leans into honesty. The film is so much better for it, even as it can’t quite capture the full magic and scope of Henson’s life and work. What could? Read full review
78
TheWrapSteve PondMay 20, 2024
Henson and Howard are a fine match, and the sort of film you’d expect Ron Howard to make – straightforward, skillful, honest and sympathetic – is pretty much the kind of movie you’d want about Jim Henson. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comPeter SobczynskiMay 31, 2024
While “Jim Henson: Idea Man” may not break any new ground regarding Hensonian research or documentary filmmaking in general, it should prove valuable to younger viewers curious to know more about the man behind so many beloved childhood icons. Read full review
75
CNNBrian LowryMay 31, 2024
A particularly rich Disney+ documentary that captures the man as well as the ideas that will ensure him a kind of immortality. Read full review
70
IGNErik AdamsJun 7, 2024
Idea Man is a lively if shallow journey into the mind of Muppet maestro Jim Henson. Read full review
70
ColliderRoss BonaimeMay 31, 2024
Jim Henson Idea Man is an adoring look at this remarkable man that never slips into hagiography, yet, it’s a documentary that will only make you appreciate the multitudes that made Henson who he was. Read full review
60
EmpireJohn NugentMay 31, 2024
Ron 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. Read full review
60
VarietyMichael NordineMay 28, 2024
If it’s easy to wish “Idea Man” were as bold as its subject, though, it’s just as easy to be won over by this deservedly heartfelt tribute to him. Read full review
60
SlashfilmChris EvangelistaMay 24, 2024
This is a frequently charming documentary, but it sprints through Henson's life like we're speed-reading his Wikipedia page. I wanted more. Read full review
60
Time OutPhil de SemlyenMay 20, 2024
Still, if his doc is as toothless as Cookie Monster 2.0, it’s still a nostalgic treat to spend time with the man who gave us Kermit, Big Bird and the Goblin King. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergMay 18, 2024
Jim Henson Idea Man is a very conventional movie that dedicates its time to proving how unconventional Jim Henson was. Read full review
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