68
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88The Associated PressMark KennedyThe Associated PressMark KennedyIt’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.
- 83IndieWireKate ErblandIndieWireKate ErblandIn 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?
- 78TheWrapSteve PondTheWrapSteve PondHenson 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.
- 75CNNBrian LowryCNNBrian LowryA particularly rich Disney+ documentary that captures the man as well as the ideas that will ensure him a kind of immortality.
- 75RogerEbert.comPeter SobczynskiRogerEbert.comPeter SobczynskiWhile “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.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergThe Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergJim Henson Idea Man is a very conventional movie that dedicates its time to proving how unconventional Jim Henson was.
- 60Time OutPhil de SemlyenTime OutPhil de SemlyenStill, 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.
- 60SlashfilmChris EvangelistaSlashfilmChris EvangelistaThis is a frequently charming documentary, but it sprints through Henson's life like we're speed-reading his Wikipedia page. I wanted more.
- 60VarietyMichael NordineVarietyMichael NordineIf 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.
- 60EmpireJohn NugentEmpireJohn NugentRon 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.