Cert 12A
90 mins
BBFC advice: Infrequent strong language
Am I the only person on the planet who wasn't into Sesame Street?
It says much about the quality of I Am Big Bird that I enjoyed this documentary nevertheless.
This is the story of Carroll Spinney, a puppeteer who was the man inside the costume of the most well-known TV bird in the world.
Spinney was 80 years old when the movie was made and was still traipsing around in huge chicken rubber legs while thrusting his hand in the air to work the bird's large beak.
Dave LaMattina and Chad N. Walker's picture chronicles Spinney's life through school, where he was seen as an oddball, up until the present day.
One of the key figures is Jim Henson who first spotted Spinney's talent at a puppet convention in the 1960s.
Henson was a keen supporter, believing that Spinney would hit the big time despite what seemed to be insurmountable hurdles.
He became a major factor in Spinney's life and his sudden death had a deep impact.
I Am Big Bird contains lost of archive footage and photographs of Spinney, giving an insight into the early development of shows such as The Muppets and Sesame Street.
But, while there is much praise for Spinney, it is not an out and out homage - his frailties are highlighted too.
Puppeteers are geeky to the point of obsession over their work and there have been casualties to Spinney's art over the years.
Regardless, this is a chance for those who have enjoyed characters such as Big Bird and Oscar The Grouch to see the man who makes them what they are.
Carroll Spinney: "Had anybody else played The Bird it wouldn’t be the same. Some of the weaknesses that I have are some of what I put into Big Bird. When I found out who he was, then I felt really fortunate."
Reasons to watch: A well-researched and interesting biopic
Reasons to avoid: If you are not into the puppet shows which dotted our childhood.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10