Jim Henson: Idea Man

Playing exclusively on Disney+ this film is a lovely tribute directed by Ron Howard, who shared when he visited Conan O'Brien's podcast: "It was great to make a film that I thought was interesting, could be revealing and just actually doesn't have a dark side".

"Jim Henson: Idea Man" will not break new ground in the documentary genre, but it provides an easy-to-follow narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and of course tragic end. This is the sort of film that you should stream as a lazy-morning watch over cereal, and you'll have an empty bowl by the time the tears start, but not miss much if you decide to do the dishes.

This isn't Howard's first foray into the world of documentaries; his previous works include The Beatles: Eight Days a Week (2016), Pavarotti (2019), and Rebuilding Paradise (2020) but this is certainly his most conventional. The film adheres closely to the timeline of events in Jim Henson's life without wandering too far into more controversial or complex topics, which ends up being a comfort, really. The documentary covers the key milestones in Henson's career with warmth and affection but remains largely at a surface level.

The documentary's most significant revelations are the vital contributions of Jane Henson and Frank Oz to all the creative decisions. About Frank Oz (who is also the voice of Yoda), Howard adds: " he was very modest about his contributions but as I began to recognize and look at these videos, what a comedy team they were". Not only were these two Bert and Ernie, and Kermit and Miss Piggy but Oz directed "The Dark Crystal" and "The Muppets make Manhattan" at Jim's suggestion.

However I have to mention the Snuffleupagus in the room: it's hard to ignore the subtle influence of Disney over the documentary's content. Since Disney now owns Henson's intellectual property and was involved in litigation with his family after his passing, there's a noticeable absence of any material that might cast the company in a negative light. This editorial choice, while understandable from a corporate perspective, does leave the documentary feeling a bit sanitized and lacking in critical depth.

Despite this, Jim Henson: Idea Man succeeds in its primary goal: celebrating the life and legacy of Jim Henson. It's a heartwarming tribute to a man who brought joy to millions and continues to inspire new generations of creators. For fans of Henson's work and those interested in the history of entertainment, this documentary is a worthwhile watch.