X
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Tribeca Films
  • 1 h 26 m
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Tribeca Films
  • 1 h 26 m

Summary For 45 years, Caroll Spinney has been beloved by generations of children as the man behind Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch - and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. A loving portrait of the man in the yellow suit, I Am Big Bird features extraordinary footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson...

Directed By: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker

Written By: Dave LaMattina

  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Tribeca Films
  • 1 h 26 m
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Tribeca Films
  • 1 h 26 m

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
71
User Score Mixed or Average Based on 11 User Ratings
5.4
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Where to Watch

Summary For 45 years, Caroll Spinney has been beloved by generations of children as the man behind Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch - and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. A loving portrait of the man in the yellow suit, I Am Big Bird features extraordinary footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson...

Directed By: Dave LaMattina, Chad N. Walker

Written By: Dave LaMattina

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
71
65% Positive
13 Reviews
35% Mixed
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 20 Critic Reviews
71
65% Positive
13 Reviews
35% Mixed
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
88
May 14, 2015
I Am Big Bird is a loving, respectful (if at times shamelessly sentimental) portrayal of Spinney.
By Richard Roeper FULL REVIEW
80
May 14, 2015
The movie is fascinating when it looks at the mechanics of Big Bird, which are physically challenging.
By Randy Cordova FULL REVIEW
75
May 17, 2015
Spinney owns the character, down to the last feather.
By Walter Addiego FULL REVIEW
70
May 14, 2015
From the beginning, the filmmakers promise an affectionate look at the man, and in that they deliver.
By Betsy Sharkey FULL REVIEW
60
Oct 25, 2015
It’s tremendously reassuring to find out that Spinney is just the sort of kind-hearted sweetheart you’d expect, a man who’s spent a lifetime making children happy. And it’s a kick to see archive footage and interviews with some of the old, non-puppeteer cast members.
By Leslie Felperin FULL REVIEW
60
May 5, 2015
It’s an adoring portrait — almost cloyingly so — with an emotional soundtrack that grates a little.
FULL REVIEW
58
May 6, 2015
Henson saw potential in Spinney that he proceeded to realize over the course of many years. I Am Big Bird only has 90 minutes to cover the basics.
By Jesse Hassenger FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 11 User Ratings
5.4
45% Positive
5 Ratings
27% Mixed
3 Ratings
27% Negative
3 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Mixed or Average Based on 11 User Ratings
5.4
45% Positive
5 Ratings
27% Mixed
3 Ratings
27% Negative
3 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Copper Pot Pictures
Release Date May 6, 2015
Duration 1 h 26 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline Big Bird guided you through childhood. Let Caroll take you the rest of the way.
Website http://www.iambigbird.com/
View All Details

Awards

Seattle International Film Festival
• 2 Nominations
Philadelphia Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
• 1 Nomination

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