It’s hard not to smile when you think of Elmo. One of the most recognizable residents of Sesame Street but more importantly one of the sweetest. Being Elmo introduces us to Kevin Clash, the man, voice, and heart behind the fuzzy red monster that created stampedes of desperate (read: rabid) mothers seeking Tickle Me Elmos and who is beloved by children all over the world. Kevin tells his story of humble beginnings in Baltimore and a very unique dream: to become a puppeteer under Jim Henson. Not an astronaut, veterinarian, fireman or even president, a puppeteer! And with the help of his supportive parents, a local TV station, and Captain Kangaroo he gets eventually noticed by Kermit Love, one of Henson’s partners who guides his dream into becoming a felt covered reality. It’s amazing to see Kevin, the soft spoken and reserved man, turn into Elmo, the loud and silly Muppet. Yet with their surface differences they both share a love of making children smile. I noticed halfway through the film that I had been smiling the entire time and had what I like to call happy Anime eye syndrome. It’s simple: Being Elmo is one of the most satisfying “feel good” movies of the year. Actually, I felt fucking great! You root for him from start to finish. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (Do NOT skip the Kleenex) and you’ll leave the theater happy. And even the most cynical curmudgeon won’t be able to look at that little Muppet the same again.
Being Elmo is playing in cities across the country.
