I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

I Am Big Bird is a loving, respectful (if at times shamelessly sentimental) portrayal of Spinney.

The movie is fascinating when it looks at the mechanics of Big Bird, which are physically challenging.

Spinney owns the character, down to the last feather.

From the beginning, the filmmakers promise an affectionate look at the man, and in that they deliver.

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.

It’s an adoring portrait — almost cloyingly so — with an emotional soundtrack that grates a little.

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.