Being Elmo succeeds precisely because of this lack of cynicism. It is heartfelt, touching, and completely in keeping with the spirit of Henson’s fuzzy-felt creations.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 7, 2024

Whilst there is bound to be a heavy dose of nostalgia factor attached to any film that deals with childhood characters, there's enough back-story here to suggest that most will be engaged by Being Elmo.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 8, 2019

It's a humane story about how, sometimes, our dreams can take us to places we might only have, well, dreamed of.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 4, 2019

Contrary to popular belief, The Muppets wasn't the best Muppet movie this year. That distinction goes to this 80-minute doc on puppeteer Kevin Clash, who has given voice and life to Sesame Street's widely popular character Elmo for almost 30 years.

| Original Score: A- | Dec 31, 2018

Gives much deserved credit to one of the most famous, and previously least recognizable, performers in television history.

| Aug 23, 2018

It's a reminder of the people who affected our childhood so much and whose art form is being left behind in the age of Pixar and Dreamworks.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 28, 2017

A film without conflict. The movie simply has no time for bad feelings.

Full Review | May 3, 2015

Even if Elmo was a little after your time, the doc is sure to wring a few tears out of nostalgia prone adults with its behind-the-scenes look at a show everybody grew up with.

| Original Score: B | Jul 10, 2013

Young or old, Elmo fan or not, anyone can find something of real value in Clash's story.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 4, 2012

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 23, 2012

Gentle, sincere, and filled with moments of genuine joy and wonderment, this story of a boy who came to realise his dreams is as good-natured and uncontroversial as Elmo himself.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 2, 2012

I'll go to my grave believing that Elmo is a punk. Kevin Clash, however, is definitely not a punk, not one bit.

| Original Score: 7/10 | May 1, 2012

Constance Marks's delightful, unpretentious documentary both captures the man in all his complex simplicity and throws light on his craft.

| Apr 28, 2012

More than 100 million Elmo owners can't be wrong, can they?

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 27, 2012

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 27, 2012

He seems like a genuinely nice celebrity, possibly because he is never recognised in the street.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 27, 2012

A sweet, engaging documentary, Being Elmo largely steers clear of Clash's personal life to offer a wholesome portrait of a man who has dedicated himself to the thing he loved.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 26, 2012

He simply seems to be a good guy who created something that little children love. Fair enough.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 26, 2012

What a terrific bunch of guys the Muppets/Sesame Street creators are, not just spiritually, but technically.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 26, 2012

Slight, but an uplifting, universal rallying call for creative people to follow their dreams.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 26, 2012