Phil sees BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY at the Camera 3-December 17. 2011

So It's been a long time since I went to the theaters and saw a movie. My real job is in sales, so I've been putting in a lot of hours during the day, then come home and finish up on work emails and other paperwork. So for the past several blogs I've been reviewing films that I would watch while working at home, hence the B-movies, horror flicks, and the Bollywood films. Well today I finally got out of the house and saw some films in the theater! So I headed back to my old stopping ground: The Camera Cinemas in Downtown San Jose. The first film I saw was at the Camera 3 called BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY, a fascinating documentary about the life of Kevin Clash, the man behind Elmo.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film tells Clash's amazing rise from his humble beginnings in Baltimore, Maryland to becoming a member of Jim Henson's  troupe and the phenomenon of his beloved SESAME STREET character Elmo. While in school, Clash would be picked on by other kids. He didn't play sports, he made puppets, due to his love of Jim Henson and his shows SESAME STREET and THE MUPPET SHOW. Jocks would tease him, saying that he was playing with dolls. However, both his parents would encourage him to follow his dream. The love and support from his parents would give him the confidence to audition for his local Channel 2 station where his career would begin. Soon he found himself working on the CAPTAIN KANGAROO SHOW as well as THE GREAT SPACE COASTER. Eventually his journey would also lead him to befriending Kermit Love, the man who helped create Henson's puppets. Through his friendship with Love, he was given the opportunity to become one of Henson's puppeteers, working along side with Henson himself and also with Frank Oz, Marty Robinson, and others. The film also shows the origin of Elmo, who was once just a simpleton character that Clash took over and transformed the puppet to one of the most recognized muppet on SESAME STREET.

The film is a perfect example of following your dreams and sticking to that dream. Clash is now a vital part of SESAME STREET: being the show's writer, producer, and director. But the film also showcases the downside of fame, from his divorce of his wife and his absence of his daughter's life. Though the film is just a mere 78 minutes, it really packs everything you wanted to know about Clash and how he has enchanted, entertained, and enriched the lives of children from all over the world.

BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY is a heartfelt movie, a film that shows us how one person really can make a difference in the world! If you see this film playing where you live, you really should see it. The film also speaks to the child in us all, so have daydreaming again. And remember you're never too old to still play with dolls.

BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY is currently playing in select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!