Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird

Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird is a compelling, delightful family film that brings the cherished characters of television's Sesame Street to the silver screen. The 1985 American musical road-comedy film was directed by the dynamic Ken Kwapis and created by the visionary minds of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Drawing from the successful and much-beloved Sesame Street television series, the film invites a familiar cast of delightful characters, both human and Muppet, to engage audiences with a wholesome and heartwarming story that is steeped in Sesame Street's enduring messages about learning, friendship, and kindness.

A perfect blend of music, comedy, and emotional resonance, this film features Caroll Spinney as Big Bird, a soulful, eight-foot-two-inch canary who is the heart of the narrative. Jim Henson, the legendary puppeteer and creator of the Muppets, is also showcased throughout the film, lending his skill to various characters who drive the plot.

The storyline begins when a well-meaning but misguided social worker from the Feathered Friends' Board of Birds feels Big Bird should live in an environment with only birds like himself. She arranges for Big Bird to be adopted by a family of dodos, who live in 'the bird state' of Illinois. The film’s plot takes flight with Big Bird's reluctant move and his candid struggle to adjust to his new home.

Big Bird soon realizes that despite their shared feathered characteristics, he shares little else in common with the rigid, rule-adhering Dodo family. Still, it's not his feathered appearance but his warm heart and love for his diverse Sesame Street friends that truly define him. It's a powerful showcase of the film’s subtextual theming - embracing diversity and finding unity and belonging in unlikely places.

Meanwhile, on Sesame Street, Big Bird's absence is felt deeply. His friends - including Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Oscar the Grouch - realize that the street is simply not the same without Big Bird's vibrant presence. In a union of camaraderie and collective action, they chart a course to find and bring Big Bird back home, paving way for an exciting road trip adventure. Along their journey, a series of hilarious scenes, tumbling scenarios, and melodious segments transpire, capturing the essence of the characters' distinct personalities.

Featuring original songs that embody the uplifting spirit of Sesame Street, Follow That Bird continues the tradition of Sesame Street’s educational entertainment. The songs fill the movie with sparkling optimism, humor, and an array of emotions, contributing to the emotional depth of the narrative.

At the heart of this film is a lesson about the importance of community, family - both adopted and biological - and accepting each other's differences. It tells the story of a bird who's more than just a bird and a street that’s more than just a street. It's a story that resonates with children and adults, touching on life's simple truths – the value of home, friendship, and the magic of the journey itself.

It’s also worth mentioning that while Follow That Bird is a children's movie, it plays on a number of levels, ensuring all members of the family will find something to enjoy here. Between the physical comedy, the puns, and the underlying messages, the film possesses a certain timeless charm, a testament to the lasting legacy of Sesame Street’s caliber shows.

Designed with colorful sets that amplify the world of Sesame Street, the film also boasts an impressive animation sequence, blending the line between puppetry and animation in a distinctive technique that adds a layer of creativity to the storytelling. With a run-time of approximately 89 minutes, the film manages to maintain a swift pace and includes just enough elements to keep audiences hooked without feeling overwhelmed.

In the end, Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird serves as a heartwarming tribute to the popular children's television show, elegantly preserving the essence of the Sesame Street world while spinning a cinematic tale that thrives on friendship, adventure, music, and laughter. Charming, spirited, and full of joy, it is a film that has the power to make us remember how it feels to view the world through the eyes of a child - where even the simplest of adventures can become an unforgettable story.