Movie review: 'Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey' -- 3.5 stars
![Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AYmUxNjk5YWUtNGJiYy00%3AYWUtNGJiYy00YmFjZDdl%2Famny-elmo.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine) Credit: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine)
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey
3.5 stars
Documentary by Constance Marks and Philip Shane
Not rated
If you’ve ever wanted someone to tell you how to get, how to get to “Sesame Street,” then “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” is a must-see documentary.
The film tells the uplifting life story of Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the superstar Muppet Elmo, from Clash’s poor childhood in Baltimore through his ascension to the top of the puppet world and, ahem, having a hand in creating one of the most popular Muppets of all time.
Much like his squeaky-clean, red, furry, hug-loving pal, Clash is a bit of a Boy Scout, so you're not going to get some of the more salacious tidbits that other celebrity profiles offer. Wht you will get, though, is a wonderful behind-the-scenes peek at “Sesame Street,” charming footage of vintage puppet acts, and a feel-good story about Clash and Elmo.
Playing at IFC Center
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AZGJhNWE1YTQtNmNmYS00%3AZWJkZjJiNjMtMmY5YS00%2F0828shark1-jpg.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
'Beneath the Surface': A look at the rise in shark sightings off LI shores It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe.
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AZGJhNWE1YTQtNmNmYS00%3AZWJkZjJiNjMtMmY5YS00%2F0828shark1-jpg.jpg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80)
'Beneath the Surface': A look at the rise in shark sightings off LI shores It seems shark sightings are dominating headlines on Long Island and researchers are on a quest to find out why more sharks are showing up in Long Island waters. NewsdayTV meteorologist Rich Von Ohlen discusses how to stay safe.