Big Bird is sent to live far from Sesame Street by a pesky social worker. Unhappy, Big Bird runs away from his foster home, prompting the rest of the Sesame Street gang to go on a cross-country journey to find him.

Maybe it helps if you grew up with Sesame Street. For me, this was actually the first film I ever saw in the theater. But I feel kids of all ages should still enjoy it today (2017). I have no memory of seeing the film as a kid, but loved it just as much now as I probably did then. Maybe more, because I was able to pick up on the dumbest jokes (like there being an "Oceanview" in Illinois).

Parents, please expose your kids to this movie. It is about as fun and harmless as can be. Maybe not educational, but not everything can be.

Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird (1985): Dir: Ken Kwapis / Cast: Dave Thomas, Joe Flaherty, Waylon Jennings, Sandra Bernhard, Alyson Court: Sesame Street celebrates one of its most beloved characters in Big Bird. He lives on Sesame Street amongst humans as well as other Muppet characters such as Oscar the grouch, Grover, and the Cookie Monster. Central plot regards an authority bird named Miss Finch who cannot mind her own business. Instead she sees Big Bird as unhappy because he doesn't live with other birds. So she sets him up with a family of dodos that are about as much fun as slamming your head repeatedly in the car door. Big Bird agrees and begins the trek back home where he makes interesting encounters. The human actors on Sesame Street set out to meet Big Bird and help him get home while his fellow Muppet pals set out as well. Cookie Monster attempts to devour a car. Grover becomes Super Grover and tries to take flight. Bert and Ernie go by plane. Cameos by Dave Thomas and Joe Flaherty as a couple of scheming circus swindlers out to capture Big Bird for their own use. Waylon Jennings sings the only decent song during the film as he gives Big Bird a lift. Sandra Bernhard works at a grouch diner. Alyson Court even makes an appearance as a youngster sheltering Big Bird on a farm. Delightful family romp that reminds us what true unity is all about. Score: 9 / 10

This is a wonderful film for children ages 8 and under. Parents of children that age will be very grateful for a childrens film which has zero bathroom humor or any other crudity. Now I am no prude, but in a day and age when young children are treated to scenes of wart hogs with gas (Lion King) or the sight of a dog hiking it's leg to relieve itself with a commentary(Homeward Bound),it is just nice to have something completely harmless for the little ones. I had to comment because this film deserved more than just to have a listing of: In Memory of Waylon Jennings. This film is a credit to the wonderful creativity of people like Jim Henson, who put quality children programs ahead of the easier, poorly made childrens fare.

Michael