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Puppets on Film: See Movies Starring Kermit, Elmo and other Muppets and Puppets in Brooklyn

11/7/11 - By Kay

It's no secret that we're big fans of the Muppets. In fact next week, in honor of the new Muppet movie, we're planning a post about how to get your Muppet fix in NYC. This cool film series at BAM Rose Cinemas is one of the activities we'll spotlight, but Puppets on Film sounds so awesome, we wanted to give it its own dedicated post.

Co-presented by BAMcinématek and the Jim Henson Foundation, and curated by Cheryl Henson (daughter of late Muppets mastermind Jim Henson), Puppets on Film comprises 54 movies starring creatures made of foam, fabric, metal and wood. The series include features, shorts and documentaries, including beloved kids' classics (The Muppet Movie, Muppet Treasure Island), little known international titles (Kooky) and even offerings for adults (Team America: World Police, the critically acclaimed doc Being Elmo).

We chatted with Henson about Puppets on Film, and also highlight the films best suited to families.

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Henson was inspired to organize Puppets on Film because of a slew of new puppetry docs. "I saw these wonderful documentaries being made and being shown once or twice and then disappearing," she says. "We wanted to bring all of this work together and have a critical mass of cool puppet stuff."

Henson was careful to select a diverse roster of movies that would please "people in the puppet community and a broader audience," so not all of the offerings are appropriate for children. (Preschoolers aren't ready for the Billie Holiday stylings of drag chanteuse Joey Arias or Spike Jonze's trippy Being John Malkovich.) But there are a number of kid-friendly flicks and appearances by special guests (including a rumored visit by a certain popular red Muppet). We recommend buying tickets in advance, as we suspect many of these screenings will sell out.

For Preschoolers
 
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
Saturday, November 12 at noon
This 1999 film stars every youngster's favorite red monster, as he searches for his lost blanket in faraway Grouchland. Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash will be on hand to introduce the film (we're guessing his Muppet alter ago might put in an appearance, too).

Kids Films: Shortstack!
Sunday, November 13 at noon
This collection of short films includes bits directed by Jim Henson (Glow Worm, Mahna Mahna) and nursery rhyme adaptations (I Knew an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly).

The Muppet Movie
Sunday, November 13 at 2pm
The cameo-filled road trip flick tells the story of how Kermit met Fozzie, Gonzo, Piggy and the gang, and their journey to Hollywood in search of stardom. Henson will be on hand to introduce the film.

For Elementary Schoolers

Muppet Treasure Island
Sunday, November 20 at noon
The Muppet's musical take on Robert Lewis Stevenson's classic story stars the whole gang and Tim Curry as Long John Silver.

Kooky
Sunday, November 20 at 2pm
Enjoying its New York premiere, Kooky is directed by lauded Czech director Jan Sverák. It follows the adventures of a discarded teddy bear as he travels through an untamed forest.

For Tweens and Teens

Live Action Puppets Shorts Program A
Saturday, November 12 at 4:30pm
This eclectic collection of short films features worms, patchwork dolls, heroic vending machines and more.

The Dark Crystal
Friday, November 18 at 4:30pm and Sunday, November 20 at 6:50pm
Jim Henson's awesome fantasy adventure stars a pair of Gelflings (elfin creatures) who go on a mystical quest to vanquish evil and restore balance and truth in the universe. A far cry from Sesame Street and the Muppets. Conceptual designers Brian and Wendy Froud will speak before the Sunday screening.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Friday, November 18 at 9:15pm
Considering the show time, this screening is clearly aimed at adults. But there's no denying the kid-appeal of this popular film franchise, especially the campy 1990 original.

Live Action Puppets Shorts Program B
Sunday, November 20 at 4:30pm
These shorts are best for kids 10 and up, and prove that not all puppets live happily ever after.

Where the Wild Things Are
Sunday, November 20 at 9:15pm
Again, the show time means this show's for grown-ups. But this 2009 cinematic adaptation of Maurice Sendak's beloved children's picture book will appeal to tweens (although it's likely to scare youngsters—they should be in bed, anyway).

Henson also urges parents to take older kids to some of the documentaries, in particular Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey about Kevin Clash, and Dumbstruck, which inspired her seven-year-old son to want to become a ventriloquist. “Both of these films are really inspirational,” says Henson. “Not for little kids, but for older kids who are starting to think about what kinds of careers are possible."

Puppets on Film takes place Saturday, November 12-Monday, November 14, and Friday, November 18-Sunday, November 20 at BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Avenue between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place. Visit the website for a complete schedule. Tickets are $12 for adults, $9 for children under 14.

Read our review of the Jim Henson exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image, or find out about other cool films series for NYC kids.

Photos courtesy of BAMcinématek/Photofest