The Adventures Of Elmo In Grouchland (1986)
His stinkiest adventure yet
Starring: Mandy Patinkin, Vanessa Williams, Roscoe Orman, Sonia Manzano, Loretta Long, Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly, Kevin Clash, Fran Brill, Jerry Nelson, Joey Mazzarino
Director: Gary Halvorson
Running Time: 73 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: U
Comedy, Family, Musical
On DVD As a general rule, "Sesame Street" movies just aren't in the same league as the TV show. "Elmo In Grouchland" represents the latest attempt to successfully make that transition, and centres around kiddies' favourite Elmo - a mini red monster best known for befriending inanimate objects and talking about himself in the third person. If it was up to me, we'd be getting a movie about Grover or perhaps even the Count, but it's not so I suppose I'll just have to make do with this little guy instead.
Things kick-off with Elmo (voiced by Kevin Clash) singing gleefully about how much he treasures his beloved blanket, only to see grumpy bin-dweller Oscar thoughtlessly toss it away. When our furry pal dives into the trashcan to save it, he's whisked away to Grouchland - a disgusting, unwelcoming stinksville populated by bad-tempered hairy muppets with poor personal hygiene. It's a bit like Dundee, in fact.
Upon finding the blanket half-inched by a greedy man with colossal eyebrows (Mandy Patinkin), Elmo has to teach him the notion of sharing in order to get it back. Thankfully, Elmo's chums aren't far behind - Big Bird, Oscar & co all plunged into the garbage can in hot pursuit. Let's hope there were showers all round when they got back home.
It's aimed squarely at pre-schoolers, and there's really very little here to keep the parents entertained - but at just over 70 minutes the kiddywinkles should enjoy the ride without getting too fidgety. There's a "Barney"-esque audience participation vibe to the whole thing and, as you'd expect from "Sesame Street", those tunes aren't half catchy.
DVD Extras: An exceptionally short behind-the-scenes featurette, and similarly short introduction from Elmo and his pal Bug. Then again, it IS intended for a short audience. There's also an array of trailers for movies including "Fly Away Home", "Stuart Little", "Muppets From Space" and the brilliant "Matilda".
It's Got: Bert and Ernie popping up along the way to remind us that everything's going to be okay.
It Needs: Mr Snuffleupagus.
Alternatives: Elmo Saves Christmas, The Best of Elmo, Follow That Bird
Summary: Harmless fun and frolics that's sure to keep the young 'uns happy.
Review by Gary Panton
Review Date: 2nd June 2003
External Links
The Adventures Of Elmo In Grouchland at the IMDB
Comments1 Comment |
| My kids love this movie!!!! They are 6, 3, and 18 mths. The older ones complain when we put it on, but they can't tear their eyes away. Great music.... we love it! |
| Comment by:- Aimee | | 27 August 2004 | ip: logged |
