Practically every week we get a report about how a beloved television show might one day find new life as a movie. The story has been repeated for programs like Arrested Development, Veronica Mars, Party Down, Friday Night Lights and many, many more (there have even been whispers about a Breaking Bad film and that show is still on the air). Obviously there are some shows that would benefit from a feature length film while others would just be foolish undertakings. I don't know how to categorize this one.
THR is reporting 20th Century Fox and director Shawn Levy have picked up the rights to Sesame Street and intend to make a film based on the characters. The long-running PBS show has been around since 1969 and has been an integral part of thousands - if not millions - of lives, combining and providing education and entertainment for young viewers. In its 43 year run the show has earned 138 Emmys. This actually isn't the first time that someone has tried to make a Sesame Street movie, as Follow That Bird came out in 1985 and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland went to theaters in 1999. Both featured famous characters like Big Bird, Grover, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Bert and Ernie, and Cookie Monster. The Trade says that the Sesame Workshop will likely be involved with the production, but nothing has been confirmed.
The idea of a Sesame Street movie isn't a terrible idea (look how well The Muppets turned out), but I'm not sure Shawn Levy is the guy that should be producing it. While I haven't seen the Night at the Museum movies, Real Steel didn't so much engage and entertain as it did pander, and that's not something you want out of Sesame Street. It will be interesting to see who they hire to write and direct.
