The 1990s brought about a lot of iconic shows, but one of the most iconic shows geared toward kids was definitely Clarissa Explains It All. The series, airing on Nickelodeon, followed Clarissa Darling as she navigated life as a quirky teen in her equally eccentric family. Melissa Joan Hart took on the lead role. While the series seemed to have a pretty basic premise, fans felt connected to Clarissa in a very real way. That’s likely because the character often broke the fourth wall to chat with her audience. Decades later, a reboot was planned, but it ultimately fell through. Hart explained why the reboot was nixed, and she is totally Ok with it.
A ‘Clarissa Explains It All’ reboot was once in the works
If you check out Melissa Joan Hart’s IMDb page, she has one upcoming project listed. It is the Clarissa Explains It All reboot.
A ‘Clarissa Explains It All’ reboot was once in the works
If you check out Melissa Joan Hart’s IMDb page, she has one upcoming project listed. It is the Clarissa Explains It All reboot.
- 3/26/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Millennials never got to see Nickelodeon’s proposed Clarissa Explains It All reboot, but Melissa Joan Hart wasn’t the biggest fan of the project’s plotline anyway. “I believe it was that Clarissa is divorced and moving to California with her two kids and living on the beach in California with her aunt,” Hart told Insider in a recent interview. “So I don’t know. It wasn’t my favorite way in.” Hart, 46, played the eponymous teen of Clarissa Explains It All for the Nick sitcom’s five-season run between 1991 and 1994, before going on to star in the ABC sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the ABC Family comedy Melissa & Joey. Mark Malabrigo/Nickelodeon In 2018, Nickelodeon was in early stages of a Clarissa Explains It All reboot, with Hart executive-producing the project alongside series creator Mitchell Kriegman, according to The Hollywood Reporter. But four years later, Hart revealed...
- 3/18/2023
- TV Insider
Melissa Joan Hart explained it all when asked what became of the Clarissa Explains It All revival that was in development at Nickelodeon some four years ago.
In March 2018, Hart was poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom; original series creator Mitchell Kriegman was also due to return, as EP.
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But on Saturday at a ’90s Con panel in Hartford,...
In March 2018, Hart was poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom; original series creator Mitchell Kriegman was also due to return, as EP.
More from TVLineLive-Action Dora the Explorer Series, Tmnt Movies Ordered at Paramount+Nickelodeon Orders Baby Shark Movie, Renews Big Show! for Season 2Patrick Star Show Trailer: SpongeBob's Bff Finds His 'True Porpoise' in Spinoff
But on Saturday at a ’90s Con panel in Hartford,...
- 3/13/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
A reboot of the popular ’90s Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All appears to have “fizzled,” according to the originals series’ star, Melissa Joan Hart.
“We tried that, actually. Nickelodeon got a new president, and they kind of squashed the whole thing,” Hart said in a Saturday appearance at ’90s Con, reported on by People. “So it was actually in the works and yeah, it just sort of disappeared. It took like a year to do the contracts, which was the hardest part, and then it just kind of fizzled out. So I don’t think [it will happen].”
The original series created by Mitchell Kriegman aired for five seasons between 1991 and 1994. In it, Hart played Clarissa Darling, a teenager speaking directly to the camera as she navigated typical adolescent issues, from school and young love to dealing with her younger brother. News first broke that Hart would be reteaming with Kriegman for a Clarissa reboot,...
“We tried that, actually. Nickelodeon got a new president, and they kind of squashed the whole thing,” Hart said in a Saturday appearance at ’90s Con, reported on by People. “So it was actually in the works and yeah, it just sort of disappeared. It took like a year to do the contracts, which was the hardest part, and then it just kind of fizzled out. So I don’t think [it will happen].”
The original series created by Mitchell Kriegman aired for five seasons between 1991 and 1994. In it, Hart played Clarissa Darling, a teenager speaking directly to the camera as she navigated typical adolescent issues, from school and young love to dealing with her younger brother. News first broke that Hart would be reteaming with Kriegman for a Clarissa reboot,...
- 3/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
While she explained it all, we're about to reveal it all. Ready to feel the passing of time like a slap to the face? Clarissa Explains It All is 30 years old. The iconic sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart premiered on March 23, 1991 on Nickelodeon, quickly becoming one of the decade's most defining series. Created by Mitchell Kriegman, Clarissa aired 65 episodes over five seasons, focusing on the life of the titular character who'd often talk directly to the audience and break down the storylines with fake news segments. Oh, and did we mention she had the coolest style ever and had a pet alligator? As Clarissa herself one said, maturity is a boring state of...
- 3/23/2021
- E! Online
This is a revival we could definitely get on board with.
According to THR, a revival of Clarissa Explains It All is in the works at Nickelodeon.
The good thing about this new series is that it would bring back Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling aka the character she played in the original series from 1991-1994.
This time, however, Clarissa would be the mother of the family, so it seems likely the series would follow a new youngster.
This would be similar to the way Disney Channel launched Girl Meets World as a sequel series to Boy Meets World a few years ago.
Related: Charmed Reboot Gets Pilot Order!
Original series creator Mitchell Kriegman has been approached to write and executive produce, but the report stresses that deals have yet to be closed with Kriegman or Hart.
As such, this project is in the very early stages of development.
According to THR, a revival of Clarissa Explains It All is in the works at Nickelodeon.
The good thing about this new series is that it would bring back Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling aka the character she played in the original series from 1991-1994.
This time, however, Clarissa would be the mother of the family, so it seems likely the series would follow a new youngster.
This would be similar to the way Disney Channel launched Girl Meets World as a sequel series to Boy Meets World a few years ago.
Related: Charmed Reboot Gets Pilot Order!
Original series creator Mitchell Kriegman has been approached to write and executive produce, but the report stresses that deals have yet to be closed with Kriegman or Hart.
As such, this project is in the very early stages of development.
- 3/16/2018
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Nickelodeon is in talks to reboot “Clarissa Explains It All,” TheWrap is told. And yes, it will star Melissa Joan Hart again. Series creator Mitchell Kriegman is also in conversations to write and executive produce this new version, which will see Hart’s Clarissa Darling as a mom. Hart will executive produce the remake via her Hartbreak Films banner. Also Read: 'Sabrina' Fans: Here's Your First Look at Salem the Cat in Netflix Reboot (Photo) Nickelodeon declined comment on the talks when reached by TheWrap. “Clarissa” followed Hart as a teenager, navigating the confusing life stage alongside her friend Sam (Sean O’Neal) and annoying little...
- 3/16/2018
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
It turns out Clarissa still has some explaining to do.
Melissa Joan Hart is poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, THR.com reports. Deals are currently being negotiated with Hart and original series creator Mitchell Kriegman.
Similar to Boy Meets World sequel series Girl Meets World, Clarissa 2.0 would be a direct continuation of the original series, only now Hart’s character would serve as mother of the family. Presumably, the new show would be told from the perspective of Clarissa’s son and/or daughter. (The...
Melissa Joan Hart is poised to reprise her role as Clarissa Darling in a revival of the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, THR.com reports. Deals are currently being negotiated with Hart and original series creator Mitchell Kriegman.
Similar to Boy Meets World sequel series Girl Meets World, Clarissa 2.0 would be a direct continuation of the original series, only now Hart’s character would serve as mother of the family. Presumably, the new show would be told from the perspective of Clarissa’s son and/or daughter. (The...
- 3/16/2018
- TVLine.com
Clarissa Explains It All premiered in March 1991, meaning that this month it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Yep, if Clarissa Darling were around today (and had been aging in real-world time since the show first debuted), she'd be 38 years old, maybe even with a 13-year-old Clarissa of her own.
It's not just that the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom was a popular show for pre-teen girls or even pre-teens in general; it's that it helped established a network identity for the channel it was on, a still-young Nickelodeon, and helped shape a lot of similarly focused shows that aired throughout the rest of the '90s.
It's not just that the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom was a popular show for pre-teen girls or even pre-teens in general; it's that it helped established a network identity for the channel it was on, a still-young Nickelodeon, and helped shape a lot of similarly focused shows that aired throughout the rest of the '90s.
- 3/1/2016
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- People.com - TV Watch
Clarissa Explains It All premiered in March 1991, meaning that this month it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Yep, if Clarissa Darling were around today (and had been aging in real-world time since the show first debuted), she'd be 38 years old, maybe even with a 13-year-old Clarissa of her own. It's not just that the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom was a popular show for pre-teen girls or even pre-teens in general; it's that it helped established a network identity for the channel it was on, a still-young Nickelodeon, and helped shape a lot of similarly focused shows that aired throughout the rest of the '90s.
- 3/1/2016
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
Clarissa Explains It All premiered in March 1991, meaning that this month it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Yep, if Clarissa Darling were around today (and had been aging in real-world time since the show first debuted), she'd be 38 years old, maybe even with a 13-year-old Clarissa of her own. It's not just that the Melissa Joan Hart sitcom was a popular show for pre-teen girls or even pre-teens in general; it's that it helped established a network identity for the channel it was on, a still-young Nickelodeon, and helped shape a lot of similarly focused shows that aired throughout the rest of the '90s.
- 3/1/2016
- by Drew Mackie, @drewgmackie
- PEOPLE.com
Clarissa Explains It All is back on TV (thanks to The Splat block of 90s programming) and back on the mind of Melissa Joan Hart thanks to Things I Can't Explain, the Clarissa Explains It All sequel novel from series creator Mitchell Kriegman. Things I Can't Explain picks up with a 20something Clarissa Darling trying to make it in the modern day Big Apple. Yes, everybody is aware the show ended in 1994 and Clarissa would be pushing 40 if the real timeline was kept and that's where the Clarissa multiverse comes in, Kriegman told us in an exclusive interview with Hart. "There's almost a Clarissa universe—a multiverse of Clarissa," Kriegman said about the future of Clarissa...
- 11/13/2015
- E! Online
Clarissa Explains It All aired for five seasons on Nickelodeon. The series, which starred Melissa Joan Hart in the title role, was cancelled by the network, and it aired its final episode in 1994. Since then, the actress has starred in movies and she had a run with Melissa & Joey on ABC Family. That series was cancelled by the network during its fourth season.
A new book has been released that shows what life would be life for Clarissa as an adult. The book titled Things I Can’t Explain focuses on Clarissa as a 20-something living in New York City, according to The Huffington Post.
The book comes from the man behind the series, Mitchell Kriegman, and his book shows a very different Clarissa Darling. She had some bad luck after the cameras stopped rolling at the end of the...
A new book has been released that shows what life would be life for Clarissa as an adult. The book titled Things I Can’t Explain focuses on Clarissa as a 20-something living in New York City, according to The Huffington Post.
The book comes from the man behind the series, Mitchell Kriegman, and his book shows a very different Clarissa Darling. She had some bad luck after the cameras stopped rolling at the end of the...
- 11/12/2015
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Mitchell Kriegman has revitalized his character Clarissa Darling from the 1991 Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All in his new novel, Things I Can't Explain. Clarissa is in her 20s, living in New York, and not such a know-it-all. But wait! If the book is released in 2015, doesn't that mean Clarissa should be — counts on fingers and toes — 38? "I don't give a shit about math," Kriegman tells Indiewire. "If you did her in her thirties, that's a big jump, it would be crazy. Melissa [Joan Hart] was about 17 and the character was about 16 or 17, so you want to see her in her twenties next. You don't want to skip her twenties." In his world, Clarissa is an aspiring journalist with, yes, a sex life. Does that remind you of anyone? "She lives in a Lena Dunham world," he said. "She's not Lena Dunham...
- 11/11/2015
- by E. Alex Jung
- Vulture
When Indiewire sat down with television creator and author Mitchell Kriegman last year, he spoke on a variety of subjects, but the Nickelodeon show he created in 1991, "Clarissa Explains It All," was a major topic of conversation. This year, it's even more on his mind thanks to the release of "Things I Can't Explain," a novel that takes his beloved teen heroine Clarissa Darling and answers the question of what's happening in her 20s. Now a young adult in New York, Clarissa is an aspiring journalist with a complicated family situation and (gasp!) a sex life. Read More: Embrace Nostalgia and Innovation With 'Clarissa Explains It All' Creator Mitchell Kriegman It's a strange idea: the creator of a long-canceled show updating his story for a new generation via an entirely new medium. Even stranger is the fact Clarissa's friends and family come alive in new stories, that...
- 11/10/2015
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
New Form Digital has turned to a book for inspiration for its next web series. The digital content studio, founded by filmmakers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer in conjunction with Discovery, has officially optioned the novel Being Audrey Hepburn for adaptation into a digital series.
Written by Mitchell Kriegman, Being Audrey Hepburn tells the story of an underprivileged teen girl named Lisbeth whose life changes after she tries on the little black dress Hepburn wore in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. New Form Digital plans to take the Being Audrey Hepburn book and turn it into a 12-part series, much in the way Bernie Su and Pemberley Digital have turned Jane Austen novels into Emmy-winning digital series. New Form’s adaptation of Kriegman’s debut novel will premiere sometime in 2016.
Being Audrey Hepburn seems like an appropriate candidate for adaptation. Emmy-winning Kriegman has a long history with storytelling in the media,...
Written by Mitchell Kriegman, Being Audrey Hepburn tells the story of an underprivileged teen girl named Lisbeth whose life changes after she tries on the little black dress Hepburn wore in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. New Form Digital plans to take the Being Audrey Hepburn book and turn it into a 12-part series, much in the way Bernie Su and Pemberley Digital have turned Jane Austen novels into Emmy-winning digital series. New Form’s adaptation of Kriegman’s debut novel will premiere sometime in 2016.
Being Audrey Hepburn seems like an appropriate candidate for adaptation. Emmy-winning Kriegman has a long history with storytelling in the media,...
- 9/11/2015
- by Bree Brouwer
- Tubefilter.com
Back in the wild world of the '90s, before Wikipedia and Yahoo! Answers were tending to the questions of growing minds, kids turned to television to get advice. And one of the greatest TV sages was Nickelodeon's Clarissa Darling. The fast-talking, free-spirited, self-dressing tween dispensed sassy knowledge to viewers on Clarissa Explains It All, taking on every subject from dating to how to deal with annoying little brothers. Played by Melissa Joan Hart, Clarissa has developed a nostalgic following as '90s kids grow up and fondly think back to the simpler times of landlines and neighbors who entered through the window.
- 12/5/2014
- by Kelli Bender, @kbendernyc
- PEOPLE.com
Back in the wild world of the '90s, before Wikipedia and Yahoo! Answers were tending to the questions of growing minds, kids turned to television to get advice. And one of the greatest TV sages was Nickelodeon's Clarissa Darling.
The fast-talking, free-spirited, self-dressing tween dispensed sassy knowledge to viewers on Clarissa Explains It All, taking on every subject from dating to how to deal with annoying little brothers. Played by Melissa Joan Hart, Clarissa has developed a nostalgic following as '90s kids grow up and fondly think back to the simpler times of landlines and neighbors who entered through the window.
The fast-talking, free-spirited, self-dressing tween dispensed sassy knowledge to viewers on Clarissa Explains It All, taking on every subject from dating to how to deal with annoying little brothers. Played by Melissa Joan Hart, Clarissa has developed a nostalgic following as '90s kids grow up and fondly think back to the simpler times of landlines and neighbors who entered through the window.
- 12/5/2014
- by Kelli Bender, @kbendernyc
- People.com - TV Watch
We told you last week that Alan Ritchson was going to play Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, now comes news that Pete Plozsek will play Leonardo, Jeremy Howard will play Donatello, and Noel Fisher will play Michaelangelo in the motion-capture reboot.
Which makes the rumor that Noel Fisher is also being eyed to play Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four reboot even more interesting.
Senator Claire McCaskill, a moderate Democrat who had avoided taking a position on marriage equality came out in favor Sunday night via a post on Tumblr, and Virginia Democrat Senator Mark Warner did the same. Buzzfeed has a list of Senators who supported Doma but no longer do, including my own Senator John Rockefeller, who seems to have found the courage of his convictions now that he's announced he's not running for reelection.
CBS Sports has a rumor that an NFL player is seriously considering coming out,...
Which makes the rumor that Noel Fisher is also being eyed to play Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four reboot even more interesting.
Senator Claire McCaskill, a moderate Democrat who had avoided taking a position on marriage equality came out in favor Sunday night via a post on Tumblr, and Virginia Democrat Senator Mark Warner did the same. Buzzfeed has a list of Senators who supported Doma but no longer do, including my own Senator John Rockefeller, who seems to have found the courage of his convictions now that he's announced he's not running for reelection.
CBS Sports has a rumor that an NFL player is seriously considering coming out,...
- 3/26/2013
- by lostinmiami
- The Backlot
Clarissa Explains It All is coming back—in book form. Things I Can’t Explain is written by the show’s creator, Mitchell Kriegman, and tells the tale of a 23-year Clarissa’s quest to become a real, quirkily dressed adult. The ex-teen is still a journalist, like in CBS’ 1995 ill-fated pilot Clarissa Now, but she’s also trying to have her own apartment, deal with her parents, and wrestle with her feelings for a guy with a girlfriend. So basically, she’s like everyone on Girls, but probably enjoying much less graphic sex. So far there’s no ...
- 3/25/2013
- avclub.com
Finally, it's the Clarissa Explains It All book the world has been waiting for. According to EW, Clarissa creator Mitchell Kriegman is writing a where-is-she-now book about Clarissa Darling called Things I Can't Explain, which is tentatively scheduled to come out in 2014. [The] novel will follow 23-year-old Clarissa as she tries to carve out a career as a journalist and deals with the obstacles toward becoming a real adult: finding and keeping a job in a turbulent economy, the luxury of a first apartment without roommates, figuring out how to deal with parents all over again, and unexpected feelings for a really cute guy who — of course — has an on-and-off again girlfriend. Clarissa was 17 or so when the show ended in 1994, which means a 23-year-old Clarissa is probably struggling to explain Y2K. It was a confusing time for everyone, Clarissa, don't feel bad.
- 3/25/2013
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
The '90s nostalgia train rolls on. Its next stop appears to be "Clarissa Explains It All," the 1991-1994 Nickelodeon sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart. Thanks to a new book, "Things I Can't Explain," fans are going to get a taste of Clarissa Darling after she's all grown up.
"Things I Can't Explain," written by "Clarissa" creator Mitchell Kriegman, is set for a publication date in the fall of 2014 (according to EW.com). The story will follow a 23-year-old Clarissa as she tries to negotiate the perils of young adulthood. Instead of dealing with adolescent crushes and dorky brothers, adult Clarissa will face adult problems. Will she be able to get a good job? What sort of living arrangements will she manage? How does a person deal with parents as a grown-up?
And of course, how is a young woman to find a good boyfriend who is actually available?
Knowing Clarissa,...
"Things I Can't Explain," written by "Clarissa" creator Mitchell Kriegman, is set for a publication date in the fall of 2014 (according to EW.com). The story will follow a 23-year-old Clarissa as she tries to negotiate the perils of young adulthood. Instead of dealing with adolescent crushes and dorky brothers, adult Clarissa will face adult problems. Will she be able to get a good job? What sort of living arrangements will she manage? How does a person deal with parents as a grown-up?
And of course, how is a young woman to find a good boyfriend who is actually available?
Knowing Clarissa,...
- 3/22/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Watching repeats of Nickelodeon’s "Clarissa Explains It All" is like opening a neon-colored ’90s time capsule, where 15-year-old Clarissa Darling could explain absolutely anything with the help of quippy monologues, her best friend Sam, and rudimentary computer games. Now, almost 19 years after the series finale, "Clarissa" creator Mitchell Kriegman is letting our fashion-forward heroine enter uncharted territory with a new book, "Things I Can’t Explain," tentatively slated for Fall 2014.
- 3/22/2013
- by EW
- Huffington Post
Film review: 'Elmo in Grouchland'
Serving as the first joint feature production between Jim Henson Pictures and the Children's Television Workshop, "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" is colorful, energetic, loud and something of a miscalculation as far as its target audience is concerned.
For while the parents of preschoolers might embrace the prospect of a big-screen Bert 'n' Ernie and Big Bird, this isn't the kinder, gentler "Sesame Street" of their childhood. Curiously, the filmmakers have opted for a tone thunderous rather than wondrous.
This "Sesame Street" is paved with an edgy brashness that will likely prove too intense for younger viewers -- as evidenced perhaps by the number of crying toddlers who took refuge in the lobby at a recent screening -- but will be better received by their older siblings.
Given the shortage of family-appropriate product out there, Elmo and friends could still generate a bit of business, but it's more likely that their future lies on video.
Elmo (voiced by Kevin Clash) embarks on his adventures after his beloved blue blanket gets away from him and ends up being sneezed into by Oscar the Grouch (voiced by Caroll Spinney), who promptly tosses it into his trash can.
Unable to wait for Oscar to return, Elmo decides to retrieve the blanket himself, but he ends up being sucked into a psychedelic, swirling tunnel that deposits him smack dab in the middle of Grouchland, the yuckiest place on Earth.
It turns out that Oscar's homeland is being terrorized by the evil, greedy Huxley (a very bushy-eyed Mandy Patinkin), who selfishly appropriates every children's possession he can get his hands on and stamps them "MINE".
With Elmo's blanket among those reclaimed items, the popular furry red monster goes on a quest to retrieve it, with a little assistance from his "Sesame Street" pals.
Although director Gary Halvorson, in his feature debut, and screenwriters Joseph Mazzarino and Mitchell Kriegman have seen fit to have Bert and Ernie stop the film for a discussion every time the on-screen happenings get a little too scary, the fact that those interruptions must occur at all provides an indication of the picture's more troubling aspects.
One wonders what the late Henson would have made out of belching Muppet characters or the giant chicken that is dispatched to peck Elmo to death.
As for the non-puppets, Patinkin's character, while certainly spirited, is just a bit overwhelming in the heavy department. Vanessa Williams, meanwhile, makes a musically entertaining appearance as the Queen of Trash who charges Elmo a trespassing fee of 100 raspberries, and we're not talking fruit here. Parents would be wise to have napkins on hand for the interactive bit that follows.
It's also fun to see such familiar faces as Bob, Gordon, Susan, Maria and Luis invited back, though they're relegated to the background.
Production values are bright and eye-pleasing, and the world beat production numbers, highlighted by the Stomp-esque "Take the First Step" and Williams' regal performance of "I See a Kingdom", are engagingly toe-tapping.
THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND
Columbia Pictures
Jim Henson Pictures presents
a Children's Television Workshop production
Director: Gary Halvorson
Screenwriters: Mitchell Kriegman and Joseph Mazzarino
Story: Mitchell Kriegman
Producers: Alex Rockwell, Marjorie Kalins
Executive producers: Brian Henson, Stephanie Allain, Martin G. Baker
Director of photography: Alan Caso
Production designer: Alan Cassie
Editor: Alan Baumgarten
Costume designer: Polly Smith
Music: John Debney
Color/stereo
Cast/voices:
Elmo: Kevin Clash
Huxley: Mandy Patinkin
Queen of Trash: Vanessa Williams
Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird: Caroll Spinney
Bert, Grover, Cookie Monster: Frank Oz
Ernie: Steve Whitmire
Count: Jerry Nelson
Bug: Joseph Mazzarino
Zoe: Fran Brill
Running time -- 77 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
For while the parents of preschoolers might embrace the prospect of a big-screen Bert 'n' Ernie and Big Bird, this isn't the kinder, gentler "Sesame Street" of their childhood. Curiously, the filmmakers have opted for a tone thunderous rather than wondrous.
This "Sesame Street" is paved with an edgy brashness that will likely prove too intense for younger viewers -- as evidenced perhaps by the number of crying toddlers who took refuge in the lobby at a recent screening -- but will be better received by their older siblings.
Given the shortage of family-appropriate product out there, Elmo and friends could still generate a bit of business, but it's more likely that their future lies on video.
Elmo (voiced by Kevin Clash) embarks on his adventures after his beloved blue blanket gets away from him and ends up being sneezed into by Oscar the Grouch (voiced by Caroll Spinney), who promptly tosses it into his trash can.
Unable to wait for Oscar to return, Elmo decides to retrieve the blanket himself, but he ends up being sucked into a psychedelic, swirling tunnel that deposits him smack dab in the middle of Grouchland, the yuckiest place on Earth.
It turns out that Oscar's homeland is being terrorized by the evil, greedy Huxley (a very bushy-eyed Mandy Patinkin), who selfishly appropriates every children's possession he can get his hands on and stamps them "MINE".
With Elmo's blanket among those reclaimed items, the popular furry red monster goes on a quest to retrieve it, with a little assistance from his "Sesame Street" pals.
Although director Gary Halvorson, in his feature debut, and screenwriters Joseph Mazzarino and Mitchell Kriegman have seen fit to have Bert and Ernie stop the film for a discussion every time the on-screen happenings get a little too scary, the fact that those interruptions must occur at all provides an indication of the picture's more troubling aspects.
One wonders what the late Henson would have made out of belching Muppet characters or the giant chicken that is dispatched to peck Elmo to death.
As for the non-puppets, Patinkin's character, while certainly spirited, is just a bit overwhelming in the heavy department. Vanessa Williams, meanwhile, makes a musically entertaining appearance as the Queen of Trash who charges Elmo a trespassing fee of 100 raspberries, and we're not talking fruit here. Parents would be wise to have napkins on hand for the interactive bit that follows.
It's also fun to see such familiar faces as Bob, Gordon, Susan, Maria and Luis invited back, though they're relegated to the background.
Production values are bright and eye-pleasing, and the world beat production numbers, highlighted by the Stomp-esque "Take the First Step" and Williams' regal performance of "I See a Kingdom", are engagingly toe-tapping.
THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND
Columbia Pictures
Jim Henson Pictures presents
a Children's Television Workshop production
Director: Gary Halvorson
Screenwriters: Mitchell Kriegman and Joseph Mazzarino
Story: Mitchell Kriegman
Producers: Alex Rockwell, Marjorie Kalins
Executive producers: Brian Henson, Stephanie Allain, Martin G. Baker
Director of photography: Alan Caso
Production designer: Alan Cassie
Editor: Alan Baumgarten
Costume designer: Polly Smith
Music: John Debney
Color/stereo
Cast/voices:
Elmo: Kevin Clash
Huxley: Mandy Patinkin
Queen of Trash: Vanessa Williams
Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird: Caroll Spinney
Bert, Grover, Cookie Monster: Frank Oz
Ernie: Steve Whitmire
Count: Jerry Nelson
Bug: Joseph Mazzarino
Zoe: Fran Brill
Running time -- 77 minutes
MPAA rating: G...
- 9/29/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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