Follow That Bird (1985)
Synopsis:
Big Bird's life on Sesame Street takes an unexpected turn when a social worker decides he should live with other birds instead of his diverse group of friends. Relocated to a foster home far from everything he knows, the beloved yellow bird finds himself unhappy and out of place. Unable to adjust to his new surroundings, Big Bird makes the bold decision to run away and find his way back home. His disappearance sets off an urgent cross-country search as the entire Sesame Street gang embarks on an adventure to bring their feathered friend home safely. This family-friendly journey combines comedy, music, and heartfelt moments as familiar faces like Kermit the Frog, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, and Oscar the Grouch join forces to reunite with Big Bird and remind him where he truly belongs.
Where To Watch: Follow That Bird
Parental Feedback
Follow That Bird offers a gentle, road-trip adventure with a steady pace that balances lighthearted humor with moments of genuine emotion. Parents should expect familiar Sesame Street warmth alongside scenes where Big Bird feels lonely and lost, which may resonate with children who have experienced separation or change. The overall tone remains optimistic and reassuring, with musical interludes and comedic moments from beloved Muppet characters breaking up the more tender scenes of Big Bird's journey home.
Why Kids Should Watch Follow That Bird
This adventure brings beloved Sesame Street characters into a feature-length story that celebrates friendship and belonging.
The cross-country journey showcases teamwork as the entire Sesame Street gang works together to find Big Bird, demonstrating how friends support one another during difficult times. Children see Kermit, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, and others collaborating with a shared purpose.
Big Bird's experience living with other birds and ultimately choosing his Sesame Street family reinforces that home is where you feel loved and accepted, not necessarily where you look like everyone else. This message about finding where you truly belong can resonate with children navigating their own sense of identity.
The musical numbers and familiar Muppet humor keep the story engaging and entertaining, offering sing-along moments and the signature Sesame Street blend of education and fun. The G rating ensures content appropriate for the youngest viewers.
The adventure format introduces children to new settings and characters while maintaining the comforting presence of familiar faces, helping expand their storytelling experience beyond the neighborhood they know from the television series.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Follow That Bird
While generally gentle, certain elements may concern parents depending on their child's sensitivities.
Big Bird experiences loneliness and sadness when separated from his friends, and some children may find these emotional scenes distressing, particularly if they have separation anxiety or have experienced moving away from loved ones. The theme of being sent away by a social worker could feel unsettling.
The extended runtime of 89 minutes may challenge younger viewers accustomed to shorter Sesame Street episodes, potentially leading to restlessness during the slower-paced portions of the road-trip narrative.
Some Grouch characters and settings, including scenes at a Grouch diner, present mildly unpleasant or grumpy behavior that, while not harmful, may not model the consistently positive interactions some parents prefer for very young children.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Follow That Bird earns approval as a heartwarming extension of Sesame Street's values, offering an age-appropriate adventure that teaches children about friendship, belonging, and perseverance.
What Parents Should Know About Follow That Bird
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the Sesame Street characters demonstrate loyalty, determination, and teamwork as they search for their friend, while Big Bird shows courage in seeking the place where he truly belongs. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, Big Bird experiences sadness and loneliness when separated from his friends, and scenes of him feeling lost or unwanted may be emotionally affecting for sensitive children. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The social worker's decision to separate Big Bird from his community is ultimately shown to be misguided, demonstrating that well-intentioned actions can still cause harm when they ignore individual needs and feelings. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the entire Sesame Street community works together on their cross-country search, modeling collaboration, persistence, and the importance of helping friends in need. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, children learn that home and family are defined by love and acceptance rather than appearance, and that true belonging comes from being with those who appreciate you for who you are. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Follow That Bird as a wholesome extension of the Sesame Street experience that successfully translates the show's educational values to a longer format. Many note that the themes of friendship, belonging, and acceptance resonate with children while remaining age-appropriate for preschool and early elementary audiences. The familiar characters provide comfort even as Big Bird faces challenges, and parents value the gentle way the story addresses feelings of loneliness and the importance of community. Some parents mention that the pacing differs from the television episodes, requiring patience from the youngest viewers, but most find the musical elements and humor keep children engaged throughout the adventure.
Official Follow That Bird Trailer
Why Kids Love Follow That Bird
Big Bird's cross-country escape turns into one giant chase as the entire Sesame Street gang races to find him. Kids love watching familiar fuzzy friends like Cookie Monster, Grover, Bert, and Ernie zoom around in pursuit, each bringing their own silly antics to the hunt. The colorful parade of characters creates nonstop visual fun as they bounce from scene to scene.
The movie packs in plenty of goofy sidekicks and animal pals to keep things bouncing along. Oscar the Grouch rides along in his trash can with Bruno the Trashman, while Gladys the Cow and other quirky creatures pop up during Big Bird's journey. Even a stop at a grouch diner with a grouch cook and grouch waitress delivers wonderfully weird laughs.
Catchy songs burst out throughout the adventure, with characters breaking into musical numbers that get stuck in kids' heads. Kermit the Frog, Count von Count, and Herry Monster all join the singing fun. The bright, colorful world of Sesame Street expands into a big-screen road trip full of silly jokes and cheerful chaos that never slows down.