Review: 'Jim Henson's Imagination Illustrated' Updated Edition

Jim Henson was a restlessly creative guy, and like a lot of restlessly creative guys, he kept track of his endless flood of ideas in a notebook. Henson's little red one was filled with brief journal entries and marvelous sketches. It was in this book that he worked out ideas for Rowlf the dog, one of his earliest Muppets; commercial concepts; and other brainwaves. 

366 Days at the Drive-In: Day 360

The Date: September 24

The Movie: The Dark Crystal (1982)

What Is It?: Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s puppet fantasy looks like the tchotchke shelf of a head shop  brought to life. The gelfling heroes are bland, but the monsters, music, and atmosphere are magical.

Why Today?: On this day in 1936, Jim Henson is born.

366 Days at the Drive-In: Day 186

The Date: April 3

The Movie: The Muppet Movie (1979)

What Is It?: OK, so yesterday was a “children’s movie” most definitely not appropriate for children. Today I’m making it up to you with a children’s movie most definitely for children, adults, frogs, pigs, bears, and whatever the hell Gonzo is. Genuinely funny. Genuinely dazzling to watch. Genuinely fun to spot the multitudinous celebrities (several of whom are still celebrities!). Genuinely excellent music, particularly the Electric Mayhem’s hot “Can You Picture That?” and Kermit’s perennially poignant “Rainbow Connection”.

Why Today?: Today is Find a Rainbow Day. Watching this movie is probably cheating though.