Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland MPAA Rating: G Entertainment: +3 Content: +4

The lovable muppets of Sesame Street fame will delight young viewers in this 70-minute feature film. Familiar characters Bert and Ernie introduce the story and invite audience response periodically, which adds to the fun. The story begins with Elmo (Kevin Clash) chasing his beloved blanket inadvertently whisked off to Grouchland, where a whiney little girl named Zoe grabs it. The blanket is torn in a tug-of-war between Elmo and Zoe, then dumped in the trash by Oscar the Grouch. Elmo's determination to retrieve his blanket leads him on a merry chase and into some exciting adventures. Lively songs, comical antics and non-stop action fill the screen as Elmo pursues the villainous Huxley (Mandy Patinkin). Huxley swoops down in his helicopter and gathers up other people's treasures, including Elmo's blanket. Elmo meets the Queen of Trash (Vanessa Williams), who offers to help him if he will give her 100 razz-berries in 100 seconds. Elmo asks the audience for help for this awesome task. Kids and young-at-heart grownups will find THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND delightful.

Besides being fun, the muppet movie includes some strong messages about sharing and friendship without being preachy. Elmo is appalled at Huxley's selfishness. In his dark castle on Mt. Pickanose, the villain has collected only things that once belonged to someone else. "Once I touch it," he explains, "it becomes mine." The word "MINE" labels most of his possessions. Then Elmo realizes he too was selfish about sharing his blanket with Zoe. The lovely Trash Queen sings a song about seeing beauty in everything because beauty is just a point of view. The negative citizens of Grouchland, where no smiles are allowed, learn that by working together they can make good things happen. When Elmo faces a walk in a dark forest, or is confronted by the mean-tempered Huxley, Bert and Ernie are quick to assure the audience that this story has a happy ending. THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO has no offensive elements and can be recommended for those four and older.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment, 10202 West Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232