This is an exhilarating movie. It gives us new respect for the people that make this country great: everyday folks. This is a documentary about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And if you're one of those people to whom life has become a drudgery of mandates and obligations, I think you will be encouraged by this movie. Those documented in this film are truly living. They march to the proverbial different drummer. They are the thrill seekers that live among us, people who listen to a different economy and a different system of reward. Their reward is in the doing of their "thing," from making ice cream, to stunt-flying airplanes, milking cows seven days a week (is it all workdays, or is it all weekends?), to metal sculpting, to [insert your own special ability or interest here].

America's Heart and Soul makes us realize there is more to life than mere existence. Harold Whitman's quote is appropriate now and is especially so regarding the lives of those chronicled in this film. Films so often portray the unrealistic "heroes" of our age. We want to do the different things, the special things that are depicted in so many movies. The problem is that the heroes depicted really are larger than life. We don't buy the story because we know "this is only a movie."

But this time, I saw myself in some of these people. I cared about them. I related to them. They have a wonder in their eyes, a fire in their bellies. They exude love and passion in their purest forms. They say words like "passion to create," "heart," "love," "desire," "joy," "surprise," and "live my dreams."

This world could certainly use a few more people that have come alive as they have. And you may walk away from this movie thinking thoughts like: ".maybe I'll try making furniture again." ".I think I will go back to school and learn to teach, at 45!" ".Honey, where is my old trombone?" (Begin reverie now...)

Our culture admires self-denial. It seems noble and generous. But do we really admire self-denial? Don't some of us just resent others because we are unfulfilled in our pursuits and careers? This movie shows us that self-centered fulfillment is at least preferable to resentment, jealousy and self-loathing. I was struck by how often those that were spotlighted here brought so much pleasure to others simply because they were bringing pleasure to themselves. Moreover, many of them obviously felt grateful for this joy. There was an almost awkward quality to the way some described their gratitude. Some had personal heroes who inspired them. Others had devastating discouragement in their past. None spouted popular self-help themes. They were surprisingly not self absorbed. There seemed to be an "other" focus about their passions. Their fulfillment was much more than they could have envisioned for themselves. In short their lives were a sample of a meaningful life. Who do you thank for that?

We can start with thanking the director of America's Heart and Soul, film archivist Louie Schwartzberg. Many documentaries tend to be manipulative or at least contrived. This film, although in the documentary style, does not appear insincere at all. It's almost like a camera was set on a tripod and America passed by in all its glory. America is refreshing as it is presented in the purest form of diversity -- people doing what they love, with their own personality and passion. The obvious reward is in the doing of it. Without the interference or "help" of either government or business, these Americans go about their lives fulfilling their deepest callings. Their passion and love of life are indeed inspiring.

Okay, maybe you will be manipulated. The old heart strings may vibrate. Be happy that you have the strings to manipulate. You'll never get a warm feeling from anything if you don't have the strings to play inside anyway. This is one film you need to bring your family to. Bring your troubled teen looking for purpose. Heck, bring yourself. Talk about this movie with each other. Feel good about what you've witnessed. Because when you leave the theatre you may want to head in a different direction. Then, go ahead. Dance to that different drummer!