I Am (2010)

Have you ever contemplated what’s wrong with our world today where we are in competition with one another to have the fattest wallet and amass the most? After a serious bike accident, producer-director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Nutty Professor and Patch Adams) had a long recovery period during which he examined his life and level of happiness. He learned that more money and possessions didn’t translate to greater happiness. He interviews many of today’s respected thinkers—Desmond Tutu, Noam Chomsky and Howard Zinn—about what it means to be alive today and how to bring meaning to your life.

I Am could’ve gone down preachy and patronizing routes, but, with Shadyac at the helm, it stays light and smart. During one especially entertaining moment, Shadyac asks his famous interviewees if they’ve heard of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. The results are laugh-out-loud funny. The only place I Am suffers is an unusual title that doesn’t lend a clue on subject (after viewing, the meaning is clear).

I Am flows with humor, compelling facts and powerful quotes that carry a simple, yet influential message. It highlights the little effort that pays off exponentially if we are kinder and more open. You leave the theater inspired and ready to influence change.

Director: Tom Shadyac

Country: USA

Genre: Documentary

Run time: 76 minutes

Scale: 4.5