America's Heart and Soul

Release Date: July 2, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild thematic elements
Directed by: Louis Schwartzberg
Starring: N/A

Plot:
America is a vast country -- three thousand miles from end to end. But it's not the land that makes America so special -- it's the people. Filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg packed up his camera and hit the road, with a goal of capturing both the unparalleled beauty of the land and the incomparable sprit of the people. Through his movie, "America's Heart and Soul," you'll have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Louis's gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams, and passion in an awe-inspiring journey that reveals the stories - unusual, captivating, inspiring and emotional - that make us into something more than a collection of individuals. "America's Heart and Soul" is a celebration of a nation told through the voices of its people.

Review:
A simple idea and a very joyous one is that of America's way of life and courage to continue on. Whether an American is handicapped or is limited to certain things, the majority will strive to fulfill what they want to do. There is nothing quite like an accomplishment and knowing that it took you a while to achieve it makes ones self-esteem jump higher.

In America, the richest country in the world, there is freedom which is a beautiful thing. Although, many take it for granted, its an advantage over the countries that have to bare with pain and poverty each and everyday. So, first and foremost, The United States Of America is a wonderful nation that every citizen should be grateful for living in.

Now, with the film America's Heart and Soul, Director Louis Schwartzberg attempts to capture the never ending heart that Americans have. Louis has the base right and even keeps it intriguing for a while, but the film eventually falls into a mumbled documentary with random families. These families do however, feature a few important and interesting stories.

While this film is not always fully interesting, there is nothing that should keep audiences looking at their clocks or have them getting up from their seats. America's Heart and Soul is mono-toned though, but not to the point of annoyance or that it become a bother. Schwartzberg, of everyone, should have put more heart and soul into the making of the film.

From kids learning how to box to handicapped people, this film is accurate in today’s day and age. However, it is more for the country that is America than the great cities that make up America. U.S. Citizens that feel they cannot live in the public, settle out far and away where no one can bother them. This film shows the stories of some of these people.

This film might have worked better as a television film. It also seems to have the commercial formula going for it and that's something that is flawed with its filmmaking. America's Heart and Soul should be a documentary to show us the wonderful people instead of lowering the substance with a simple message.

One cannot argue that this film doesn't try because it certainly does. Even when the Americans are speaking it is rather interesting dialogue. However, the problem with it is that it drifts apart after a few minutes of dialogue with situations that the audience can care less about to be completely accurate.

America's Heart and Soul doesn't have enough heart or soul to warrant a recommendation. However, there are some interesting people in this film and its great to see that they enjoy their way of life. Everything can be accomplished if you truly have a passion for it and have faith in yourself. Even though this falls short of a good film, its easy to understand what its attempt was.