"I Am" - Jane Pickens - Newport, RI

I was WOWED! I truly was. And most unexpectedly by a movie of all things. Now I am a reader, theatre aficionado, sports spectator, but movie goer-not so much. It all started with a phone call yesterday afternoon. My neighbor called and said we had had had to go to the Jane Pickens theatre that night to see a movie entitled, I Am, that her yoga instructor had highly recommended. Normally I would have suggested maybe later in the week; however there was such a compelling chord in her voice that my gut said I had to go.

So off we went to the Jane Pickens Theatre in Newport. I AM is a documentary made by Tom Shadyac, artistic director behind blockbusters such as Ace Ventura, Liar, Liar, and The Nutty Professor that is truly one of the most powerful and probing films that I have ever seen. After an unfortunate (but ultimately very fortunate) bicycling accident, Tom sets off on a personal journey to explore two age old questions. What is wrong with this World? and What can we do about it?

Shadyac interviews intellectual and spiritual leaders around the world in his quest to answer these most basic questions. He speaks with scientists and discovers interestingly enough that science has lagged behind these other areas. Shadyac reflects upon his own personal life and realizes that his past accumulation of wealth surprisingly has made him no happier.

I Am addresses the human condition in a witty yet intimate way. Ultimately we discover that life is all about connections-person to person, and person to nature. It is packed with revelations. You leave the theatre, somehow transformed, and very enlightened.

Don't miss this extraordinary film. It is playing at the Jane Pickens May 12th- May 18th at 6:00 PM. Just one more note. DRESS WARMLY. The theatre is not heated. Also GO EARLY. There was almost a sold out theatre. Grab some popcorn and settle in for a wonderful evening.