Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something

Today, the Harry Chapin Food Bank endures, as does what Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something identifies as "Cat's In the Cradling" someone: guilting them into here-and-now action.

"Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something" is an uplifting tribute to an impressive human being.

One suspects that a couple of TV docs made years ago were just as informative. Still, fans looking for an inspirational portrait of idealism will probably respond warmly...

The film, which will appeal to both fans and those unfamiliar with Harry Chapin, shows the activist side of a talented, compassionate man.

The film, safe and celebratory, feels like a joint exercise in public relations.

Though workmanlike and sentimental in approach, director Rick Korn's knock-kneed ode to the "Cat's in the Cradle" singer is worth watching to marvel at its subject's achievements.

Portrays Harry Chapin's John-Brown-like fervor to eradicate world hunger, and fills in this long past era of the music and this mythic gone-too-soon troubadour. Awe inspiring!

While many (including myself) would probably have appreciated a more robust exploration of his musical career, there's also a deeply human message embedded at the core of this documentary.

A portrait of the singer/songwriter whose story songs and humanitarian activism prove to be equally inspiring.

The singular thing about Harry Chapin is not that he promoted causes in and through his musical performances but that he managed to do so in a way that endeared rather than alienated him from most listeners.