[Morris] is efficient and likeable, as if by contract. But the premise gives us more to think about than the movie can handle - that would require getting its hands dirty.

While "Morris From America" trundles along familiar tracks, Hartigan's eye for detail and individuality yields enough dividends to keep the film moving tartly and congenially along.

"Morris from America" feels thin at times. But at its best, its themes of growing up, culture gaps and the power of music take the specific and make them universal.

Here’s a film where the parts are better than the whole.