"Google Me" the Movie Review

How do you respond when your calling is to find yourself?

Well, in today's age of technology powered by search engines, chances are you'll hit www.google.com. That is exactly what happened with Jim Killeen when a "late night ego surf" turned into a global journey of self discovery.

So, on April 25, 2008, "Google Me" the movie will make its debut as one of the first to premiere on YouTube. Interesting and exciting considering the team involved with the promotion of the movie discovered me through an online search which more than likely led them to this article I wrote a year ago.

Since I had already found the premise for the movie to be an intriguing one, I could not resist the opportunity to be one of the first people to check out the finished product. So after 93 minutes of viewing "Google Me" the movie, I'm still fascinated and believe that it provides a great opportunity for dialogue around our current culture and the implication technology as a tool for creating social networks and such.

"Google Me" is a feature-length documentary starring 7 guys named Jim Killeen. The Jim behind the movie begins his journey by clearly stating that he "is not a filmmaker." He goes on to suggest that he is merely interested in "meeting and connecting with people." We also find that in this process there is a self discovery through "someone else out there who has a part of me." So from a human and sociological perspective we see that Jim's curiosity is some what of an innate desire in human beings to see how one is related to the rest of the world. Inspired by his Dad's passing and his drive to discover his purpose (which I totally relate to), Jim Killeen answers and poses the question, "What Is Man's Purpose?" Each Jim (just like the rest of us) has his own answer to this very cathartic question. We do find however, that depending on how one sees their ultimate life's purpose, this will dictate how they relate to or even lead life.

The Movie also, explores the idea of "Family." Is family simply defined by DNA or are there greater implications? Does one common thread like a name create a bond - that time and place transcends?

"Google Me" the movie has been given the search engine's blessing and even features Google's VP of Engineering, Douglas Merrill, who offers an insightful interview voicing his opinion on the subject of "search" and Google's role in the phenomenon. With the scheduled release and a World Wide Web debut set, I'm sure that the idea of information democratization and the rallying of people around a common cause through social networks - countless conversations should ensue.

The Pew Internet and American Life Project study found that 47% of U.S. adult internet users have sought information about themselves through Google or other search engines, more than twice the 22% of users who Googled themselves in 2002. The study also found Americans under 50, and those with more education and income, were more likely to self-Google.

To check out the unprecedented movie, visit www.googlemethemovie.com and then stay tuned for the DVD release April 29^th. ,2008.

Ready, Set, "Google! "