The current generation likely views the ukulele as a novelty, last generation may remember the uke only in the bizarre context of Tiny Tim and a generation before that might remember partying to Hawaiian ukulele tunes on that new-fangled phonograph. But regardless of when you were born or where you are from, chances are you don’t put the ukulele in the same realm as the big-boy instruments like the guitar or the piano. The Mighty Uke aims to show the power and potential behind the ukulele. The charming documentary traces the history and reputation of that petite four-stringed instrument, exposing the present “ukulele revolution.”

The film opens with an incredible performance by Jake Shimabukuro, which is, at once, enough to change any ukulele non-believer’s mind. What Shimabukuro does with the ukulele is remarkable — check him out on iTunes. The film then goes in a more typical direction, introducing a slew of wacky ukulele enthusiasts and showing images of ukulele clubs and folksy bands — all somewhat reminiscent of Christopher Guest’s A Mighty Wind.

The film explains the origin, popularization and downfall of the ukulele. Did you know that though the ukulele seems quintessentially Hawaiian, it’s based off a similar instrument brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants? Or that Robert Plant, Pete Townshend and Paul McCartney were all uke players? How about that the ukulele was the height of pop culture through the 1950s until it was superseded by the electric guitar with the rise of rock-and-roll? The uke’s history is as vibrant as the music it produces. Make sure to look out for a particular antique uke sporting a Cornell pennant.

The final act of the film focuses on the resurgence of the ukulele in modern music, following a number of ukulelists currently making music. One classically trained musician works on a ukulele symphony. Another musician quits her job to pursue a career in ukulele pop music. A music teacher in Canada strongly believes the ukulele is the way to bring music to the lives of thousands of children, and takes his high school ukulele orchestra to Hawaii to experience the tradition behind the instrument. It’s not a joke: The ukulele changes lives.

The most profound aspect of the film is that it defines the ukulele as something purely fun. While the instrument does have massive potential for creativity, nobody ever picks up a uke expecting to one day play at Carnegie Hall or become a rock star. No mother hounds her kid to practice his ukulele. People start playing the uke because their friends play it, because it’s fun and because it makes them happy. One thing seen throughout the film, wherever ukulele players are, is that the instrument brings people together in a fun, positive way. As one ukulelist eloquently puts it, “people who play ukulele are happy … we might drink a lot, but there’s no cocaine.”

Though The Mighty Uke packs more than you could ever want to know about the ukulele, its 79-minute running time should accommodate even the most attention deficient. Likewise the performances, ranging from traditional Hawaiian to punk rock, peppered throughout make this film extremely watchable. In fact, some parts were cut short. The audience is left wanting to see more of Bill Tapia, the 101-year-old ukulelist who taught Shirley Temple to play, and the children’s ukulele band in Israel that apparently helps to bring Arabs and Israelis together.

While the film doesn’t answer any burning life questions or address pressing social issues, it is lighthearted, upbeat and entertaining — just like the instrument it documents. It’s packed with interesting characters and excellent music. The phrase “ukulele revolution” may sound like a joke at first, but by the end of The Mighty Uke, you’ll be ready to take up four-stringed arms.