Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2006)

Overrated

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I'm a Pakistani and I know quite well what the people here laugh at. When I came to know about this film, I got interested in it. It was funny at times but it could've been way better. The fun part was also added by the Indo-Pak enmity, but still, there was too much that was missed which could've made it amazing. But a very original idea and good attempt for someone who doesn't know much about this region. This could've been quite popular here if proper research could've been done to actually know what people laugh at in the Muslim world, as it's really easy knowing about all this; it's very clear. But again, good attempt at an original idea.

Originally published on Jan. 16, 2006:In an inspired cinematic premise, especially in these times, Albert Brooks plays himself as a comedian asked to find out what makes a large portion of the world laugh.Of course, execution of this concept leaves a bit to be desired, but it does have its fairly funny moments, especially in the opening moments, when Brooks aspires to be the lead in a remake of "Harvey." He fails to impress the director (Penny Marshall) with his desire to be "the new Jimmy Stewart," and Marshall's phony, "I liked your work in 'The In-Laws'" doesn't help his ego, either.At home, he receives a letter from the State Department asking for him to be part of a special commission deigned to found out what Muslims construe as comedy. He goes to Washington DC, meets former Tennessee senator Fred Dalton Thompson (TV's "Law & Order"), and agrees to travel to India and Pakistan to see what makes the population laugh (despite his assignment to write a 500-page report on the topic).He leaves his lovely wife, Amy Ryan ("Capote," 'War of the Worlds") and cute-as-a-button daughter, Laura (Emma Lockhart, "Batman Begins") for a month's adventure - not for money, but for the opportunity to be awarded the Medal of Freedom ("the nice one - with the colored ribbon").Brooks makes the point some might bring up that India is basically a Hindi country, although over 100 million Muslims reside there (also, it's doubtful Brooks, as a Jew, would have been welcome in some of the more militant Middle Eastern countries).Anyway, he soon begins his patented celebrity whining on the flight to New Dehli, as he and his two State Department escorts, Stuart (John Carroll Lynch, "Gothika") and Mark (Jon Tenney, TV's "The Closer") are forced to fly economy class, and are then stuck in a rundown office. During these interior office scenes, Brooks keeps passing a roomful of phone operators ("There are two spin cycles on that machine," "Welcome to the William Morris Agency," "This is the White House, how may I direct your call") in another funny bit.After hiring a lovely Indian woman, Maya (Sheetal Sheth), Brooks begins asking people on the street what makes them laugh. He is given answers from "I don't know," to "I don't speak English and please don't touch me," to a long and involved joke about being happy and laughing. Not garnering anything from this effort, Brooks decides to put on a comedy concert for about 300 Indians. This segment is pretty funny, as well, as few in the audience understand the comedian's humor (he tells a lame Halloween "Gandhi" joke, does a really bad ventriloquist act and the old "changing the improve" bit) and have little or no reaction to it.Later, he sneaks into Pakistan and does the same routine for a group of stoned "budding comedians" who do not speak English (it's a huge success), accidentally starts an armed conflict between the two countries and is offered a part as a Hebrew man who moves into a mostly Muslim apartment complex in the inaugural situation comedy from al-Jazeera, "That Darn Jew." The bottom line of this movie is that Muslims really don't laugh a whole lot, especially if the jokes are not funny (I guess that could be said of most anyone) and they do not get the subject. It could have been even more biting and daring, but I suppose Brooks (who wrote and directed, as well) didn't want to rock the boat too much.I've liked most of Brooks' work (he was great in "Broadcast News" and deserved his Oscar nomination; and "Defending Your Life," "Lost In America" and "Real Life" were terrific films), and while some jokes fall pretty flat here (as does the weak subplot of Maya and her Iranian boyfriend), this is still decent work.Yeah, I would have liked to have seen him do his stand-up in Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt or even Saudi Arabia, but I understand his reasoning (sort of). Plus, I laughed more often than not, so, as a comedy, it did its job for the most part, at least in my opinion.

The thing I like about Albert Brooks is that he's funny, but he doesn't seem like he's trying to be. He has been in the comedy business (both film and TV) for nearly 40 years, but he's so down to earth that he could easily be my next door neighbor. He's also very smart, and the films he directs and stars in appeal mostly to those who know him.I'm a fan of Brooks', and I especially liked his films "Lost In America" and "Defending Your Life". I didn't like "The Muse" as much, but I was relieved when I saw this movie because I now know Brooks hasn't lost his touch. He may not bring in crowds the way Adam Sandler or Mike Myers does, but he's true to himself and that's awesome. Brooks is in the same class as Woody Allen or Bob Newhart."Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World" wasn't quite the movie I thought it would be. For one, I didn't expect Brooks to play himself, and I also didn't expect him to spoof both Washington and Hollywood simultaneously. He did it, and he did it brilliantly.His supporting cast was also very good. There were great cameos by the likes of Penny Marshall (in a very funny first scene) and Fred D. Thompson (before his ill-fated Presidential run). I also didn't expect to see future Oscar nominee Amy Ryan (from "Gone Baby Gone") as Brooks' wife.But among the supporting performers who shined above the rest was Sheetal Sheth, who played Brooks' appointed assistant Maya. Sheth was not only adorable, but also incredibly believable. Her comic timing was perfect, her character's sincerity was believable, and she played an young Indian woman so well. It was only through a search on IMDb that I found out she is actually American-born (she's from New Jersey). That's only a testament to how great she is in this movie. Anyone who watches this movie, including those who don't quite get Brooks, will absolutely fall in love with her. I truly hope to see her in other things.The plot itself is original, and just when you think you know where the movie is going, it takes a direct opposite turn in another direction. That's why some people may not like the movie. I thought the ending was a bit peculiar, but it still maintained its humorous tone throughout, and it made for a very interesting movie.I reiterate when I say that you either love this movie, or you hate it. From watching it, I think Brooks still has what it takes. After watching "The Muse", I was a little worried, but Brooks is still a genius in my book.

I got the DVD for this one from Blockbuster thinking it would be a nice satire on the Muslim world and subsequently funny!! But boy was I mistaken. Firstly the way they have depicted Indian people in the movie is so stereotyped that I wanted to puke!!! A club in new delhi with people only dressed in traditional clothes...turbans..sarees...and this movie was made in 2005....r u kidding me!!!! Does the director even knw how cosmopolitan new delhi is...let alone the fact that most of the clubs wouldn't even allow you to enter in traditional Indian clothes!!! Maybe I am just being nitpicky here but every thing about the movie (including the absolute loss of humour!!) was so retarded that I had to stop the movie midway....trust me when I say this..i have a lot patience while watching movies...and have never ever switched off a movie midway but watching this was so painful that I had to do it....save your time...stay away and if you manage to get our hands on a copy ...burn it...you wouldn't even want your enemies to watch this...AWFUL!!!!