Amira & Sam

Let's talk about comedy. Most of the faults this movie has (and it has plenty) are in storyline contrivances. My favorite insights (of which there were a noble many) were about comedy. The juxtaposition of his failed standup routine with his hilarious social interactions are something that plague an idiot like myself, with a honed sense of humor (you like limericks, right?) and no ability to tell actual jokes. It was like a somber version of Funny People. So, it was just like Funny People.

Felt very contrived and might have been more interesting if it had elaborated the commentary on what's wrong with the American system. Still, don't want to find too much fault with a movie that aims to foster understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim worlds.

The characterization is a little one-dimensional and the acting is frequently off, as if the director were afraid to ask for more retakes. The middle of the movie drags. The ending leaves me thirsting for something more nuanced and complicated.