Well, I could see why Sony Pictures might have had some issues with the title of Albert Brooks' latest film. Not for its implied controversy, but for the expectations it sets up in the viewer. One expects comedy on a large political scale, with dark satirical musings - that kind of thing. But this is Albert Brooks, and anyone going into this movie should know what they're in for. Brooks has often been referred to as a lighter, more inoffensive version of Woody Allen. A neurotic, Jewish comedian with a running commentary largely consisting of observational humour. And self-involved. I've always been a fan of Albert Brooks - his weaknesses aside. At his best, he's insightful, clever and funny. At his worst, he's egocentric, annoying and his jokes fall flat. Somewhere in between lies "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World." Take your average Brooks film, and transplant it to India, and this is what you get. There are a few attempts at setting up a larger satirical plot involving American foreign relations and Indian-Pakistani tensions, but Brooks drops these in lieu of smaller, incidental humour. You'll chuckle at the office of Indian telemarketers, and references to Brooks' own patchy acting career ("Finding Nemo" appears to be the only thing people remember him for). But ultimately, it's a pretty forgettable fare. Sweet while it lasts, but lacking in something lasting.
Review of Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World
