Sick Product of a Sick System

Let's be realistic.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Back in the good old days of hippiness, this movie probably would have been a huge success. Yes, it has a very simple message: "A Song Really Can Change the World". It can overcome hate, prejudice and suppression. Yes, the plot is tacky and far beyond reality. So, what the hack!? Most movies have nothing to do with realism, but with how we wish the world to be, even if we know it will never happen. I understand that nations at war like Afghanistan and the U.S.A. have troubles laughing about the situation in which they are stuck for decades, however I wish that a feel-good movie like this one may help a little bit to overcome this quandary. So I recommend it to everybody who has a little bit of the Summer of Love left, and to all the rest who still think the world can become a better place... how tiny the odds.

I'm not going to lie and call it great cinema, but I found this movie endearing. The humor was off-beat in a good way and the cast performed very well all around. It also managed to convey some serious things without getting heavy handed.The talented and brave Salima Khan was an absolute joy, both to hear sing and to watch. Generally, the story and characters gave a rather Americanized view of Afghanistan, but the parts with her in them were spot on authentic in feel.Was I laughing out loud the whole film through? Not at all. But aside from some slow pacing I found it an enjoyable experience (would have loved to see more Zooey Deschanel though).

The formula works for a comedy with Bill Murray. A low-down scoundrel with a good heart, redeems himself at the end by helping out an Afghan woman, to fulfill her dream of becoming a singer. Murray was his usual funny self and the best part of the movie. He played the fish-out-of- water character like we've seen numerous times before, and it works because he's Bill Murray. The funniest scene for me, was when he was singing Smoke on the Water, in front of the Afghan tribe.The movie started to drag on when it got into the geo-politics of Afghan society, where women are forbidden to sing and dance. At this stage of the movie, the comedy hit the wall and the messaging became too much of in your face and jamming it down your throat. The supporting cast was good with Willis and Deschanel. Willis has patented the tough guy with a sense of humor act and it works well here. Kate Hudson's character was too bizarre and out of place to like.

"From the moment you heard me sing. Since you found me in the cave. Since we were put here on the Earth. Everything in our lives has led us to this time, this place." Richie Lanz (Murray) is a music manager who has fallen on tough times. When he decides to take his client to Afghanistan on tour she freaks out and disappears. Unsure of what to do he thinks his prayers are answered when he hears someone singing in a cave. He really thinks she has the talent to win the Afghan Star singing competition but is hampered by the traditions of the country. This is a great movie. Just flat out great. Not only is Bill Murray good (as always) but the music is great as well. The best way to describe this is a music centered version of Good Morning Vietnam. Funny and smart with a serious topic all holding it together. This is a movie that I really enjoyed and I recommend highly. Overall, if you liked Good Morning Vietnam you will love this one as well. I give it an A-.