The Infidel

Having not heard very much at all about this film I was still cautiously optimistic about the prospect of it. The film centres around casual Muslim Mahmud Nasir (Omid Djalili) who by chance finds out he was adopted and born a Jew with his real name being Solly Schimshillewitz. He opts to get the advice of American taxi driver Lenny in how to be Jewish so he can see his biological father before he dies. All the while his son is wishing to marry the stepdaughter of a Muslim cleric whom Mahmud must gain blessing from. The premise sounds reasonable doesn't it?

However the problem in my eyes is that it is not really suited to a 1 hour 45 minute film and more like a TV series where it would not be as rushed in terms of plot and character development. (although admittedly I would be a little sceptical at a TV series to be honest). Another (albeit minor) problem is Djalili himself where I think he doesn't lead a film as well as he does fit into smaller roles. Don't get me wrong I am a fan and I think he is hilarious in his stand up role but I feel he just wasn't perfect in this. In spite of these negatives the film itself is still decent and while it doesn't produce any genuine laugh out loud moments it is still quite funny.

In my mind undoubtedly Richard Schiff stole the show where his screen time with Djalili was pretty funny. Of course their best interaction comes in the form of a montage, the most predictable method. I bring back the TV series factor here where I really think their interaction would have been best utilised. To conclude the film is reasonably funny but it would really give you anything more than a few laughs at awkward situations. That said if you get an opportunity check it out there's much worse out there.