MOVIE: THE RELUCTANT INFIDEL
Mahmud Nasir is a moderate British Muslim who would rather go to the footy than to mosque. With a loving family and plenty of mates, life seems sorted – if you ignore the fact that he’s just discovered he’s adopted… and Jewish. Before you can say ‘montage sequence’ Mahmud is forced to come to terms with his new-found origins and learn what it means to be a Jew. The film has some genuinely funny scenes, and Omid Djlali is a strong lead – delivering the same sort of uncompromising comedy that dominates his stand-up routines and TV shows. The Reluctant Infidel can’t quite decide whether it is prejudice-challenging satire or an out-and-out farce, but just about manages to strike a balance between the two. The only trouble here is that too many jokes based on awkward moments just end up feeling awkward. Supporting performances from the likes of Little Britain’s Matt Lucas deliver a few belly laughs along the way and The West Wing’s Richard Schiff offers another recognisable face for international audiences. Even if some of the comedy is a little close to the bone, at the heart of this film is a man trying to find himself, and he does so in a surprisingly moving way. (TB)
