Mostly thanks to the BBC, I've come to know Omid Djalili as a funny, sympathetic loudmouth and that's why I was willing to give 'The infidel' a go. It all starts out pretty good, but the combination of drama and comedy becomes more and more awkward toward the end, and the part where the imam turns out to be a former pop star just didn't work for me at all - even if it based on one Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens.
The scenes between Djalili and Richard Schiff are quite funny, although the humour doesn't always work; the whole Bar Mitswa scene should have been left out completely. A lot of supporting roles were worthwhile, especially those by Miranda Hart (adoption agent), Matt Lucas (rabbi) and Leah Fatania (daughter).
Too bad about the downsides, but still good to see a little film like gets made and aired on the BBC, that's why I'm being lenient with my rating; 6 out of 10.
P.s.: one the best jokes was religion-free, by the way: Mahmud leaves his house and faces the camera. A 'wind' rises... he looks around mysteriously... the viewer imagines a UFO could be landing any minute...? No, it's a guy with a leaf-blower...
The scenes between Djalili and Richard Schiff are quite funny, although the humour doesn't always work; the whole Bar Mitswa scene should have been left out completely. A lot of supporting roles were worthwhile, especially those by Miranda Hart (adoption agent), Matt Lucas (rabbi) and Leah Fatania (daughter).
Too bad about the downsides, but still good to see a little film like gets made and aired on the BBC, that's why I'm being lenient with my rating; 6 out of 10.
P.s.: one the best jokes was religion-free, by the way: Mahmud leaves his house and faces the camera. A 'wind' rises... he looks around mysteriously... the viewer imagines a UFO could be landing any minute...? No, it's a guy with a leaf-blower...