46
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Film ThreatMerle BertrandFilm ThreatMerle BertrandThis well made, slightly cornball and riotously comical romantic comedy not only extols the old fashioned American dream, but charmingly celebrates the virtues of the great American melting pot as well.
- 75Philadelphia InquirerSteven ReaPhiladelphia InquirerSteven ReaThe picture uses humor and a heartfelt conviction to tell a story about discovering your destination in life.
- 63New York PostMegan LehmannNew York PostMegan LehmannMuch of the movie's gentle charm comes from Mehta, the director's younger brother, making his acting debut.
- 60The New York TimesLawrence Van GelderThe New York TimesLawrence Van GelderAmerican Chai may not tell a new story, but in its understanding, often funny way, it tells a story whose restatement is validated by the changing composition of the nation.
- 60TV Guide MagazineKen FoxTV Guide MagazineKen FoxMehta says it all so articulately and with such good humor.
- 60Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasPerceptive, good-natured movie.
- 50The A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe ethnicity of its leads is the only novel aspect of an otherwise bland exercise.
- 50Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonThere are no surprises in this movie -- not even in the Bollywood parodies, when the hero and heroine finally, subversively kiss. There is talent, though.
- 30L.A. WeeklyMark OlsenL.A. WeeklyMark OlsenChai's structure and pacing are disconcertingly slack. Missing the loose ends and ambiguities of actual conversation, the dialogue makes characters sound like they're delivering speeches rather than interacting.
- 30Village VoiceEd ParkVillage VoiceEd ParkAs earnest as a community-college advertisement, American Chai is enough to make you put away the guitar, sell the amp, and apply to medical school.