Americanizing Shelley (2007)

This is the worst movie I've ever watched! I cannot point out anything good with it, the script, actors, storyline and everything was just bad! It shouldn't even be certified as a movie.I didn't like the way that they portrayed the Indian culture, nor the American. It was just over dramatic and not funny. I know movies have an tendency to over do stuff, but this movie took things too far. The generalizations of Indians, white people, Mexicans and blacks were just not funny. Everything that happened in the movie was also expected, I hate when you know the storyline from the beginning by just the title.

After seeing "Tropic Thunder" (2008), it has become clear that Hollywood actors, directors, and writers need to do background research on the characters they are portraying.Just the film's title alone makes the audience aware that we should 'Americanize' people, and make them 'generic Americans'. And, in doing so, we should bury or hide their culture. Right? Wrong. Americans need to become 'culture sensitive', so they convey a positive message that someone else's culture is on an equal level with Americans. I'm okay. You're okay.A number of Indian people attended a film festival in Connecticut. Those that had become 'Americanized' were not offended by the film. But, some felt that their Indian culture was portrayed in a negative light, and should have been given the dignity and respect of being on an equal level with the American culture. A significant number of Americans act like other cultures are inferior. This is wrong, and not at all true. 'Shelley' is given an American name, and is taught how to act, feel, and think like Hollywood-stereotypical Americans.The Indian culture needs to be researched, and the script needs to be further developed. But, even with all of its flaws, the film is worthy enough to be seen. Truly, there are some very enjoyable, very funny, and very poignant moments. For a fair attempt, I rate this film a 6 out of 10. With some polish, and more work, the film would rank at least an 8 or 9.

Americanizing Shelly is one of the "Beast Makeover Movies" of our times. BTW, I am a huge fan of makeover films. I love watching "before and after" type stuff in movies, TV shows...just about anything. In fact, I am kinda addicted to that stuff and seek it out. I even love shows like The Swan and Dr. 90210. My friends and I love Kim Kardashian (and NEVER miss KUWTK) because of how beautiful she is (even if she has never really actually done anything in movies). But she looks like what most of us aspire to, but don't...which BTW, DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE UNHAPPY AT ALL. We just appreciate beautiful looking people like some others appreciate beautiful art or beautiful scenery.With that in mind, my friends and I have compiled a list of "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" of recent times (after 1995).And here they are: (in random order) 1) CLUELESS 2) PRETTY WOMAN 3) THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 4) JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE 5) MAID IN MANHATTAN 6) MY BIG FAT Greek WEDDING 7) SHE'S ALL THAT 8) MISS CONGENIALITY 9) MEAN GIRLS 10) AMERICANIZING SHELLEY.Although, personally...CLUELESS is #1 and all the others are #2.I am also putting together a different list of "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" of all times (prior to 1995). Please do post me a message voting for your "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" prior to 1995. And yes, I SO TOTALLY recommend this film (if you haven't already watched it)...whether you like "makeover movies" or not.

This so rates 10 on my scale. Not only is it a terrific romantic comedy, but as someone of East-Indian descent, I am able to identify with so much of Shelly's dilemmas and the film's humor. No spoilers, but one of the best thing about the film is Shelly's turning 30 and the dilemma that ensues. I loved her mom in that scene and she definitely did as well as she did in "Bend it like Beckham". the turning 30 scenario had me in stitches and reminded me of the similar situation in "My big, fat Greek Wedding" but done with a very clever take. Although, the humor is so funny and the one liners keep coming, THE BEST thing about the film is the decision that Shelly makes in the end. It totally lends to the heart of the film and i actually welled up at that point. Not to give away too much but this is just a super, super cute movie...and it is so nice to see Indians succeeding in Hollywood.