America So Beautiful

The film staggers under its own didacticism. Too often we're told of men who were professionals back home and are here reduced to driving cabs, waiting tables or vending ice cream.

Takes a while to get rolling, but builds fairly well once it finally does. Part of the problem, no doubt, is Shokrina's decision to have the dialogue rapidly alternate between English and (presumably) Persian, with subtitles. This is a highly disorienting distraction.

As much as the film would like to blow the lid off immigrant misery, it deals only in caricatures.

Pictures general subject matter was given a more intimate and graceful treatment in last year's Los Angeles Film Festival entry "Maryam." This comparatively jumbled, unevenly paced item lacks nuance or distinction.

With so many worthwhile movies out there just waiting for a release, it's a shame that this tired drama is getting a run.