Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World (2005)

Typically bone-dry, odd, sometimes very funny Albert Brooks satire. He’s sent to India and Pakistan by the US government to find out what makes Muslims laugh, so we can communicate with them better. The film does an excellent job of skewering over-simplistic show biz and government pretensions about ‘reaching out’ to people we don’t understand, with the assumption they are simply are ‘just like us’ without the need to dig deeper. More uneven than Brooks' best work ("Mother", "Lost In America"), but when it’s good, it’s very good.

This movie takes a funny premise and then uses Brooks' odd and off-beat humor to deliver the punch lines. Sometimes subtle and easy to miss, his jokes and set ups are hilarious!.

No one can self-depricate with such a perfect measure of bravado and arrogance as Albert Brooks. I mean this as a compliment since this is classic Brooks. Actaully it is a signature style he has used in his other (and better) films. I like how Brooks always treats himself to a beautiful leading lady. (Woody Allen has a rep for this in most of his films as well.) High marks to Brooks for creating such an original storyline, basically playing himself. "LFC..." is not a laugh-a-minute comedy that one less familiar with Brooks might expect. There are more complex nuances at work here..actaully there are some powerful political statements being made if you look deep enough (ala the "big show" improve sketch and the border military build-up subplot.) The movie has its flaws..sometimes you may wonder if this isn't simply an advert for his other films as there titles are sprinkled throughout the film. This is easily forgiven as the sharp dialogue, original storyline, and superb cast make this a nice addition to Brooks' tenure. Those new to Brooks that enjoyed this film should also treat themselves to 'Defending Your Life'..easily his best.

Very dis-satisfied. Received the item. Only one disc. Not the movie I wanted. I did not receive the movie. Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. So upset. I want my Money back. I don’t even care about the other movie!!!!!!!! Star rating. I don’t even want to press 1. I couldn’t go any further without pressing at least one!!!!! Very very dissatisfied!!!!!

As a culture, we've moved on. Dated, but I bought it for Defending your life,which is one of my favorites. Always like Albert Brooks, but Comedy in a Muslim World is too outdated and almost embarrassing.

It was OK. Not as funny as I remembered it was. The satire in the movie seemed dated.. appropriate for 2006, not 2015. Worth a watch if it were on Prime, or if you have a free rental and nothing else on your list, especially if you are into the Albert Brooks brand of comedy.

Un-funny. Not Albert Brooks best work. Love the guy, but this was a 'stinker'...

There is! I've been waiting for this for a long time. Thought, I never find this movie that I've been wanting to see and there is. I go enjoy watching that movies. I'm glad that I got it.

I've been a big fan of Albert Brooks (real name Albert Einstein!) since he was a standup back in the 70s.His comedy albums, Comedy Minus One and A Star Is Bought - both a combination of 'live' and studio material - were wonderful.I say 'were' because I'm pretty sure they're not still available, except for vinyl, if you can find them.He's always been a bit offbeat and very quirky and definitely not for everyone.If you're not already an AB admirer this film may not make you one, but if you like the man's work, you will LOVE this simple little film.He plays himself in this one, sent to India and Pakistan by the US government to find out what makes Muslims laugh, in an effort to figure out what makes them tick.The writing is brilliant and AB's asides are worth the 98 minutes of viewing alone.RECOMMENDED!

Defending Your Life is a funny, touching, thought-provoking movie. Everyone can relate to it. Since I believe in life after death and reincarnation it is wonderful to have a "preview" of the "process":):)R. ChildsFairfax, Virginia