Review of My Name Is Khan (2010) by Trent R — 25 Mar 2010

Boring social problem film, with otherwise excellent leads turning in very bland performances despite their chemistry. Khan is so saintly and Kajol angelic that the post-9/11 personal tragedy and conflict between them seems ridiculously stretched in metaphorical scope.

It is interesting in terms of Khan's real experience with possible racial profiling and anti-Muslim sentiment in America, but the depiction of issues is at once too broad and one-sided to be effective as drama. Perhaps this will provoke debate with its simplistic message and sentimentality, but more likely not.

The stereotyping of Americans is enjoyable in terms of reversing the direction if not methods of most Hollywood movies. However, the cliche depiction of those of African descent is annoying in its benevolent paternalism. This is an interesting film for many reasons, but not in terms of engaging drama or character arc.