Review of The Namesake (2006) by Yi-Shan C — 15 Feb 2009

I don't know if I can say I've always liked generation themed films, but I know I do enjoy them now for their attempt to show the inherent complexity that exists between the relationships of parents and their children, the differences in the way things should be, and the communication or lack of it between people that are related one way or the other.

I wanted to see this film mainly because from the previews, this is a story about the immigrant experience, something I can related to. When I finished the movie, to label this film as a story about the Indian immigrants' experience would be narrowing it down too much. Have you ever moved to a new neighborhood? Ever felt different in a crowd? Ever thought your parents are dorky and don't understand you and that their way of thinking is completely ancient? If the answer is yes to any of the questions then you can identify with the characters.

Kal Penn, who plays the son of immigrant parents from India is the most recognized face in this movie. I thought the portrayal of a teenager by Kal Penn was the most honest performance by him in this film. All the other parts seemed mediocre. I enjoyed the performance of Irfan Khan, who played the father in this movie. Irfan's lines were short and sparse, but plenty was said through his body language and facial expression.

It's a fine movie, but somehow it seemed to have lost a bit of its direction towards the end.