Review of The Namesake (2006) by Alice S — 28 May 2008
Decent, ambitious intentions for adapting Lahiri's brilliant novel (which is very much an epic saga for under 300 pages) but had too many scenes, too little build-up for climactic moments (Ashoke's death, dissolution of Gogol and Moushoumi's marriage), and too ham-handed a treatment of the "namesake" theme.
Kal Penn's good in comedies, even serious moments in comedies, but when he acts serious in dramas, he's dull (incl. "House"). Irfan Khan and Tabu are wonderful as Ashoke and Ashima. The thing I love most about the novel is that Lahiri is able to develop all three of their stories so fully; the film really only succeeds with Ashima's.
This review of The Namesake (2006) was written by Alice S on 28 May 2008.
The Namesake has generally received very positive reviews.
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