ambivalent about this movie

Rating: 4/10 (15 December 2012)

This film has some nicely crafted scenes, is well edited, solid (if not spectacular) acting performances, and yet... I can't get past that it is one of a spate of films and television shows that fail to question American exceptionalism and are contributing to islamaphobia (I am against all religions personally, since almost all of them are heteterosexist, homophobic, and lead to tremendous violence; however human beings have to work through these issues themselves and in their own countries). I saw the film a few days ago and it has evaporated for me. I only remember a few isolated moments, a few witty lines, and some interesting (if underdeveloped) characters. I can't remember which actors played which roles. And also, I must say that I simply don't get why on earth Alan Arkin is getting so many awards nominations? Great performances by Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tom Holland, Ewan McGregor, Aaron Tveit, Eddie Redmayne, just to name a few, are being passed over for this mediocre performance, that many other actors could have played just as well if not better? Just saying! (: