I thought that this movie was fairly funny. However, if you are not open minded and do not find Indian accents funny, then do not watch this movie. This movie is about a guy (Hari) that is straight from India (thick accent, nerdy clothes, tennis shoes, and uses baby powder for deodorant) who is trying to fit in with other Americanized Indians and others. The stereotyping in this movie is hilarious, it's just good olé racial funnies that I can relate to since I'm of a different origin myself. This movie is nothing like Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, however it does have some stoner composed scenes, as a matter of fact there's only one scene where weed is even in the movie. Also, this movie is very low budget so it is not the best of movies, but in my opinion it is the humor that makes this movie. If you do watch this movie, Hari's friend is the funniest one in this movie, so if you do not think that he is funny, you might want to turn off this movie. He's the one with the longest name in Indian history.
28 Reviews
Satire?
kfields-623 May 2007
While I agree that much of this film rehashes a lot of old stereotypes and clichés, I didn't feel that the film did so mean-spiritedly or even without good intentions. Wasn't the moral of the story that all the stereotypes and harsh feelings toward recent immigrants were wrong? While there were points where some of the jokes or plot lines were a little hokey or clichéd and completely overdone (for the love of god, no more doctor/engineer jokes!), I thought the film had some moments of very subtle, very astute analysis on identity, race relations and negotiations of who is "cool" and who isn't. Granted, I'm watching this film for my master's thesis, so I'm looking for all of those subtle cues, but if you look closely, you can see there is a lot more going on in this film than FOB jokes.
That being said, the film isn't perfect. It gets really slow at points, and like I said, a lot of the jokes are completely run into the ground. However, I thought that Hari was such a sweet, likable character (he actually reminded me a lot of the main character in the movie "LOSER," which follows a pretty similar story line about a dorky mid-Westerner moving to New York for college), that he made the movie worth watching. Despite all this film's shortcomings, I'd rather watch it than American Desi (or a large number of the American Desi type films) any day. This is one of the few films of its type that didn't take a completely uncritical approach to "Indian" culture. This movie actually took some time to poke fun at itself.
In my opinion, this film got much closer to satire than pretty much everything else I've seen in its genre, and if you are looking for a film to watch within this genre, this is probably the best option at this point.
That being said, the film isn't perfect. It gets really slow at points, and like I said, a lot of the jokes are completely run into the ground. However, I thought that Hari was such a sweet, likable character (he actually reminded me a lot of the main character in the movie "LOSER," which follows a pretty similar story line about a dorky mid-Westerner moving to New York for college), that he made the movie worth watching. Despite all this film's shortcomings, I'd rather watch it than American Desi (or a large number of the American Desi type films) any day. This is one of the few films of its type that didn't take a completely uncritical approach to "Indian" culture. This movie actually took some time to poke fun at itself.
In my opinion, this film got much closer to satire than pretty much everything else I've seen in its genre, and if you are looking for a film to watch within this genre, this is probably the best option at this point.
Another cookie is cut from the Bollywood formula
thesociety17 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Bollywood movies have grown up a lot and are becoming more mainstream. The problem is the standard Bollywood movie has to follow a strict formula, with very little room for experimentation. This movie appeared to try to push some of those boundaries, but with little result. The plot line starts off normal, the FOB character is far from believable. His character would be a FOB in India, the way he's portrayed. The characters are very plastic and predictable.
The music and dance scenes were nice, modern and fun. The supporting characters were the best part of the movie. This "party" takes up almost 1/3 of the movie and nothing goes on really, leaving you waiting for the traditional ending "big speech". When it arrives, it makes no sense, and if ANYONE can understand the main character's point from his dialog at the "big speech" then send it to the production company for inclusion on the video jacket. It might raise the rating a notch or two. Fans of Bollywood will find this average, fans of comedy will forget it within hours and fans of movies will find it below average.
The music and dance scenes were nice, modern and fun. The supporting characters were the best part of the movie. This "party" takes up almost 1/3 of the movie and nothing goes on really, leaving you waiting for the traditional ending "big speech". When it arrives, it makes no sense, and if ANYONE can understand the main character's point from his dialog at the "big speech" then send it to the production company for inclusion on the video jacket. It might raise the rating a notch or two. Fans of Bollywood will find this average, fans of comedy will forget it within hours and fans of movies will find it below average.
Vastly Disappointing....so much potential wasted on a corny script
gah0155 June 2005
"Dude where's the Party?" (Where's the Party Yaar?) is yet another movie that deals with young Indian Americans, and it really doesn't offer a whole lot new or interesting. The territory covered here about Indians (Desi) is old hat, the humor very stale and as painfully unfunny as an SNL skit gone awry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with revisiting familiar plot lines, but they could at least be done in more interesting ways.
Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar) is the only one that gives out a performance with any kind of decency here, probably because he is for all intents and purposes the only real actor in this film. Everyone else in this movie is a rank amateur, better suited for a church Christmas play written by a 45+ year old Uncle (Indian parent or "adult"), then a mass marketed film. The film is about Hari Patel, a well intentioned kid from India who travels to America to study engineering and meet his true love as proclaimed by one of his village elders (in an over the top campy performance) back in India. Hari excited as ever, goes to Houston, TX where moves in with his super cool cousin Mohan "Mo" Bakshi and his family. Kal Penn's Mo character instantly is disgusted by his FOB (fresh off the boat) cousin and is embarrassed that he has to introduce Hari to all his equally super cool and very shallow friends at U of H. And Mo has every good reason to be repulsed by Hari. Hari dresses like an idiot, smells like curry, makes a mess of the family bathroom, and speaks in a loud and obnoxious voice. Essentially Hari Patel is a FOB character exaggerated to the nth degree, a total caricature of the real deal. His accent is exaggerated to the point of sounding fake, and his clothes and hair are just terrible. I've encountered several newly arrived Indian immigrants in my lifetime, and even the worst of them with their slacks and white tennis shoes do not act as unbelievably stupid as Hari Patel does here. There is a hollow ringing moral lesson at the end of the film, where the shallow cool Indians learn how to better treat the FOBs.
Basically the essential reason Indian Americans have been confused about their identities and so many flicks like this have exploded onto the scene is because Indians can't stop being Indian. It's not because the Indian culture is so vastly different from American culture or Western culture as a whole. No, there are many Eastern European countries and Middle Eastern countries whose cultures can be eerily similar to "Indian culture" and it's strict parental rules. But if they are White or fair skinned White looking, they can easily blend into American culture far more easily. When was the last time you heard of confused Russian American kids? Yeah they don't exist. But as an Indian you carry India with you everywhere you go and this more then anything else is the root of the struggle for ABCDs (American Born Confused Desi). You'll always be Indian in America or any other country, and you will always be way too American/Western if you go back to India. That's likely the reason that there are more of these type of movies depicting Indian American trials then there are East Asian American struggles. Asian Americans have been around in the United States for so long and overall just tend to blend in better then Indians do. Indian skin complexion tends to stand out, we look like "foreigners" even if you are super cool like the club hopping Indian kids in this movie. Add to that we have only been around in significantly large numbers since the 1970s and there you have the answer.
Certainly there has been a Desi explosion in American/Western pop culture in recent years, in no way did I even imagine all this mainstream Indian exposure as a kid growing up back in the 80s and 90s. It clearly took a generation of Indians to grow up in America to bring Desi culture to the pop forefront, because our parents generation certainly wasn't going to do it. I've been hard on this film but it did have it's moments too, I especially liked the boy band serenade with the Hindi remix. I liked how the movie showcased Desi culture in Houston, as opposed to New York, Chicago, or Philly. I also loved how it showed a variety of Indian subcultures, not just North Indians which is what is usually done in the other flicks. I was happy that there was no big melodramatic Indian wedding,---though a fist fight between two Uncles would have been hilarious. I myself have never really been immersed in the young Indian American culture, but growing up ABCD you'll still know it very well in many ways. The characters parents live in giant homes that are essentially mini mansions, a favorite of many Indians (especially Malayalees) who aspire to live in the posh Houston suburb of Sugarland---but usually at hard cost cutting standards for those that don't have the natural income to live in such large homes. It was also surreal for me to hear Malayalam actually spoken on screen. "Where's the Party Yarr?" should probably be given it's dues just for being yet another Desi movie that did try and one that might make us less strange to the general American public. With a few exceptions, no one could figure out quite how to do these kind of films back in the 1990s, and it was pure fantasy in the '80s. I don't want to even begin to imagine what it was like for the very early Indian American youth back in the '70s. Keep making Indian American/Western flicks, but get bolder...and funnier. I'm still waiting for that great Desi film or novel that will echo what Amy Tan did for Asians with "The Joy Luck Club".
Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar) is the only one that gives out a performance with any kind of decency here, probably because he is for all intents and purposes the only real actor in this film. Everyone else in this movie is a rank amateur, better suited for a church Christmas play written by a 45+ year old Uncle (Indian parent or "adult"), then a mass marketed film. The film is about Hari Patel, a well intentioned kid from India who travels to America to study engineering and meet his true love as proclaimed by one of his village elders (in an over the top campy performance) back in India. Hari excited as ever, goes to Houston, TX where moves in with his super cool cousin Mohan "Mo" Bakshi and his family. Kal Penn's Mo character instantly is disgusted by his FOB (fresh off the boat) cousin and is embarrassed that he has to introduce Hari to all his equally super cool and very shallow friends at U of H. And Mo has every good reason to be repulsed by Hari. Hari dresses like an idiot, smells like curry, makes a mess of the family bathroom, and speaks in a loud and obnoxious voice. Essentially Hari Patel is a FOB character exaggerated to the nth degree, a total caricature of the real deal. His accent is exaggerated to the point of sounding fake, and his clothes and hair are just terrible. I've encountered several newly arrived Indian immigrants in my lifetime, and even the worst of them with their slacks and white tennis shoes do not act as unbelievably stupid as Hari Patel does here. There is a hollow ringing moral lesson at the end of the film, where the shallow cool Indians learn how to better treat the FOBs.
Basically the essential reason Indian Americans have been confused about their identities and so many flicks like this have exploded onto the scene is because Indians can't stop being Indian. It's not because the Indian culture is so vastly different from American culture or Western culture as a whole. No, there are many Eastern European countries and Middle Eastern countries whose cultures can be eerily similar to "Indian culture" and it's strict parental rules. But if they are White or fair skinned White looking, they can easily blend into American culture far more easily. When was the last time you heard of confused Russian American kids? Yeah they don't exist. But as an Indian you carry India with you everywhere you go and this more then anything else is the root of the struggle for ABCDs (American Born Confused Desi). You'll always be Indian in America or any other country, and you will always be way too American/Western if you go back to India. That's likely the reason that there are more of these type of movies depicting Indian American trials then there are East Asian American struggles. Asian Americans have been around in the United States for so long and overall just tend to blend in better then Indians do. Indian skin complexion tends to stand out, we look like "foreigners" even if you are super cool like the club hopping Indian kids in this movie. Add to that we have only been around in significantly large numbers since the 1970s and there you have the answer.
Certainly there has been a Desi explosion in American/Western pop culture in recent years, in no way did I even imagine all this mainstream Indian exposure as a kid growing up back in the 80s and 90s. It clearly took a generation of Indians to grow up in America to bring Desi culture to the pop forefront, because our parents generation certainly wasn't going to do it. I've been hard on this film but it did have it's moments too, I especially liked the boy band serenade with the Hindi remix. I liked how the movie showcased Desi culture in Houston, as opposed to New York, Chicago, or Philly. I also loved how it showed a variety of Indian subcultures, not just North Indians which is what is usually done in the other flicks. I was happy that there was no big melodramatic Indian wedding,---though a fist fight between two Uncles would have been hilarious. I myself have never really been immersed in the young Indian American culture, but growing up ABCD you'll still know it very well in many ways. The characters parents live in giant homes that are essentially mini mansions, a favorite of many Indians (especially Malayalees) who aspire to live in the posh Houston suburb of Sugarland---but usually at hard cost cutting standards for those that don't have the natural income to live in such large homes. It was also surreal for me to hear Malayalam actually spoken on screen. "Where's the Party Yarr?" should probably be given it's dues just for being yet another Desi movie that did try and one that might make us less strange to the general American public. With a few exceptions, no one could figure out quite how to do these kind of films back in the 1990s, and it was pure fantasy in the '80s. I don't want to even begin to imagine what it was like for the very early Indian American youth back in the '70s. Keep making Indian American/Western flicks, but get bolder...and funnier. I'm still waiting for that great Desi film or novel that will echo what Amy Tan did for Asians with "The Joy Luck Club".
Biased, exaggerated, and hypocritical
ponderer198217 January 2006
This movie seemed promising with a decorated actor like Kal Penn starring in it, but unfortunately that ended up being the only attraction to this movie.
This movie is the most hypocritical movie I have ever seen. This movie has it all backwards, the South Asians who are born and raised in America are the ones who are being ostracized by the (what are referred to in this movie as) "FOBS". The American born South Asians are the one's who are constantly bending over backwards trying to please the "FOBS" because of their constant criticism of us being too "American". We are constantly struggling to find a balance in our lives and we are the one's being treated like outcasts because the "FOBS" are the ones who are so critical and stuck up with their own set of standards that they expect from us. The person who made this movie should try actually making something accurate and portray the struggles that South Asians living in America have to deal with. There is a reason why everyone has heard of Bend it Like Beckham, and that hardly anyone has heard of this movie unless you happen to be browsing around your local video rental store.
This movie is the most hypocritical movie I have ever seen. This movie has it all backwards, the South Asians who are born and raised in America are the ones who are being ostracized by the (what are referred to in this movie as) "FOBS". The American born South Asians are the one's who are constantly bending over backwards trying to please the "FOBS" because of their constant criticism of us being too "American". We are constantly struggling to find a balance in our lives and we are the one's being treated like outcasts because the "FOBS" are the ones who are so critical and stuck up with their own set of standards that they expect from us. The person who made this movie should try actually making something accurate and portray the struggles that South Asians living in America have to deal with. There is a reason why everyone has heard of Bend it Like Beckham, and that hardly anyone has heard of this movie unless you happen to be browsing around your local video rental store.
Another movie about the problems young brown skinned Indians have growing up in white America
Bats_Breath4 July 2009
Kermit the Frog once said "it's not easy being green", from the endless growing up Indian movies lately, it's not easy being brown either. There have so many of these "growing up brown in America" movies in the last decade, mostly low budget flicks that don't get a whole lot of press. The premise has nearly been run into the ground, traditional over bearing parents that are always in the wrong, rebellious kids who want to fit and date like everyone else and always in the right. One thing these movies have taught us for certain is this, if you're brown and growing up in America, you have a harder time assimilating into the mass culture then lighter skinned people. We've been told this over and over and it really does get tired. For young Indian Americans these films may perhaps be of deep cultural significance, loaded with in jokes that non-Indians may not get.
For much of white America, they will strip the film down to it's basics and call it a "country mouse meeting city mouse" story and think "meh, what's the big deal?" Probably gutting the Indian Americans who think they struck comic gold showing off the cool Indians vs. the over exaggerated fresh off the boat (FOB) immigrant Indians. This story is going to simply come across as a country kid moving to the big city to mainstream America, only with East Indians in it, and they will likely miss the deep rooted angst and confusion that Indians want to convey. The movie shows the Indian Americans as self assured, cool and all around well adjusted while the immigrated FOB Indians are socially clueless. Nevermind that the character of Hari as presented in this film would probably be considered a moron even in India, the filmmakers know they have to make Hari that silly of an FOB Indian to justify his mistreatment by the Indian Americans. To make more of the desired impact that the Indian American culture so desperately seems to want to make with mainstream film goers, a more concrete and weighted story has to be delivered with far more sincere actors. It would be interesting to hear what real people in India think of this film, as about 1 billion people are being derided and made out as ridiculous caricatures. Of course a braver movie would show regular Indian Americans mistreating and not including normal behaved and decently dressed immigrant Indians in their social activities for the sole reason of their own xenophobia and insecurities...but that would be hitting too close to reality and I doubt any writer/director would be that brave.
For much of white America, they will strip the film down to it's basics and call it a "country mouse meeting city mouse" story and think "meh, what's the big deal?" Probably gutting the Indian Americans who think they struck comic gold showing off the cool Indians vs. the over exaggerated fresh off the boat (FOB) immigrant Indians. This story is going to simply come across as a country kid moving to the big city to mainstream America, only with East Indians in it, and they will likely miss the deep rooted angst and confusion that Indians want to convey. The movie shows the Indian Americans as self assured, cool and all around well adjusted while the immigrated FOB Indians are socially clueless. Nevermind that the character of Hari as presented in this film would probably be considered a moron even in India, the filmmakers know they have to make Hari that silly of an FOB Indian to justify his mistreatment by the Indian Americans. To make more of the desired impact that the Indian American culture so desperately seems to want to make with mainstream film goers, a more concrete and weighted story has to be delivered with far more sincere actors. It would be interesting to hear what real people in India think of this film, as about 1 billion people are being derided and made out as ridiculous caricatures. Of course a braver movie would show regular Indian Americans mistreating and not including normal behaved and decently dressed immigrant Indians in their social activities for the sole reason of their own xenophobia and insecurities...but that would be hitting too close to reality and I doubt any writer/director would be that brave.
The worst movie in a bad genre...
bhavip7926 November 2009
I remember seeing this at a 3rd I Film Festival, and I was shocked at how bad it was. The whole genre of "Indian-American films"- from American Desi onward- is usually amateurishly written, and keeps focusing on the same themes over and over again- not "fitting in" to American society, having difficulty with parents, dating, stereotypes of Indian culture, etc. The only reason 2nd generation South Asians like them so much is that between Bollywood and Hollywood, there was no genre that represented their experience. On top of that, I found the FOB caricature offensive (and I am an "ABCD" myself)- having parents, friends and relatives who are "FOBs" from metro areas and don't fit the stereotype of socially awkward, bad-smelling people that can't speak proper English. It's almost like ABCDs take pleasure in pointing out the differences because they are ashamed that many Anglos think of US that way. There is a wide diversity in the people who immigrate here, and I know that my cousins in Bombay, Delhi and Bangalore actually grew up in far more liberal and progressive environments than we did here- their parents had no problems with them dating in high school or becoming artists or whatever. And that's not to say that a person who grows up in a small village in Gujarat or Andhra Pradesh is going to smelly, socially-awkward and not worth knowing, just because their values are traditional or they dress differently. Indian-Americans who have been the target of racism here and therefore ashamed of their origins shouldn't take it out on their "FOB" brothers and sisters.
Just a special case, not every Indian is like that
nekait_rr17 September 2012
The movie (seems more like a documentary, though long) is good, a good once a worth watch time pass but clearly does not depict Indians. There might be some special cases but not all bag are douche bag. Never mind, a good to see comic case of a special middle class Indian moving to Western world and watch it out for fun.
All the comments by other users above this one are true and genuine. the funny situation lies with the acting - the cousin sings outside his gf's house 'hum dil de chuke sanam' and the one when the friends act like a gujrati and punjabi. And the punjabi daddy is awesome.
The two girls were just OK but the guys rocked with acting skills.
All the comments by other users above this one are true and genuine. the funny situation lies with the acting - the cousin sings outside his gf's house 'hum dil de chuke sanam' and the one when the friends act like a gujrati and punjabi. And the punjabi daddy is awesome.
The two girls were just OK but the guys rocked with acting skills.
A pathetic attempt to showcase NRI party scene
Aam_Aadmi6 December 2005
One of the worst home videos that someone dared to make copies of and tried to distribute. This movie (if you can call it that) is full of 2 things -- ethnic stereotypes and racial slurs.
There are no actors in it (and therefore no acting to speak of). There is no storyline or plot so if the direction was sloppy it didn't matter much. It is supposed to be about the tension between newly arrived and settled immigrants with regard to their lifestyles, habits, and so on. And also perhaps about the generation gap between 1st Gen. parents and their 2nd Gen. (or Gen. X) US-born-and-raised kids. Had it been thought out and skilfully done, it could have examined/explored a whole variety of issues confronting immigrants of every size, shape and color. And in so doing, transcend racial, ethnic and other divisions. But it ended up becoming a caricature of US-based Indian expatriates, and a ghastly one at that.
There are many decent-to-excellent options in the low-budget/indie film category that can be viewed as an alternative. A better name for this movie is "Where's the Potty Yaar?".
There are no actors in it (and therefore no acting to speak of). There is no storyline or plot so if the direction was sloppy it didn't matter much. It is supposed to be about the tension between newly arrived and settled immigrants with regard to their lifestyles, habits, and so on. And also perhaps about the generation gap between 1st Gen. parents and their 2nd Gen. (or Gen. X) US-born-and-raised kids. Had it been thought out and skilfully done, it could have examined/explored a whole variety of issues confronting immigrants of every size, shape and color. And in so doing, transcend racial, ethnic and other divisions. But it ended up becoming a caricature of US-based Indian expatriates, and a ghastly one at that.
There are many decent-to-excellent options in the low-budget/indie film category that can be viewed as an alternative. A better name for this movie is "Where's the Potty Yaar?".
If you liked Harold & Kumar...
IMSandman31 May 2005
If you liked Harold & Kumar, then you may find this movie funny. However, it is not a movie centered around drugs like the afore-mentioned was. There is a weed scene in Where's the Party, but nothing on the scale of Harold & Kumar.
Basically there are 2 general groups of people that will find this particularly funny: 1) Kal Penn fans.
2) Anyone who finds racial stereotypes funny.
As a whole, this movie had some pretty funny moments in it. However, it big time paled in comparison to Harold & Kumar go to Whitecastle.
If you fall into one of the two categories above, check this movie out. If not, you'll probably want to skip this movie and pick something else instead.
Basically there are 2 general groups of people that will find this particularly funny: 1) Kal Penn fans.
2) Anyone who finds racial stereotypes funny.
As a whole, this movie had some pretty funny moments in it. However, it big time paled in comparison to Harold & Kumar go to Whitecastle.
If you fall into one of the two categories above, check this movie out. If not, you'll probably want to skip this movie and pick something else instead.
something to watch baked
jjthehacker19 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
where ever I go, I get a movie pass at the local video store and just start renting countless videos. Dude wheres the party was one of those movies that was released with no advertising and even the rental i got a hold of had no box, just a DVD with the name of the movie and I don't even think it had a photo or anything it was just a white label with the name. so I watched it, and it focuses on the FOB.. F.O.B Fresh off the boat aspect of the Indian crew.. basically you have a bunch of Indians who are totally assimilated into American culture like our hero Kal Penn (no accent) and they basically have a tight party (according to them I suppose) but the FOB's show up and they don't want to let them crash the party. and some girl gets mad at Kal for being insensitive and so he has to make it right. I was a little surprised that Kal's character didn't notice right away that the fobs were trying to get in on the action but he seems really out of it until the girl gets mad. Its a bit lame, most people can pick up on a group of people looking for action.
I'm sure there is more to the movie than that but it boiled down to this. if you're going to have a huge party for your Indian friends, you better make sure that you give individual invitations out because that kind of event will be crashed every time by FOBS. Personally I don't have a problem with FOBS of any type, they're more fun than some of these dead beat Americans I know, and if they're crashing a raging party they're probably open minded at the very least. Let em in FOOL, they're here to party! LONG LIVE HAROLD & KUMAR! DJ LIQUIDSMOKE
I'm sure there is more to the movie than that but it boiled down to this. if you're going to have a huge party for your Indian friends, you better make sure that you give individual invitations out because that kind of event will be crashed every time by FOBS. Personally I don't have a problem with FOBS of any type, they're more fun than some of these dead beat Americans I know, and if they're crashing a raging party they're probably open minded at the very least. Let em in FOOL, they're here to party! LONG LIVE HAROLD & KUMAR! DJ LIQUIDSMOKE
people need to review the movie and not their own politics.
kukimilla2 September 2006
A very funny movie. All politics aside, fob, abcd, Indian Ameican, these are obviously hot bed issues that stike a chord in each viewer making it impossible for them to watch the movie in its on immensely well crafted, fun, colorful, and musical environment. Practically ten minutes of this film is a man splashing around in a tub, not being Indian, or American but simply being a grown hairy man getting as much fun out of a tub full of water and not taking sides in the epic battle between the new and old groups of Indians ( it would seem from reading some of the pathetic reviews in this collection of reviews the the battle is epic) It seems that this was a topic the filmmakers probably did not think would be so emotional.
But once again so much of this movie doesn't really even play into that debate and really just attempts to create some fun and silly moments, like Kal's dance for Janvi. When its does take a stand and get on its soapbox it does it in such a clever way that the Shalllow Indians, who feel the film pokes fun at them, watch the movie don't even notice the scene where PRYIA in JANVI's documentary, reveal the filmmakers true feelings about the whole "Can Indians get along debate." In this scene it seems like PRYIA really does have a mind and she realizes that the struggle Indians have now is nothing compared to the Civil Rights Struggle in the US only 40 some years ago --she admits, and the filmmakers through her, that the battle for who is the coolest is not important when one thinks of the struggles of minorities in this country in the past and all the people who have cleared the way for "PRYIA" to worry about how she may be seen as a freak for the color of her eye-shadow and not the color of her skin. It also shows that some of the worst hatred in minority groups exist within the group itself as those who adapt and adopt the culture of the new environment immediately pick on members of their own group who do not fit in. But these are heavy issues and to attempt them in a comedy is bold and i think the filmmakers succeed in showing how this happens and DO NOT TAKE THE SIDE of the person who picks on members of his/her own group, --that is why the club owner is, in the end, exposed as THE BAD GUY. In fact --he is really the only bad guy in the movie. the guy who owns the club and throws the parties but does not want any "real" Indians to show up is the one everyone can agree is the "loser." But when it is not smartly dealing with these heavy topics , the film is a very silly and funny movie that cracked me up.
But once again so much of this movie doesn't really even play into that debate and really just attempts to create some fun and silly moments, like Kal's dance for Janvi. When its does take a stand and get on its soapbox it does it in such a clever way that the Shalllow Indians, who feel the film pokes fun at them, watch the movie don't even notice the scene where PRYIA in JANVI's documentary, reveal the filmmakers true feelings about the whole "Can Indians get along debate." In this scene it seems like PRYIA really does have a mind and she realizes that the struggle Indians have now is nothing compared to the Civil Rights Struggle in the US only 40 some years ago --she admits, and the filmmakers through her, that the battle for who is the coolest is not important when one thinks of the struggles of minorities in this country in the past and all the people who have cleared the way for "PRYIA" to worry about how she may be seen as a freak for the color of her eye-shadow and not the color of her skin. It also shows that some of the worst hatred in minority groups exist within the group itself as those who adapt and adopt the culture of the new environment immediately pick on members of their own group who do not fit in. But these are heavy issues and to attempt them in a comedy is bold and i think the filmmakers succeed in showing how this happens and DO NOT TAKE THE SIDE of the person who picks on members of his/her own group, --that is why the club owner is, in the end, exposed as THE BAD GUY. In fact --he is really the only bad guy in the movie. the guy who owns the club and throws the parties but does not want any "real" Indians to show up is the one everyone can agree is the "loser." But when it is not smartly dealing with these heavy topics , the film is a very silly and funny movie that cracked me up.
Not really funny, but a couple jokes are fun.
destroyerwod30 June 2013
Well i got this movie in a big outside sale of a video club, cost 3$ so why not? After all it got Kal Penn, and yes its my own fault for buying something because i recognize the main star from a movie i like. Kal Penn mostly famous for the Harold & Kumar franchise play here one of the main character in this pre-Harold & Kumar movie. Kinda weird is that the other main character is name Hari Kumar Patel or something like that, which is the name of Kal Penn's character in Harold & Kumar. Anyway, this movie is rated G in Quebec which mean General Public, and therefore it was expected that there would not be raunchy stuff even tough Kal Penn hold panties on the front cover.
Some of the ideas where good, and the movie had a little something that didn't made it "bad" but it definitely need for laughing moments. Its one of those movie where it should be funny, but its not really and the best you can get out of it are a few smiles and maybe a chuckle or two. The main character is socially awkward coming from India and being very traditional and its mostly from him that the smiles come from. Kal Penn do very OK with the material he is offered but there was only one scene that more or less amused me.
This movie like many others enter the "cute comedy" category and i think when i was 10 or 12 i would had a lot of fun watching it, for that period of time, but in today's standard, it felt short.
I will admit the hard accents also made it hard for me to follow everything properly, as English ain't my first language in the first place. And i usually don't mind too much a comic relief side character with accent, having to follow an entire movie like this is kinda difficult. The movie is also full of India's music which where very annoying at time.
I think my biggest grudge against the movie is that with a title like "Dude, Where's the party" (probably cashing in on Dude, Where's my car) i was expecting a wild ride of a night movie, in the vain of "21 and over" only a bit softer. If you prefer take Ferris Bueller's day off as a better example in that rating category.
Anyway like i said, unlike some people if a movie does not amuse me that much but i still finish it and feel like "yah well OK" i will give it a 5 and say its OK, just not as good as i had hope for, but not that bad either. I remember Balls and Chain with the same Kal Penn which was not as good as i had hope for, but a bit better than this if my memory serve me well. In any case, i think outside the Harold and Kumar franchise and Van Wilder movies, there is nothing memorable from Kal Penn in term of comedy. Well Bachelor Party Vegas was nice thinking about it... not awesome but nice.
Some of the ideas where good, and the movie had a little something that didn't made it "bad" but it definitely need for laughing moments. Its one of those movie where it should be funny, but its not really and the best you can get out of it are a few smiles and maybe a chuckle or two. The main character is socially awkward coming from India and being very traditional and its mostly from him that the smiles come from. Kal Penn do very OK with the material he is offered but there was only one scene that more or less amused me.
This movie like many others enter the "cute comedy" category and i think when i was 10 or 12 i would had a lot of fun watching it, for that period of time, but in today's standard, it felt short.
I will admit the hard accents also made it hard for me to follow everything properly, as English ain't my first language in the first place. And i usually don't mind too much a comic relief side character with accent, having to follow an entire movie like this is kinda difficult. The movie is also full of India's music which where very annoying at time.
I think my biggest grudge against the movie is that with a title like "Dude, Where's the party" (probably cashing in on Dude, Where's my car) i was expecting a wild ride of a night movie, in the vain of "21 and over" only a bit softer. If you prefer take Ferris Bueller's day off as a better example in that rating category.
Anyway like i said, unlike some people if a movie does not amuse me that much but i still finish it and feel like "yah well OK" i will give it a 5 and say its OK, just not as good as i had hope for, but not that bad either. I remember Balls and Chain with the same Kal Penn which was not as good as i had hope for, but a bit better than this if my memory serve me well. In any case, i think outside the Harold and Kumar franchise and Van Wilder movies, there is nothing memorable from Kal Penn in term of comedy. Well Bachelor Party Vegas was nice thinking about it... not awesome but nice.
Clear depiction of the ABCD culture
hainelson20016 February 2009
This movie portrays the difficulties faced by the FOBs to assimilate into the American culture. The reason I changed my title summary to "abcd culture" is because the movie actually shows how the ABCD's treat the fresh of the boat.
Hari, who is caring and considerate is looked down upon by his "American" cousin, Mohan aka MO (I would rather call him mofo). Although I personally like Kal Penn, its his character that I hated. Though Hari's character is a little exaggerated, the prejudice suffered by him, closely relate that to mine (or to many other fobs). The moment an ABCD discovers that his peer or classmate is a fob, he would try to avoid him. And this is exactly what is displayed throughout the movie... from the experiences of Hari, Shyam and his friends! I loved all the comedy scenes, although it was hurting inside.
Hari, who is caring and considerate is looked down upon by his "American" cousin, Mohan aka MO (I would rather call him mofo). Although I personally like Kal Penn, its his character that I hated. Though Hari's character is a little exaggerated, the prejudice suffered by him, closely relate that to mine (or to many other fobs). The moment an ABCD discovers that his peer or classmate is a fob, he would try to avoid him. And this is exactly what is displayed throughout the movie... from the experiences of Hari, Shyam and his friends! I loved all the comedy scenes, although it was hurting inside.
Great Movie
dblo0213 January 2006
In response to the previous comment, sorry about your cousin and all but the movie was great. Do not compare two things that unrelated. The movie has nothing to do with hate crimes and is not a vicious attack on Indians. The FOB jokes and stereotypical Indian jokes can get old but the movie still provided laughs and that was the whole point behind it. If we cannot laugh at ourselves once in a while then what's the point. The jokes and theme to the movie were right on. It wasn't going for an Oscar or critical acclaim it was a simple movie made to entertain. As a Guju myself i loved all the jokes because they are things we all have seen or done at one point or another and if you sit there denying it then you're only kidding yourself.
So please, personal issues of hate crimes and such and such should be left out of reviews. People need to stop putting such movies under microscopes and ripping them apart. They are for fun and to make you laugh. So stop making politics out of it. I'm proud of who I am and what i stand for so who cares what others think. Take a minute to laugh once in a while instead of worrying about stereotypes.
So please, personal issues of hate crimes and such and such should be left out of reviews. People need to stop putting such movies under microscopes and ripping them apart. They are for fun and to make you laugh. So stop making politics out of it. I'm proud of who I am and what i stand for so who cares what others think. Take a minute to laugh once in a while instead of worrying about stereotypes.
Loved it!!!
stefiharr5 September 2003
This was a GREAT movie. The actors were great, and the writers were very clever throughout the whole film. The best part - it featured the great city of Houston, Texas! This is the fourth Indian movie I've seen in 1 year (and I'm not even Indian), and this was by far the most entertaining. I applaud the writer(s), director and actors on a job very well done!
The party is right here!
dullatron14 February 2003
Saw this at the press screenings for the SF International Asian American Film Festival, and I can't say enough good things about it. Everything about this movie rocks:
-- Anyone who's been an immigrant or can identify in any way with that "stranger in a strange land" feeling can appreciate the simple stories going on here (Foretold he'll find love in America, Hari arrives here to study engineering, lives with his uncle and aunt and their kids, and creates tension when the college age son is ordered to assimilate the "fresh off the boat" newcomer into his hip social circle).
-- It captures the tensions between the assimilated and the newly arrived very well (as well as between the hip and the uncool, young and old, and men and women).
-- The acting is perfect for a comedy; the main roles are not stereotypes but real characters beset by doubt, limitations and desire.
-- It has great homages to the incredible palette of colors used in Indian films, as well as little Bollywood numbers that are perfectly timed in regard to the plot. They're pulled off very well.
-- And I swear, they must have put out a casting call for every hot Indian woman in the greater Houston area, where this was filmed. What beautiful women, and they act very well.
By all means, see this movie if it's playing near you. With the indie success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," it's possible this could get an extended release; it deserves it. This is an outstanding comedy.
-- Anyone who's been an immigrant or can identify in any way with that "stranger in a strange land" feeling can appreciate the simple stories going on here (Foretold he'll find love in America, Hari arrives here to study engineering, lives with his uncle and aunt and their kids, and creates tension when the college age son is ordered to assimilate the "fresh off the boat" newcomer into his hip social circle).
-- It captures the tensions between the assimilated and the newly arrived very well (as well as between the hip and the uncool, young and old, and men and women).
-- The acting is perfect for a comedy; the main roles are not stereotypes but real characters beset by doubt, limitations and desire.
-- It has great homages to the incredible palette of colors used in Indian films, as well as little Bollywood numbers that are perfectly timed in regard to the plot. They're pulled off very well.
-- And I swear, they must have put out a casting call for every hot Indian woman in the greater Houston area, where this was filmed. What beautiful women, and they act very well.
By all means, see this movie if it's playing near you. With the indie success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," it's possible this could get an extended release; it deserves it. This is an outstanding comedy.
Middle Of The Road, Sometimes Funny Movie.
BigHardcoreRed3 August 2005
This is a movie about an Asian Indian family living in the United States. Mo Bakshi (Kal Penn) was raised in the U.S., is familiar with the way of life and is considered one of the cool kids. Harishkumar Patel (Sunil Malhotra), or Hari for short, is what the americanized Indians referred to as "FOBs" or Fresh Off the Boat.
Hari comes to the U.S. in order to go to college. Before he goes, he is foretold by his family in India that his true love will fall on him like lightning from the sky, that her name began with the letter "P" and would fall in love with him on the night of a full moon. On his first day in class he meets Priya (Tina Cherian). Actually, she trips onto him and he interprets this as falling from the sky and chases her for the remainder of the movie.
Throughout the movie, the FOBs are trying to get into the cool parties while guys like Mo and his buddies do their best to keep them out. I suppose this movie is trying to point out the differences between them and even goes as far as to say they are racist against their own heritage. It is a little hard to explain but I understood the movie completely.
This was titled "Dude, Where's The Party?" at the video store and billed as a comedy. After just coming off of watching Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, I figured this was a "can't miss" movie. While it was not too terrible, it was nowhere near as funny as Harold & Kumar (with the exception of maybe one scene). I kind of got the picture they were trying to capitalize on Kal's Harold & Kumar fame by releasing this movie afterward, even though it was made before and the box cover could be misconstrued as well.
Also, some of the actors are in need of acting classes or something. Most of the smaller parts I guess. I did not think the women were all that beautiful either, with the exception of Mousami Dave, who plays Poonam Mehta. Mousami was by far the hottest girl in the movie. With all things considered, I rate this in the middle and would honestly recommend to pass on this film. 5/10
Hari comes to the U.S. in order to go to college. Before he goes, he is foretold by his family in India that his true love will fall on him like lightning from the sky, that her name began with the letter "P" and would fall in love with him on the night of a full moon. On his first day in class he meets Priya (Tina Cherian). Actually, she trips onto him and he interprets this as falling from the sky and chases her for the remainder of the movie.
Throughout the movie, the FOBs are trying to get into the cool parties while guys like Mo and his buddies do their best to keep them out. I suppose this movie is trying to point out the differences between them and even goes as far as to say they are racist against their own heritage. It is a little hard to explain but I understood the movie completely.
This was titled "Dude, Where's The Party?" at the video store and billed as a comedy. After just coming off of watching Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, I figured this was a "can't miss" movie. While it was not too terrible, it was nowhere near as funny as Harold & Kumar (with the exception of maybe one scene). I kind of got the picture they were trying to capitalize on Kal's Harold & Kumar fame by releasing this movie afterward, even though it was made before and the box cover could be misconstrued as well.
Also, some of the actors are in need of acting classes or something. Most of the smaller parts I guess. I did not think the women were all that beautiful either, with the exception of Mousami Dave, who plays Poonam Mehta. Mousami was by far the hottest girl in the movie. With all things considered, I rate this in the middle and would honestly recommend to pass on this film. 5/10
Hilarious
mucus14 March 2003
Also caught this at the Asian American Independent Film Festival in SF this year. Out of all the films I viewed, I deem this one to be the standout hit alongside Bend It Like Beckham. Tonight, I had the opportunity to meet Sunil Malhotra who plays Hari. His energy and enthusiasm is as infectious and endearing in person as it is onscreen.
During the first 10 minutes of the film, I was skeptical about the use of obvious gags and racial jokes to force a laugh from the viewer, but the film pulled me in and Malhotra was able to pull off several scenes that could have had the potential to be in bad taste, but instead were funny and just made you wanna root for Hari.
(And, I have to say. Sunil Malhotra is quite charming in person. I think I might have a little crush.)
During the first 10 minutes of the film, I was skeptical about the use of obvious gags and racial jokes to force a laugh from the viewer, but the film pulled me in and Malhotra was able to pull off several scenes that could have had the potential to be in bad taste, but instead were funny and just made you wanna root for Hari.
(And, I have to say. Sunil Malhotra is quite charming in person. I think I might have a little crush.)
Gotta See this movie, Yaar!!
sumiq366 September 2003
This movie is hilarious. In the top shelf of the growing genre of indo-american movies. In the Indie tradition of disregarding political correctness, this movie doesn't take itself too seriously. The plot is age-old but the context brings the freshness to the story. It is well scripted and not afraid to make the "bad joke" a joke. The stereotypes are all present but unlike the generic, lame "one-label-fits-all" Indian stereotype found in the main stream, this movie takes the time to go beyond that and get reqional. These are characters we can relate to or know of. Hari (Sunil Malhotra) as the FOB (Fresh-off-the-Boat) Indian in Houston and Mohan (Kal Penn) as the ABCD (American Born Confused Desi) play out the conflicts of these two groups. But its also the characters we meet on the way that colors this film riveting. Sunil Malhotra and Kal Penn are great but I think Sunil Thakkar steals the show as the "King of the FOBs" - Shyam Sunder Balabhadrapatramukhi.
Where's the party yaar is a modern day love story about two indians living in Houston, and one indian's discovery of self as he moves to the USA.
rumblefish52230 November 2003
Where's the party yaar is probably the most accurate portrayal of the desi(indian) lifestyle in the United States of America. You have the FOBS (fresh of boats) and the ABCDs (american born confused desis) and all though these two groups don't always seem to get along, they definitely need each other.
The movie begins in India, with an aspiring indian student who dreams of making it big in America. But when he finally enters the USA he begins to realize his cousin is ashamed to have a cousin whose from India. To make things more complicated he must find a way to meet the girl of his dreams. Meanwhile his cousin played by Kal Penn (American Desi) has his own love problems.
Where's the party yaar is one of the best indian movies i've seen in a long long time. I definitely recommend watching it to anybody who wants to laugh.
The movie begins in India, with an aspiring indian student who dreams of making it big in America. But when he finally enters the USA he begins to realize his cousin is ashamed to have a cousin whose from India. To make things more complicated he must find a way to meet the girl of his dreams. Meanwhile his cousin played by Kal Penn (American Desi) has his own love problems.
Where's the party yaar is one of the best indian movies i've seen in a long long time. I definitely recommend watching it to anybody who wants to laugh.
Best Indian-American movie ever
SuccessfulSeductress14 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This is a great movie about an Indian boy coming to America to find his dream girl. This movie is good with the perfect balance between a good story and funny moments. I can also relate to some of the people in this films who say things like "I'm not Indian, I'm Sri-Lankan", I have to say that all the time when people assume I'm Indian. I have heard many complaints about the racist aspects of this movie. I am a Sri-Lankan and I have to say that the racist comments don't bother me one bit, they just make the movie funnier. I personally thought this movie was a blend between some of the bollywood Indian movies and the Hollywood American movies as it presented contrasting styles between both.
If you are looking for a simple, entertaining movie, then this is the one for you.
If you are looking for a simple, entertaining movie, then this is the one for you.
Excellent movie!
Fadhel24 March 2005
This movie is by far one of the best comedy I have seen in years!
Very close and similar to Blake Edwards' 1968 The Party, but in a more modern sense. In addition, similar comedy can be found only in Indian movies, and producers of this movie have done a good job to bring it to the US.
It might contain some rather racist actions and comments towards Indians, but its more like racism you can laugh about rather than getting angry at. I wouldn't call this an all racist movie because characters in this movie all had different personalities ranging from smart to stupid, ugly to nice, and rich to poor, which is basically found in every type of society.
In addition, Sunil Thakkar was a classic in this movie and really made the movie worthwhile! I couldn't find a single scene by him that I didn't laugh at!
Well done job for a well done movie!
Very close and similar to Blake Edwards' 1968 The Party, but in a more modern sense. In addition, similar comedy can be found only in Indian movies, and producers of this movie have done a good job to bring it to the US.
It might contain some rather racist actions and comments towards Indians, but its more like racism you can laugh about rather than getting angry at. I wouldn't call this an all racist movie because characters in this movie all had different personalities ranging from smart to stupid, ugly to nice, and rich to poor, which is basically found in every type of society.
In addition, Sunil Thakkar was a classic in this movie and really made the movie worthwhile! I couldn't find a single scene by him that I didn't laugh at!
Well done job for a well done movie!
Party's here
raop747 September 2003
This is an excellent film (or "fil-im," as Hari might say) that everyone can relate to in some aspect. If you've ever been felt like you don't fit in, as many of the fresh-off-the-boat (FOB) characters in this movie do, or grew up with the influence of two or more cultures (as I did), or generally feel different, this is a movie for you to see. This movie is sort of "Revenge of the Nerds" style mixed with an "Office Space" sense of humor.
I found many of the circumstances of this movie to be hilarious, and dead-on when it comes to Indian customs and behaviors (such as the preference for "baldis" (buckets) in the shower by FOBs).
One of the main characters, Hari, is a sweet, somewhat naive FOB who's wide-eyed enthusiasm at living in America is very refreshing and instantly appealing. His cousin, Mohan is a cynical, spoiled guy who disdains responsibility but eventually shows that he has a good heart deep down. The two learn from each other during the course of the film. Sunil Thakkar, a co-writer and co-producer of the movie, steals the movie frequently with his blatantly clueless and incredibly tacky character, Shyam Sunder Balabhadrapatramukhi (his long-winded name still makes me giggle). The female characters in the movie, including Janvi Valia and Priya Varghese, are charming and women can identify with them for their creative talents, especially when it comes to skillfully fending off desperate guys.
I highly recommend this film - it was brilliantly done, I still have tummy ache from laughing so much.
I found many of the circumstances of this movie to be hilarious, and dead-on when it comes to Indian customs and behaviors (such as the preference for "baldis" (buckets) in the shower by FOBs).
One of the main characters, Hari, is a sweet, somewhat naive FOB who's wide-eyed enthusiasm at living in America is very refreshing and instantly appealing. His cousin, Mohan is a cynical, spoiled guy who disdains responsibility but eventually shows that he has a good heart deep down. The two learn from each other during the course of the film. Sunil Thakkar, a co-writer and co-producer of the movie, steals the movie frequently with his blatantly clueless and incredibly tacky character, Shyam Sunder Balabhadrapatramukhi (his long-winded name still makes me giggle). The female characters in the movie, including Janvi Valia and Priya Varghese, are charming and women can identify with them for their creative talents, especially when it comes to skillfully fending off desperate guys.
I highly recommend this film - it was brilliantly done, I still have tummy ache from laughing so much.
what a great movie aha
sportfriends1317 December 2006
OK, i don't understand why people are so offended by this movie. Maybe i can't talk being a white Canadian with German and Italian background..However i have a really good Indian friend, i work with lots of indians and i'm nearly in contact with them everyday. do any of you realize that most of the actors were Indian??? why would they want to be in a movie so offensive to their own people. I love movies like this, with culture...But it's also hilarious because they're not making fun of Indians, Paks, Sri Lankans, etc...They're just laughing at the stereotypes put upon them...It's like me with a mediteranian background watching "my big fat Greek wedding" i can relate and laugh much more with that movie...Because it's not making fun of greeks it's laughing at how crazy they are...You get what i'm saying?? My Indian friend is a proud, punjabi speaking Sikh and he really loves these kind of movies...If he isn't offended i don't see how anyone else is.
- kyle
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