Since I see basically all Fox Searchlight releases for free, it’s not surprising I found a screening of The Namesake. I had high hopes for it because it was directed by Mira Nair, but it was visually disappointing after her previous work. (Randomly, did you know that she was approached to direct a Harry Potter movie? I still think that would have been pretty awesome.)
I’ve not read the book, so I don’t know how it compares, but I did think all the performances were strong, except for Gogol’s love interests. Were they weak? Or did I just find their characters irritating? Six of one…
Irfan Khan & Tabu were amazing, though, as Gogol’s parents, and I was pleasantly surprised by Kal Penn’s performance. Overall compelling, but not required in-theater viewing.
wicked jaws 