Shades of Ray

First and foremost, I was fortunate enough to view this film at the South Asian Film Festival in NYC. I came into this movie with the assumption that the story and plot would revolve around a half-Pakistani and half-Caucasian character who had troubles getting by in everyday American life. To my pleasant surprise, Jaffar's movie proved to put that assumption to shame, as he successfully dove deep into the inner workings of American society, family life, and love, for everyone who has ever struggled, and not just South Asians. From the very beginning of the movie, with an opening sequence that had the entire audience practically in hysterics, to a heart piercing and emotionally empathetic scene further into the film, Jaffar takes the term "Romantic Comedy" to an entirely new echelon. The character developments starting at the beginning of the movie and continually throughout, present such a connection between them and the audience. Zachary Levi couldn't have done a more stellar job at being absolutely hilarious and then sensitively heartfelt when need be. Brian George delivered every single line with a touch of laughter and love, and Sarah Shahi was not only beautiful, but made it impossible for the audience not to feel attached. Jaffar hand-picked this wonderful cast of actors to exemplify the amazing characters that he created. Overall, with the terms "independent" and "major" aside, this film was nothing short of genius. Jaffar has truly created a masterpiece, and I feel fortunate to have viewed it. I truly hope that he lands a distribution deals with the majors, so that the entire world can get a chance to experience Shades of Ray.

Of all the films I saw at the Austin Film Festival, Shades of Ray impressed me the most. The film is a superb blend of comedy and drama that is both endearing and hilarious. Zachary Levi, known largely for playing the lead in the recent T.V. hit Chuck, stars as Ray Rehman, an aspiring actor who works as a bartender in the evenings to support himself. After Ray's girlfriend remains indecisive towards a recent proposal, Ray's dad shows up at his front door and suddenly Ray has to deal with a rift between his mother and father. To further complicate things, a new girl appears in Ray's life who he feels a deep connection to. The girl shares his ethnicity (1/2 Caucasian, 1/2 Pakistani) and causes him to question his relationship with his current girlfriend. Ultimately, the movie is a great exploration into love and identity. Levi does an excellent job with the character. He is both moving and convincing (interesting since Levi is not of any Pakastani or South Asian decent). Fran Kranz also plays a memorable role as Ray's spastic roommate Sal. It seemed like every time he appeared on screen the audience was laughing. But perhaps most impressive is that Shades of Ray is writer/director Jaffar Mahmood's first full length film to direct. With the incredible pacing and overall flow of the movie it seemed like it had been done by a long-time veteran director. I really look forward to what Mahmood puts out next. I would highly recommend Shades of Ray to anybody.

I saw the world premiere of this movie at the Austin Film Festival. It was a great movie. The balance of comedy and drama was perfect. It was also cool that the cast and director were at the screening, they were a lot of fun. The star, Zach Levi, did a great job and had a flawless performance. The fact that he's "Chuck" and that he knew that my wolverines shirt was from Red Dawn didn't hurt either. The whole cast had great chemistry and seemed to have a great time making it. Ray's dad, played by Brian George, was one of my favorites. Jaffar, the director, made sure to let us know that this character was pretty much a carbon copy of his father, which made me a little jealous. Fran Kranz was the constant source of comedy, and never disappointed. He told me how surprised he was by how he seemed to lose and gain weight every other scene, which was funny and amazing since it only took 19 days to film. Sarah Shahi was the perfect choice for Ray's surprise love interest. Not sure how anyone couldn't fall in love with her. The movie needs to get picked up and out in theaters soon. Go see it if you get the chance.

Jaffar has succeeded in producing a movie,that touches the hearts of almost every immigrant in this great nation's melting pot.I brought my wife(who is American)and my son and daughter.Both told me after,they couldn't believe how they could relate so closely to the characters.Very funny,and sweet.I am so excited for Jaffar,and Zach,who I think is just sprouting.He has great talent.And Brian George,my goodness!What immigrant father cannot relate to THAT character!! Loved it,Loved it. Ray's roommate did seem to have a lovable character.The interesting thing is that people were actually clapping at many parts.It seemed that we were being led into our own experiences.And it could have been a story about any ethnicity. I saw the movie at it's premiere in NYC to a sold out audience,and again,I can't remember laughing so hard in a long time.

It's truly a shame that a charming little romantic-comedy such as "Shades of Ray" does not get a distribution deal, but rubbish rom-coms - "Made of Honor" (2008), "What Happens in Vegas" (2008), "My Best Friend's Girl" (2008) and "My Life In Ruins" (2009) - do.

Writer-director Jaffar Mahmood is playing well within the conventions of the genre. But what makes his film work is that he doesn't rely on stock characters. Even when he has a stock character or two - such as the protagonist's controlling father, Javaid Rehman (Brian George), or the wacky roommate, Sal Garfinkle (Fran Kranz) - Mahmood tweaks their personalities just enough that they seem fresher than they otherwise might be.

I realize there are no Renée Zellwegers, Ashton Kutchers or Cameron Diazes in this film to make it sell to a wider audience. But the lack of such actors is what makes this film all the more appealing.

Films about southeast Asian families and the vagaries of growing up in one are terribly rare and Mahmood should be commended for taking a whack at the subject matter.

Despite tackling issues such as parental control, tradition, familial obligations and love, Mahmood makes his film work because his characters seem new and rather unconventional, even though many of them are just that.

The film is helped immensely by terrific performances all around. I have not seen the TV series, "Chuck," so I was unfamiliar with Zachary Levi as an actor. He makes Ray Rehman an entirely believable person, even managing to bring a sense pathos to a rather funny audition scene.

Kathy Baker and George are terrific as Ray's parents. Baker, especially, gives her role such substance that she takes a minor bit and makes it much more than that. And, finally, it's wonderful to see the lovely Sarah Shahi given a role with some meat and bones on it. I have seen two other films recently in which she was never used to her full potential - "AmericanEast" (2007), in which she has a superfluous role, and "Crossing Over" (2009), in which she was purely window-dressing. In "Shades of Ray," Shahi gets a juicy role that allows her to be alluring, lovable and provocative. She has a sensational scene in a bar where she turns into a playful vixen that is thoroughly enticing.

One character who feels short-changed is Noel Wilson (Bonnie Somerville). In fairness to Mahmood, he resists the temptation to turn her into a bad person, though, given the trappings of the genre, in one scene, he gives her dialogue that seems completely out of character.

"Shades of Ray" does not turn the romantic-comedy genre on its head or anything of that ilk. It's a pleasant diversion and explores a side of American society rarely seen in Hollywood movies. It's most definitely a far cry better and more enjoyable than the romantic comedies Hollywood studios chuck out by the dozen.