Americanizzando Shalini

This film has offended me on so many levels, it is amazing! The only thing mildly good about the film is that Gujral looks beautiful on screen, but that is hardly any saving grace when I found out that she was also the writer!

To start of, the filmmakers conveniently assume that the audience has no clue what so ever about India and her culture, ancient or contemporary. The filmmakers are able to trivialize every aspect of Indian culture they reference. In this global world with so much interaction between countries and cultures it is appalling to see such trivialization of Indian culture. It is hard to believe that Indians were associated with this film, this film is able to show Indians in a worser light than what Peter Sellers was able to do with his fake Indian accent.

The story, direction and acting in this film is awful. Its amazing that the film was even released. i hope Gujral does not ever write a script, at least nothing that even remotely deals with India. Just an awful film.

I created an account just to add a good review for this video which I'm sure I picked up from a discount bin a few years ago. It has been watched countless times in my home and that is RARE. Seems like low ratings from users are based on people being offended about depictions of culture. But fun is poked at ALL groups and cultures in this film. It's a lighthearted comedy with a timeless message of being true to yourself. It's entertaining and I could watch it with the kids. (2018)

When we rented this film, we had no clue or expectation from this movie as I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. But being a fan of Bollywood Lite, I thought I'd give it a shot, as I enjoyed The Guru and Bride and Prejudice. But the next couple of hours turned out to be such a fun experience. I'd say its a chick flick but my husband loved it too. The lead actress is not only a great looker but also a true performer. The African-American actor had us laughing so hard with his little quips. The lead guy's acting seemed a little staged but not enough to detract from the film. The supporting cast were all pretty good in their roles and we'd recommend this film to all fans of the romantic comedy or foreign-indie genre. All in all a very fun time.

We really enjoyed this film. In a world of so much seriousness and all the tragedy, this film comes across and lifts your spirits. We found it very innovative and imaginative. True it is comical but it is just a movie and no need to get all upset that someone's culture was stepped on. When an American is portrayed on the screen do we automatically assume this is all Americans? Of Course Not. We hope the author writes more movies so we can see each and everyone. We highly recommend this movie. This is coming from a mixed couple he being European and she being Indian.

Our 2 Cents

Americanizing Shelly is one of the "Beast Makeover Movies" of our times. BTW, I am a huge fan of makeover films. I love watching "before and after" type stuff in movies, TV shows...just about anything. In fact, I am kinda addicted to that stuff and seek it out. I even love shows like The Swan and Dr. 90210. My friends and I love Kim Kardashian (and NEVER miss KUWTK) because of how beautiful she is (even if she has never really actually done anything in movies). But she looks like what most of us aspire to, but don't...which BTW, DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE UNHAPPY AT ALL. We just appreciate beautiful looking people like some others appreciate beautiful art or beautiful scenery.

With that in mind, my friends and I have compiled a list of "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" of recent times (after 1995).

And here they are: (in random order) 1) CLUELESS 2) PRETTY WOMAN 3) THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 4) JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE 5) MAID IN MANHATTAN 6) MY BIG FAT Greek WEDDING 7) SHE'S ALL THAT 8) MISS CONGENIALITY 9) MEAN GIRLS 10) AMERICANIZING SHELLEY.

Although, personally...CLUELESS is #1 and all the others are #2.

I am also putting together a different list of "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" of all times (prior to 1995). Please do post me a message voting for your "10 BEST MAKEOVER MOVIES" prior to 1995. And yes, I SO TOTALLY recommend this film (if you haven't already watched it)...whether you like "makeover movies" or not.