Americanizing Shelley

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.

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.

then this is the film for you. I saw this at Sn Diego film fest and i have to admit i didn't know much about the Indian culture but was educated, entertained and enchanted (esp by the lead girl) in every way possible. I just found out that this film is opening in a few weeks and I am psyched. Just a great fun movie and well worth watching, this one definitely did it for me. It was a hit at SDFF and going to the fest website and reading some of the reviews will give you some more audience reactions (lookout for mine too - it's in there buried with the others). I feel lucky to be one of the first ones to have watched it. congratulations to a fine movie and a fine team (please put the poster up that the Indian dancers were handing out at the festival), thank you, Bill Olsson

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)

After seeing "Tropic Thunder" (2008), it has become clear that Hollywood actors, directors, and writers need to do background research on the characters they are portraying.

Just the film's title alone makes the audience aware that we should 'Americanize' people, and make them 'generic Americans'. And, in doing so, we should bury or hide their culture. Right? Wrong. Americans need to become 'culture sensitive', so they convey a positive message that someone else's culture is on an equal level with Americans. I'm okay. You're okay.

A number of Indian people attended a film festival in Connecticut. Those that had become 'Americanized' were not offended by the film. But, some felt that their Indian culture was portrayed in a negative light, and should have been given the dignity and respect of being on an equal level with the American culture. A significant number of Americans act like other cultures are inferior. This is wrong, and not at all true. 'Shelley' is given an American name, and is taught how to act, feel, and think like Hollywood-stereotypical Americans.

The Indian culture needs to be researched, and the script needs to be further developed. But, even with all of its flaws, the film is worthy enough to be seen. Truly, there are some very enjoyable, very funny, and very poignant moments. For a fair attempt, I rate this film a 6 out of 10. With some polish, and more work, the film would rank at least an 8 or 9.