Take away the cultural aspect of this story (i.e. an Indian-American coming from a closely-knit society that has strict expectations on how and to whom one will marry) and this is just a typical story of a guy looking for a girl. Yet in the process, we get to learn (or rather get confirmation...for some of us) just how shallow, racist and petty Indian culture can be. Maybe the most telling scene was when the son whines over the phone "But MOMMY....I told you: no fatties!" Yes, we get some banter from the parents whom I'm sure were told "aren't you adorable...you should be in a movie!" by their relatives, but the reality is Indian culture just is not very exotic anymore. Being racist and shallow is not "cute" nor is it acceptable just because it's part of one's culture. And the whiny son trying to get a girl who will make him happy and fit in with his family really is not at all original, regardless of the setting. Had we gained any NEW insight or information (maybe such as why dumpy, odd-looking Indian guys with acne and no career to speak of feel they somehow deserve to marry a super-model) there may have been value or entertainment here.
Review of Meet the Patels
