Just Like Us (2011)

63% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
100% of users liked it
(269 ratings)

Modern technology and globalization have made the world a much smaller place and caused us to be more interconnected as people, yet cultural misconceptions persist. Through a celebration of culture and comedy, this film uproots the widely held misconception that Arabs have no sense of humor - when… More Modern technology and globalization have made the world a much smaller place and caused us to be more interconnected as people, yet cultural misconceptions persist. Through a celebration of culture and comedy, this film uproots the widely held misconception that Arabs have no sense of humor - when in fact they laugh, and are, just like us. This documentary features Egyptian-American comedian Ahmed Ahmed, in his directorial debut, along with a host of critically acclaimed international stand-up comedians. Presented by Cross Cultural Entertainment and Cross Cultural Productions, Just Like Us exemplifies their goal of reintroducing socially relevant issues to the world in an effort to build cultural bridges in this age of greater tolerance, understanding and acceptance. The film documents four countries in the Middle East, showcasing the cultures of Dubai, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt with sold out crowds totaling over 20,000 people. Contemporary stand-up comedy has the powerful ability to provide relief, encourage a younger generation, break down barriers and serves as a platform for cross cultural dialogue. This art form is very new to the Middle East and older generations did not have the opportunity to appreciate this creative platform. --(c) Official Site

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Ahmed Ahmed
Genres: Documentary, Comedy, Special Interest

In Theaters: Jun 10, 2011 Limited
Studio: Cross Culture Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Tom Long, Detroit News
Throughout it all Ahmed is relentlessly upbeat, and he seems to have good reason to be. Yes, he's trying to sell an idea, but it's probably an idea well worth selling.
Michael Granberry, Dallas Morning News
[A] funny, deeply affecting documentary.
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
Though it's only 72 minutes, by the time it's over, you'll be ready for it to end.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Even at 72 minutes, the film runs long, thanks to run-of-the-mill jokes and a shortage of truly revealing moments. Hack routines that wouldn't be amusing in person are even worse up on the big screen.
John Anderson, Variety
An ambitious revue film with a two-pronged mission: making Western audiences laugh and exploring why Mideast audiences might not.
Stephanie Merry, Washington Post
It's an interesting travelogue, even if it doesn't quite warrant the documentary's feel-good title.
Brett Michel, Boston Phoenix
Of course Arabs aren't a bunch of terrorists - but this movie bombs more often than not.
Matt Pais, RedEye
Good intentions don't equal useful information. Perhaps Ahmed would learn more if he talked to more people who weren't his friends or family.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
It's a fresh look at the Middle East.
Scott Tobias, AV Club
Just Like Us has fine intentions, but in the interest of touting the unifying power of laughter, it papers over the discord that fuels its most compelling on- and off-stage moments.
David Noh, Film Journal International
Important, heartwarming and highly informative documentary about bringing humor to the Arab/Muslim world, which-surprise!-is not at all humorless.
Matthew Love, Time Out New York
Not so much a doc as an engaging, if didactic, travelogue with embedded yuks.
Marshall Fine, Hollywood & Fine
While the point - that humans of all ethnicities and beliefs share the ability to laugh - may seem obvious, this seems like a moment when that's not a bad thing to remember.
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine
Most depressing is the overriding desire to confront the complexity of Arab-Western relations through feel-good platitudes.