The Tiger Hunter

This lighthearted dramedy treads the stalest, most worn-out story grooves imaginable, but thanks to its cultural sensitivity and sweetly lovable characters, it's very difficult not to like. Although it gives nods to Bollywood productions, The Tiger Hunter was mostly made by American-based Indian artists; if you look hard enough, you might spy some kind of subversive commentary about the American Dream. But it's much easier to just float along with the familiar old twists and turns, as well as the goofy supporting characters.

Happily, the movie doesn't end with Sami landing his dream job and becoming a millionaire. Better still, he learns how to enjoy life's small moments. And though he races to get the girl in the final act, it's not a race against time that ends with a tear-stained speech. Rather, it becomes a casual, sightseeing road trip with friends; the ending is left ambiguous. The charming Pudi (of Community) is a big reason all of this works, but credit must also go to co-writer Sameer Asad Gardezi and writer/director Lena Khan for holding it all together (and not exploding like a microwave). Not to mention that the 1970s-era fashions, cars, and props are fabulous.