Hellmant 'MEET THE PATELS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)A comedic documentary flick; about an Indian-American actor, who's been single most of his life, that agrees to allow his traditional parents, to set him up with a potential bride (on a trip to India). The film was directed by Ravi Patel (who also stars in the movie), and his sister Geeta. Geeta also filmed most of the documentary, in really poor quality video, and her footage is mixed with comedic animated sequences too (explaining unfilmed plot points). The film is interesting, and funny; it also has a great leading man performance, in Ravi Patel. Ravi Patel is a 29-year-old actor; who's played a lot of clichéd Indian-American 'bit parts' (in many movies). He's been single most of his life, and just broke up with his first girlfriend (Audrey Wauchope); due to a fear his parents wouldn't accept her (Audrey is an American redhead). On a trip with his family to India, he decides to allow his parents (Vasant and Chapa), to set him up with an Indian girl; in the traditional Indian family way. The film examines the concept of arranged couples, while Ravi's sister (Geeta) films the whole thing (she's also been single most of her life). The movie is interesting, in a very comedic (but informative) way. It's also extremely personal at times; and Ravi Patel is very funny, and charming. I enjoyed the movie, quite a bit, but it's a little hard for me to believe it's all completely genuine. Like a lot of modern documentary films, the movie seems more like really creative performance art; than like watching real people (acting completely genuine), in completely real situations (it seems at least partially staged). But I love performance art, I practice it a lot myself; and I love entertaining documentary flicks, like this, too.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://youtu.be/CoUgbXLzKSQ

Cynnik I watched this documentary with no expectations, just an interest in learning about a cultural experience. The outcome of the documentary was apparent from the start. I expected the journey that lead us there, however, to be far more interesting. The documentary lacked basic fundamentals. The main intent of the film is obscure. As far as the character development goes- there is little. The parents are absolutely wonderful and the saving grace of this documentary. Mr.Patel is amazingly charming. I would love to have known more about Geeta. Her story is the one I found more compelling and it was only briefly touched. (Major spoiler coming) The relationship between Ravi and Audrey never seemed genuine. After being together two years he kept saying he didn't know if he loved her. At no point in the film was their affection for each other shown, but it was obvious through the script that they would end up together. The failed attempt at a "surprising twist" was awkward. I was left feeling sorry for Audrey.

MartinHafer In many ethnic groups in America, there is a strong expectation by families that their children will marry within their own ethnic group. However, in the case of "Meet the Patels", the push is MUCH more specific. According to this documentary, not only do these Indian and Indian- American families want their kids to marry an Indian...but they specifically want them to marry within their religion and caste! So, basically a Patel is expected to marry a Patel--and all have their original roots in the Gujarat region in India. So, with about a billion Indians, MOST of them are off limits because they aren't Patels. This necessitates either returning to India to look for a bride or finding another Patel living abroad.This story is specifically about one of these folks and his journey to find a wife now that he's nearing 30. The camera follows the guy to dating sites as well as dates across the United States. It all sounds really interesting, right? Well, unfortunately, it really isn't. While it's billed as documentary and a comedy, there isn't a lot in the way of laughs and, most importantly, I never really cared about any of the folks in the film. This isn't because I am not interested in Indians or Indian culture (I've watched several hundred Indian films---which is unusual for the average American). I just didn't find a compelling reason to care about this search. I did, however, like the little cartoon segments. There should have been more of them and they were cute.

deepikadavidar You don't have to be Indian to appreciate this extremely funny movie but you will laugh even more if you are! Geeta and Ravi have done a fantastic job of documenting the arranged marriage 'process' with much respect (their parents will be happy to hear that), insight, humor, and raw honesty. I'm amazed at how vulnerable they both let themselves be. Their parents come across as the kind of parents we all wish we had. And the parents' marriage? You'll wish you had that too. The movie captures the challenge of growing up in two cultures. You actually find yourself rooting for Ravi to make the right choice--while I thought he did, the friend with whom I watched the movie wasn't so sure! This movie can certainly kickstart some interesting discussions on marriage, love and shared values.