The Other End of the Line (2008)

Crappy film

Captivating movie !

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

To our reviewers who give this film a "10", come on...you've got to be kidding.To our reviewers who give this film a "0", come on...you've got to be kidding.This is a run-of-the-mill love story. Nothing special and it has its flaws, but it has its moments, too.The story idea is cute enough -- an ad agency man falls in "like" with a credit card call desk operator who sounds like an American woman, but is actually halfway around the world in India. The Indian call desk operator falls in love with the ad agency man. All this happens over the phone. So the Indian woman flies to San Francisco to meet Mr. Sexy Voice. Then there are the typical miscommunications and misunderstandings until...you guessed it...they live happily ever after.So what are the problems? The main problem is the woman's father (Anupam Kher, a popular Indian actor). I don't like this portrayal at all. It really detracts from the film. It's not that the overall idea is bad; but it's not handled well at all...at least for American audiences. The other problem is that the young man's profession...well, why not take it a little seriously to lend some credence to the plot; instead it's handled at an almost juvenile level. And then there's the casting of Larry Miller as the hotel executive; Larry Miller has his place...this was not it.On the other hand, it's nice that there was on-location shooting; it lent credence to the story line. Personally, I liked the chemistry between Jesse Metcalfe and Indian actress Shriya Saran. I think Metcalfe is significantly underrated. Let's face it, you don't get much more handsome than that, but in a number of films and television shows, I think he's at least a reasonably good actor (admittedly not one of the great actors...but few are), and this type of role is perfect for him. I was not familiar with Saran, but she is very pleasing in her role here.Bottom line: this was a decent little love story. Perhaps with a better director it would have been a better film. I still give it a "7".

I am not normally a fan of romantic comedy, but it was St Valentine's Day! So I thought it might be a movie to watch with my husband. We thoroughly enjoyed it and I am surprised that there were not higher ratings. Sit back and enjoy this movie for what it is, a fun romantic comedy, where love conquers all over obstacles across cultural lines.You will find yourself laughing along when recognizing familiar traits and the human condition as portrayed in another culture. Yes, it is farcical in places, and unrealistic in others, but if you have had any connection to any parts of these worlds, (advertising, call centers, clients) then there is more than a grain of truth to the story line.

The acting was wooden and cringe-worthy and the script was so horrible, I started skimming to the end of the movie just to see how it would all play out. Overall, it was a B (or C?) movie and Jesse Metcalfe was just in it because he's eye-candy, not because he can act. The comic relief with the Indian families was the only thing that made it bearable.It could've been a great romantic comedy if: (1) they used actors who immersed themselves in their roles, not pretended they were putting on a play, (2) took the cheesy-ness out of the script, (3) had a bit more of a work up into the romance. It was in no way genuine.Too bad - it had the potential of being better.

This movie should have been marketed as an inter-continental "Pillow Talk." Jesse Metcalf has a Rock Hudson, William Holden quality that you did not see on "Desperate Housewives." Shriya is a cute actress with a very expressive face and good comedian.Her parents were funny. This movie also "samples" others like the "Risky Business" homage.A pleasant and delightful movie for those who like their movies to begin " Once upon a time . . ." and end with " . . . happily ever after." The scenes in Mumbai were interesting and I wish there had been more. Seeing the call center personnel training to be more American was a hoot.The ending was ala "An officer and A Gentleman." Not only would I recommend, but I will watch again.This movie deserves better. And so do the actors. Watch out for Jesse Metcalf. He could be the George Clooney of his generation. I'd like to see him do a wide range of movie types.