ABCD

ABCD stands for "American-Born Confused Desi." "Desi" is an East-Indian word for Indian, and this surprisingly downbeat family drama--from director Krutin Patel (who co-wrote the screenplay with James McManus)--follows the travails of Nina (Sheetal Sheth) and Raj (Faran Tahir), who emigrated to the U.S. as children and now, as adults, face identity crises spurred by the conflict between the hopes of their thoroughly Indian mother and their own Americanized ideas about what constitutes the good life. ABCD's drama stems from the grief incurred both by defying and giving in to parental expectations, while its humor emerges from the instantly recognizable universality of a mother's push-and-pull relationship with her children ("I just want you to be happy!"). Ultimately, this is a story to appreciate, laugh at, and cry with, no matter where you or your parents came from. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Krutin Patel and costars Faran Tahir and Aasif Mandvi, a 17-minute “making-of” featurette, cast and crew bios, trailers and TV spots, a weblink, and DVD-ROM features (including authentic Indian cuisine recipes). Bottom line: a solid extras package for a solid indie film.] (M. Johanson)