Kebab Connection

German cinema isn't exactly celebrated for its comedies, and Anno Saul's cross-cultural farce proves to be no exception. Set in Hamburg, the film's hero is Ibo (Denis Moschitto), the German-born son of Turkish immigrants who run a diner. When Ibo films a hit commercial for his parent's business (closer in content and spirit to a kung fu flick—complete with kebab stick-wielding warriors), everyone is happy, except for the owners of a Greek tavern across from Ibo's family diner, which starts to lose business. Interwoven throughout is the story of Ibo's relationship with his German girlfriend Titzi (Nora Tschimer), who becomes pregnant but then dumps him, forcing Ibo toward a newfound sense of maturity. While the film's broad ethnic humor may have been funny in Germany, none of this is even vaguely amusing from an American perspective. The acting is broad without being comic, the stereotypes make My Big Fat Greek Wedding seem subtle in comparison, and the central character is obnoxious. As for the wacky martial arts commercial at the center of the story, there is nary a chuckle to be had from its Bruce Lee-inspired excesses. Not recommended. (P. Hall)