Home > Denver Movies & TV > Movie Review > David & Layla

David (David Moscow) is the Jewish American host of a public access sex show. Layla (Shiva Rose) is a Muslim Kurdish immigrant facing possible deportation. When the two meet, sparks fly. Their star-crossed romance leads to culture clashes, routine sex jokes, discussions of ethnic food and lots of dancing.

Big question: Is there room in a light romantic comedy to consider how Middle East politics reverberate in American lives?

Skip it: “David & Layla” explores cultures not often seen on film, but that's not enough to make it enjoyable to watch. The movie sells itself, and the audience, short by aiming for broadly accessible comedy on a shoe-string budget. That results in a movie that plays like a public access sit-com. Typical joke: David splits his pants while kneeling to pray after "converting" to Islam. Oh the hilarity!

Catch it: The film's one noble trait is its determination to acknowledge serious cultural and political issues that impact both Muslims and Jews, in the U.S. and abroad. Unfortunately, anytime the movie threatens to get interesting more lackluster jokes are always quick to follow.

Bottom line: Inspired by a true story, “David & Layla” is so well-intentioned that it’s a shame it isn’t a better film.

Bonus: A word of warning. You might want to stop watching about 90 minutes in to spare yourself the most disturbing demonstration of the film's lowbrow humor: an oral sex gag involving David's parents. It's not graphic, but it's still gross.