David & Layla 2005

Tom Long, Detroit News: Yes, it's well-intentioned and at times funny. But it's also strained and clumsy and a bit too simple-minded to be effective. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: Anyone can grasp the issues explored in Jonroy's comedy, and occasional missteps are easily forgiven when something new (along with a feast of great-looking food) is being brought to the table. Read more

Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic: David and Layla is proof, if proof be needed, that good intentions just aren't enough. Read more

Michael Ordona, Los Angeles Times: Though it's no Romeo and Juliet, David & Layla is an offbeat cross-cultural romance with a positive message. Read more

Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press: There is nothing poetic about it. Read more

Ella Taylor, L.A. Weekly: This is more suffering than should be asked of anyone to endure, but with admirable perversity, Jonroy decided to make a romantic comedy based on the love between an American Jew and a Kurdish Muslim woman whom the writer-director met in Paris. Read more

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer: David and Layla isn't going to solve any problems -- it's got way too many of its own. Read more

Ruthe Stein, San Francisco Chronicle: Jay Jonroy, who wrote and directed David & Layla, has come up with some potentially funny material that doesn't quite work. Read more

Lisa Nesselson, Variety: An earnest, frequently funny comedy about stateless persons and the looming cliches that make Muslims and Jews so wary of each other. Completely accessible and non-threatening. Read more

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post: Inspired by a real-life couple now living in Paris, David & Layla is suffused with the warmth and passion of filmmaker Jay Jonroy, whose own family was victimized under Saddam Hussein. Read more