Watch Rock the Kasbah

Rock the Kasbah is a 2015 comedy-drama film directed by Barry Levinson, written by Mitch Glazer, and stars Bill Murray, Leem Lubany, and Zooey Deschanel. The movie features an impressive cast, which includes actors such as Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, and Scott Caan. The film follows the story of Richie Lanz (Bill Murray), a down on his luck talent manager who is struggling to find talent for his next gig. One day, he receives an offer to take his client Ronnie (Zooey Deschanel) to Afghanistan to perform for the troops. Despite his reservations, he agrees to the offer.

Once in Afghanistan, things quickly go wrong when Ronnie runs away with all of Lanz's money, passport, and other valuable possessions, leaving him stranded in a war-torn country. With no way to get back home, Lanz is forced to rely on the help of an Afghan teenager named Salima (Leem Lubany) and a local driver named Riza (Arian Moayed) to navigate his way around the country.

One night, while staying in a village, Lanz hears Salima singing in a cave nearby. Amazed by her talent, he convinces her to compete in the Afghan version of American Idol called "Afghan Star." However, Salima is from a conservative family, and women are not allowed to sing in public in Afghanistan. Therefore, Lanz faces several challenges from the authorities and Salima's family before she can perform on the show.

The movie's title, Rock the Kasbah, refers to the Bob Dylan song that Lanz often sings throughout the film. The song becomes a symbol of hope and freedom for the Afghan people, who are living in a country filled with violence, corruption, and oppression. The film touches on several themes, including the power of music, the importance of equality, and the struggle for freedom in oppressive societies.

One of the standout performances in the movie is by Bill Murray. His portrayal of Richie Lanz is both hilarious and moving, as viewers watch him transform from a greedy, selfish character to one who genuinely cares about his client and the people he meets in Afghanistan. Leem Lubany also delivers a remarkable performance as Salima. Her character is inspiring, and her singing talent is undoubtedly impressive.

The movie's director, Barry Levinson, does an excellent job of blending elements of comedy and drama seamlessly. The film is not only funny but also poignant and thought-provoking. Levinson also does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of Afghanistan's landscapes, despite its war-torn environment.

In conclusion, Rock the Kasbah is a unique movie that stands out for its excellent acting, script, and overall message. The film provides viewers with an entertaining and heartwarming story that highlights the power of music and the human spirit's resilience. Whether you are a fan of Bill Murray's comedic antics or Leem Lubany's soulful singing, there is something in this movie for everyone. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a heartwarming and inspiring story.

Rock the Kasbah is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 29.