Just about 30 years ago, director Barry Levinson gave us Good Morning, Vietnam, the story of a fast-talking American operator who brings rock and roll to war-torn Vietnam. Now he's back with the story of a fast-talking American operator who brings rock and roll to war-torn Afghanistan. Plus ca change. Once again, there's a pretty local girl, only this time, she isn't a love interest with complicated family ties — she's the greatest talent that washed-up music manager Richie Lanz (an utterly game Bill Murray) has ever heard. But what do you know the complicated family ties remain: Lanz knows she's a lock to win the televised talent contest Afghan Star, but it's taboo for her to appear on the show. Plus, there's a plot against her dad, and Lanz is an unwitting pawn. The first half is pure pleasure as Murray gets thoroughly immersed and enmeshed in Kabul crazy. It's only when it comes time to pit the freewheeling West against the traditional East that things go pat — and also, weirdly, fantastical. (2015) — Matthew Lickona
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