"Exporting Raymond"

Written, directed, and produced (with a few co-producers), by Philip Rosenthal, this is the true story of what it took for the creator of the TV sit-com, "Everybody Loves Raymond," to get it made into a Russian version. It was hilarious laugh out loud in many places, funny in others, and above all an amazing documentary of the cultural frustrations Rosenthal suffered. It may not be everybody's cup of Vodka, but I found it totally engaging, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was impressed with Phil's patience and good manners in the face of almost constant obstacles he had to overcome behind - and during -- the scenes. Mostly shot in Moscow, it certainly did not make Russia, nor the Russians, look very appealing. Definitely not something the Russian tourist bureau (do they have one?) would promote! There were clips from the original show that was so popular in the U.S.A., contrasted with the remake in Russia. Problems included: casting; translation; bureaucracy controlling Russian actors time and availability; rehearsal times, just to name a few. I'm going to give this Documentary THREE and a HALF STARS.