Movie:
Room to Rent was written and directed by Khalid Al-Haggar. The film has appeared at several film festivals since 2000, and has won the Best Film Award at the Foyle Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Turin Film Festival. The film stars Saïd Taghmaoui (Ali), Juliette Lewis (Linda), Rupert Graves (Mark), and Anna Massey (Sarah). The DVD is from TVA International, a Canadian studio, and Columbia Tristar.

Ali is a struggling screenwriter in London with little cash and no place to live. When his request for a visa extension is rejected, Ali is told he will have to return to Egypt in twelve weeks. His friend advises him to pursue a fake marriage so he can stay, though the least expensive woman is five thousand pounds. With only three months to come up with the cash, Ali takes on a variety of odd jobs, such as modeling, teaching belly dancing, cooking, and waiting tables. Along the way, Ali seeks true love and despite all trials and tribulations, he just might have a chance at real happiness.

Room to Rent is a quirky offbeat comedy that is, despite a few shortcomings, quite fun to watch. The characters are fleshed out, the dialogue is good, and the story, for the most part, avoids common clichés. However, the last part of the film is strangely different and the last twist is a bit hard to swallow, even if you do believe in reincarnation.

Picture:
Room to Rent is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. The transfer is fair, with some noticeable and distracting edge enhancement and shimmering. Specks, marks, and smaller scratches all make appearances. Grain is also evident occasionally. Colors and flesh tones throughout are slightly dull in several scenes.

Sound:
Room to Rent is presented in Dolby 2.0 Stereo in English or French. The stereo mix makes adequate use of the front soundstage and features some minor directionality. Dialogue throughout is crisp and clean with no distortion. There are no optional subtitles.

Extras:
The trailer is the only extra.

Summary:
Room to Rent is an offbeat comedy that is both surprising and funny. The film is certainly worth a rental, though the lack of extras and mediocre presentation do little to encourage a purchase. Rent it.