24-Seven

24-SEVEN is a wry, satirical look at racism and xenophobia in America as seen through the eyes of an Eastern Indian convenience store clerk named Raji. Raji and his three cohorts are part of a sinister plot being perpetrated by an underground network of minorities intent on global domination. Masking as "silly, harmless Indians" complete with turban and phony accent, Raji peddles tainted "Slooshies" to the unsuspecting American public, since only white people drink them.

Conflict arises when Raji falls for Claire (played by Jacinda Barrett of REAL WORLD fame), a sexy Caucozoid shopper who charms him with her radiance and her tolerance of diversity. His infatuation with Claire brings about a moral dilemma when she attempts to purchase an infected soft drink. His solution to the problem is not all that unexpected, but it still makes for a fitting--and hilarious--conclusion.

Rarely does one have the opportunity to see to see the white American culture get razzed by Middle Easterners, but writer/producer/star Tariq Jalil succeeds in telling a story that pokes harmless fun at us white guys while dispensing some refreshing anti-racist themes as well. The "Middle Eastern shopkeeper" stereotype is demonstrated flawlessly by Jalil, and this film does a wonderful job at reiterating just how accepted this absurd stereotype has become in American society.