My Uncle Rafael

Despite an unlikely sitcom scenario of an Armenian fish WAY out of water who winds up in a typically-dysfunctional American family, My Uncle Rafael is packed with charm. A talented cast headed by writer-actor Vahik Pirhamzei delivers consistent laughs, smiles, and moments of culture-clashing nervous excitement. John Michael Higgins gives a laugh-out-loud performance as a scumbag husband/attorney you'll love to hate -- if this were a bigger studio movie, he would be getting huge buzz off this performance for sure. Doe-eyed Rachel Blanchard is a pleasure to watch as well; the camera loves her. Well worth grabbing on cable or DVD.

This film shot around my home town of Glendale earlier this year. I was invited to a screening and I was really impressed. It was very endearing and funny. Lots of good casting and comedic acting. I have been a big fan of Vahik for years and he was very funny. The rest of the American cast was really funny too. The Hollywood film community and the local Armenian community came together to make this film and its the first time Armenian cast and characters is featured in a Hollywood film. My wife and I really enjoyed it we hope to see it in the theater again. Great family movie for both Armenian and American families. Hoping the soundtrack comes out soon. Armenchik is great! Will see it again in theaters I hope.

Caught an early screening of My Uncle Rafael and it's a real rarity these days -- a good-natured family comedy that will amuse kids over ten years old, without sacrificing any smart, pointed laughs for the rest of us adults. This fun and sweet culture-clash Armenian/American comedy pulls off the difficult trick of being both insightful and satiric, while never being above going for a broad laugh. Familiar-face comic actors Joe Lo Truglio, Anthony Clark, and especially Missi Pyle and John Michael Higgins (who are hilarious), provide very funny support for the extremely impressive newcomer Vahik Pirhamzei, who really shines in two completely different lead roles. Keep an eye out for Uncle Rafael!

My wife and I just saw a preview of My Uncle Rafael and what a pleasant surprise. Well written, acted and directed we found ourselves laughing out loud many times. The main plot involves an Armenian family and how they get mixed up in an American Television pilot for a reality TV show. The movie begins with Uncle Rafael an Armenian immigrant taking a course in English so he can better communicate and we are slowly introduced to the rest of his family all trying to make a good life in Glendale California.Vashik Pirhamzei does a great job portraying both Uncle Rafael and the smooth-talking son,Hamo.As the movie progresses we meet all sorts of characters with all sorts of motives for the success of this television show. John Michael Higgins is hilarious as a sleazy lawyer and Austin Robert Butler is an outstanding young actor at only 10 years old. All the acting is excellent; you would never guess that this movie was made for only $800,000! The director and editor, Marc Fusco did an outstanding job. If you're looking for an unpretentious pleasant movie going experience, you won't be disappointed.

I caught an early screening of "My Uncle Rafael" and loved it. It was refreshing to see an Armenian/American family portrayed on the big screen. How original! Turns out Kim Kardashian isn't the only Armenian in America! Who knew! I can't say enough about Missy Pyle and John Michael Higgins. These two together are comedy GOLD. Vahik Pirhamzel did an excellent job portraying two characters. This type of device usually takes me out of the movie but I kept forgetting it was one actor in two roles. It was also amazing to see Anthony Clark again! All you "Yes Dear" fans will be delighted. This movie was done with a shockingly low budget and I never would've guessed it. This is a great date and/or family movie. Hearwarming, charming and laugh out loud funny. Loved it!