DVD Review: Outsourced

Many folks live in fear of having their jobs outsourced to countries like China or India. This is a fear that is most felt by those working in call centers. When it happens, those affected are left betrayed, scared, and worried about their futures. Losing your job is never a happy prospect, and I only hope that it never happens to me, but who knows what the future holds?

With a name like Outsourced, it is pretty easy to tell what a big part of this story is going to be about. It's true, it does concern a severe case of outsourcing, but it is not a serious film dealing with loss and betrayal giving way to fright and ultimately violent revenge; oh no, this is a light-hearted film that deals with self-discovery through necessity and being open to moving into the next stage of life. It is actually rather sweet and touching.

Todd Anderson (Josh Hamilton) works for American Novelty Products, a company that sells "kitcsh to redneck schmucks." Well, one day he is called into the boss's office where he learns that the entire order fulfillment department, which is his charge, is being outsourced to India. While everyone else is being let go, Todd has one last project, which may or may not lead to continued employment — go to India and train his replacement. Talk about a slap in the face, I mean seriously; think about being sent halfway across the world to train the man who's taking your job. Doesn't sound all that appealing to me.

Despite his serious reservations, off Todd heads to India. Once there, he is immediately immersed in a culture far removed from his own. To help him get along is Puro (Asif Basra), the man he is training, and Asha (Ayesha Dharker), a lovely young woman who is also the quickest learner on the new staff.

Essentially, Outsourced is a fish out of water story. Todd, whose misunderstood name results in Mr. Toad, is forced to figure out some way of dealing with the vast cultural differences where the ultimate result is his discovery that these people are no different from himself, making their way through life the best way they can.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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